According to Title IV regulations, if a student is enrolled in courses that do not count toward his or her degree or certificate, they cannot be used to determine enrollment for federal student aid programs unless they are eligible remedial courses. This means that Marshall University may not award a student federal student aid for classes that do not count toward his or her program of study. Each type of financial aid (program) has specific requirements regarding enrollment status. To be eligible for federal loans, you must be enrolled at least half-time. The enrollment criteria listed below is used to determine your eligibility for various financial aid programs.
Undergraduate Enrollment Classification
| Credits Per Term/Semester | Enrollment Status Classification |
|---|---|
| 12 + | Full time |
| 9 – 11 | Three-quarter time |
| 6 – 8 | Half-time |
| 1 – 5 | Less than half-time |
Graduate Student Enrollment Classification
| Credits Per Term/Semester | Enrollment Status Classification |
|---|---|
| 9+ | Full time |
| 5 – 8 | Half-time |
| 1 – 4 | Less than half-time |
As a rule, your financial aid package is originally based on full-time enrollment; however, the Office of SFA uses your enrollment status on the first day after the drop/add period (usually the 8th day of the semester) to determine your financial aid eligibility. Adjustments to your financial aid awards may be required if you enroll less-than full time. Also, only courses leading to your degree requirements may be included in your enrollment status for Title IV (federal) student aid eligibility.
To see details on how developmental/remedial, preparatory, repeat or professional staff development coursework counts towards your program, click the drop-down.
Developmental courses do not count toward the student’s degree requirements; however, students may receive financial aid for up to 30 developmental or remedial credits. Developmental course credits in excess of 30 cannot be calculated as enrolled hours for financial aid purposes.
Students may receive financial aid (ex. loans, Pell Grant) when taking preparatory coursework required for enrollment in a graduate or professional program; however, the course of study to complete the preparatory coursework may not exceed 12 consecutive months.
Classes that a student is repeating may be included when determining the student’s enrollment status for Title IV (federal) student aid eligibility purposes as long as it is not a result of:
- More than one repetition of a previously passed course, or
- Any repetition of a previously passed course due to the student failing other coursework.
Professional staff development courses (560 – 564 S/U or CR/NC series) do not count toward the student’s degree requirements; therefore, they cannot be calculated as enrolled hours for financial aid eligibility purposes.
