In order to receive and maintain federal financial assistance, students are required to progress satisfactorily toward completion of the course of study. Federal financial assistance includes grants, student loans, and employment. Satisfactory Academic Progress is measured primarily in three ways:

1. Student must progress qualitatively by earning the required minimum grade point average,

1. Qualitative Measure

The Financial Aid Office strictly adheres to the academic standards presently enforced by The University of Southern Mississippi and printed in the University Bulletin. Students who have attempted up to a total of 29 semester hours must earn a 1.5 cumulative grade point average. Students who have attempted up to a total of 59 semester hours must earn a 1.75 cumulative grade point average. Students who have attempted 60 or more total hours must earn and maintain a 2.00 cumulative grade point average. Total hours attempted will include credit taken at the University and any credit transferred from another institution. Grade point averages, however, are based solely upon credits earned while enrolled at Southern Miss. Minimum acceptable academic standards are also represented in the following table:

2. Student must progress quantitatively by completing the required minimum number of credits each semester or term, and

3. Student must complete the program of study within a reasonable time period.

Additional Policies