Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

If extenuating circumstances led to your current academic issues (accident or severe illness, death of household member, etc.) you may submit an appeal form, outlining your situation.

Academic Progress Appeal

In accordance with Federal Regulations, all students who apply for Federal, State and institutional financial assistance, including Federal student Stafford Loans and Federal Parent PLUS loans must maintain satisfactory academic progress to be eligible for this aid. The VA (for veteran benefits) as well as a large number of private, credit-based outside loan programs also require that the student maintain satisfactory academic progress.  Satisfactory progress standards for cumulative grade point average and successfully completed credits since the student began attendance at MMA are evaluated at the end of each academic year, following the close of the spring semester. After evaluation, aid applicants will be notified via their MMA email address if they do not meet the standards to qualify for aid in the coming year. Students who did not apply for financial aid at the time of review will be notified when a financial aid application is received. Students can also view their Satisfactory Academic Progress status under the Financial Aid link in Self Service.

Massachusetts Maritime Academy Policy

In accordance with applicable federal regulations, the MMA Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy requires that students meet both qualitative (GPA) and quantitative (credits completed) standards for maintaining financial aid eligibility.

Qualitative Measure

Students must have a cumulative grade point average (4.00 basis) according to MMA’s Good Standing Status as defined under the Academic Standing Section of the Academic Policies and Standards Chapter in the Academy’s Academic Catalog.

Effective January, 2023, the qualitative measure will use the same cumulative grade point average that is used elsewhere on campus and evaluated/maintained by the Academy’s Registrar’s Office. The only difference will be with classes that are passed and re-taken.  Both of these grades will be part of the Financial Aid CGPA calculation. This might happen if the first grade is below a prerequisite requirement.

Quantitative Measure (Completion Rate)

Students must successfully complete (pass) at least 67% of all overall attempted credits. These credits must be credits that can be applied toward the student's degree program, and do not include preparatory courses such as Intermediate Algebra.  Withdrawals, incomplete grades and failures will all have a negative impact on a student's completion rate.  Should a student withdraw from MMA during a semester, those semester credits will count in the calculation as attempted credits with no completions.

Maximum Time Frame

Even though it is called Maximum Time, it is really a measure of the number of credits you have attempted, including transfer credits.  For a student enrolled in a Bachelor of Science Degree, you are allowed to attempt 150% of the required number of credits for your degree.  For example, if your academic program requires a total of 137 credits, if you attempt more than 206 credits, you will no longer be eligible for financial aid.

Financial Aid Appeal Process

Students who do not meet these standards are not eligible for most financial aid. If extenuating circumstances contributed to the student’s academic performance, an appeal can be filed with the Office of Student Financial Services.  Appeals must be received at least 30 days prior to the start of the semester for which the student wishes to receive aid. The appeal form can be found in the Satisfactory Academic Progress section of Self Service under the Financial Aid link. 

If approved, the student must sign a contract with the Office of Student Financial Services, agreeing to meet certain academic standards by the end of the following semester.  If those standards are met, the student may continue receiving financial aid.  If those standards are not met, the student will no longer qualify for financial aid following the end of the contract period.

If, during the semester, something extenuating happens that will negatively impact the student’s success, the student may submit a written appeal outlining the reason for the appeal, to have their contract adjusted.