Is there a semester limit for UGrad financial aid?

Question

My boyfriend was denied his financial aid from the Stafford Loans because they said he was "over his time limit" to complete a bachelors degree. Can they do this?

Answer 1

Yes.  The federal government requires students to be in Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in order to continue giving aid to a student.  One of the SAP rules is that a student can not exceed 150% of their program by time or credit hours.  Therefore, if he is in a program which requires 120 credit hours, he likely is not allowed to accumulate more than 180 hours in attempted credits nor exceed six years in attempting his degree.

Answer 2

yes, each year, you have a maximum in subsidized loans and unsubsidized loans that you are eligible for. If you're an independent, the amount is higher than a dependent. Each year, the amount increases. The maximum eligibilty is listed on FAFSA's website, fafsa.ed.gov. Also, for undergraduates, it's based on 4 years. So if it takes 5 years, and he has used the maximum the first 4 years, then he has no more funding until he would become a graduate.