Pace of Progression & Maximum Time-frame Requirements
Pace of progression measures the number of units you completed over the number of units you attempted to complete. To meet the pace of progression requirement, you must have a cumulative pace of progression rate of 67% each semester that you are enrolled.
Example 1: If you are a second-year and have attempted 48 units (16 + 16 + 16) by the end of your third semester; however, you only earned 42 units (16 + 16 + 10), your cumulative pace of progression rate is 42/48 =83.3%. Since the rate is above 67%, you are meeting the pace of progress requirement.
Example 2: If you are a first-year and have attempted 16 units by the end of your first semester; however you only earned 10 units, your cumulative pace of progression rate is 10/16 = 62.5%. Since the rate is below 67%, you are not meeting the pace of progression requirement.
In addition to pace of progression, students must also meet the maximum time-frame requirement. Maximum time-frame is the time in which you have to complete your degree. This limits the number of semesters that you are eligible to receive financial aid. After you have exhausted your maximum semesters of eligibility, no additional aid will be extended.
Students who pursue double majors or minors are expected to complete all degree requirements within their 128 units. Institutional financial aid will not be granted beyond 8 semesters; however, federal aid can be extended up to 12 semesters.
| |
Federal SAP Policy |
Institutional SAP Policy |
| Maximum Semesters of Eligibility |
12 semesters |
8 semesters |
| Maximum Time-frame Requirement |
Must complete a minimum of 12 units per semester and 128 units by the end of your 12th semester |
Must complete a minimum of 16 units each semester |
| Pace of Progression Requirement |
Must have a cumulative pace of progression rate of 67% |
Must have a cumulative pace of progression rate of 67% |
| Transfer Student Eligibility |
Transfer student eligibility is based on the total number of semesters used by all institutions. This means that a student who used federal aid for 4 semesters at another institution can only receive 8 semesters of federal aid at Occidental College.
In addition, the Federal Pell Grant & Federal Direct Loan programs each have a maximum eligibility criteria separate from the 12 semester time-frame. For more information, please visit www.studentaid.gov |
Transfer student eligibility is pro-rated based on the number of units transferred at the time of admission. This means that a student who enters as a first semester sophomore is eligible for 6 semesters of institutional aid. |