Wake Tech's Financial Aid Office strives to provide quality assistance to all students and makes every effort to ensure that no qualified student is denied the opportunity to continue his or her education because of economic disadvantages. Through a program of scholarships, grants, work-study and loans, the Financial Aid Office provides students with options for supplementing their own and their families’ resources to pursue their education goals.

To apply for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) online. The FAFSA^® should be completed as soon as possible on or after December 1 for the upcoming academic year. If you prefer not to complete the application online, you may complete the FAFSA^® in PDF format and mail it to the processing center or request a paper FAFSA^® by calling 800-433-3243. If you are hearing impaired, you may call the TTY line at 800-730-8913.

Deadlines and priority dates
To allow time for processing and offering financial aid to students before the first day of classes, priority deadlines have been established for each semester:

NOTE: If any deadline falls on a weekend or a holiday, the paperwork is due the next business day.

Students will be notified of their offers once all required documentation has been received in the Financial Aid Office. Students who submit applications and documentation after the deadlines must be prepared to pay for their tuition, fees and books. Students may view their financial aid information during each stage of the process through Self-Service - Financial Aid.

To receive federal and state financial aid, students must meet all applicable eligibility requirements established by the U.S. Department of Education and the State of North Carolina.

Students are responsible for the following:

• Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) each academic year
• Providing any additional documents requested by the Financial Aid Office
• Enrolling in a financial aid-eligible degree, diploma or certificate program
• Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Reporting any changes that may affect financial aid eligibility, such as enrollment, residency or other related information
• Using financial aid only for educational purposes and expenses related to attending Wake Technical Community College

To be eligible for federal financial aid, students must also meet these requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
• Have a valid Social Security number, unless otherwise permitted by federal law
• Have earned a high school diploma, a state-recognized high school equivalency credential, completed an approved homeschool program or otherwise meet federal student eligibility requirements
• Certify that they are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe a repayment on a federal grant

Students whose high school diploma is determined to be invalid under federal regulations are not eligible to receive federal financial aid. Students who are not eligible for financial aid may still enroll at Wake Tech but are responsible for paying all educational costs unless they become eligible for financial aid at a later date.

Students are responsible for checking their Wake Tech email and Self-Service account regularly, responding promptly to requests from the Financial Aid Office and meeting all published deadlines. Failure to provide requested information or complete required steps may delay or prevent the awarding or disbursement of financial aid.

For financial aid purposes, full-time enrollment is always considered 12 credit hours, regardless of whether the student is enrolled in the Fall or Spring semester or Summer term. Students receiving veterans' benefits should contact the Wake Tech Department of Military & Veterans Affairs representative.

To receive the maximum Pell Grant offer, a student must be enrolled for 12 credit hours or more each semester in an eligible program of study. A Federal Pell Grant is awarded based on eligibility and the number of eligible credit hours in which the student is enrolled each semester. If a student is enrolled in fewer than 12 eligible credit hours, the Pell Grant will be prorated based on actual enrollment in accordance with federal regulations.

Only courses in a student's program of study can be included when determining the offer for each semester. For example, a student who is enrolled for 12 credit hours but is taking a five-credit-hour course that is not part of his or her program of study will receive Pell Grant funds for seven credit hours only. Students should refer to their financial aid offer information to learn more about disbursement requirements.

• To receive funding from the North Carolina Scholarship, students must be enrolled at least half-time when funds are released.
• To receive funding from the Direct Loan Program, students must be enrolled for at least six credit hours when funds are released and must maintain continuous enrollment with at least six credit hours.
• Students must register for all courses, including "mini-mesters," by the last day to drop for the term.

Post-9/11 GI Bill^® students who receive monthly housing allowance and/or kicker payments are required to verify their enrollment to continue receiving their payments. By regularly verifying your enrollment, you protect your GI Bill entitlement by preventing charges for classes or training you did not attend.

Students using MGIB-Active Duty (Chapter 30) or MGIB-Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) must verify their enrollment each month to receive payment for that month. Your enrollment can be verified starting on the last calendar day of the month by using VA Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) or by calling a toll-free Interactive Voice Response telephone line at 877-823-2378.

Vocational Rehabilitation is a public service program operated through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in the North Carolina Department of Human Resources. Vocational Rehabilitation offers several financial resources to assist individuals with disabilities. Students may be eligible for financial assistance to complete a course of study to meet individualized needs. Prospective students should contact the nearest Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services office.

Any student who transfers to Wake Technical Community College must provide official transcripts from all schools attended, including high school. Wake Tech will evaluate all transcripts to determine if an offer of financial aid can be made.

Financial aid received at any other institution within the same academic year may reduce the amount of financial aid available to the student at Wake Tech. Students are not permitted to receive federal Pell Grant  and state grant funds simultaneously at two institutions.

Students wishing to repeat courses for which they have already received transfer credit will have to be evaluated on an individual basis with consideration given to previous aid received in accordance with federal repeated coursework regulations.

Wake Technical Community College offers several different federal and state grant programs to help eligible students pay for college. Grants are considered gift aid and do not generally have to be repaid as long as a student remains enrolled and eligible. Students who withdraw completely may be required to repay a portion of federal grant funds received.

Federal grant programs

• Pell Grants
  The federal Pell Grant is awarded to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and meet all federal eligibility requirements. To be considered, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) each academic year.
  
  The amount of a student's Pell Grant is determined by federal law and is based on several factors, including the following:

  • Student Aid Index (SAI)
  • Cost of Attendance (COA)
  • Enrollment intensity (full-time, three-quarter-time, half-time or less-than-half-time)
  • Length of enrollment during the academic year
  • Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU)

  Annual Pell Grant award amounts are established each year by Congress and the U.S. Department of Education. Current award information is available through the Financial Aid Office and on the U.S. Department of Education's StudentAid.gov website.
  
  Students must maintain eligibility and meet Wake Tech's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards to continue receiving Pell Grant funding.
   

• Year-Round Pell Grant
  Eligible students may receive Federal Pell Grant funds during the Summer term, even if they received a full Pell Grant during the Fall and Spring semesters. Students may receive up to 150% of their scheduled Pell Grant award during a single award year, provided they remain eligible.
  
  Students should consult with their academic advisor before enrolling in Summer courses to ensure their schedule supports academic success. Summer enrollment is not required to be full-time; Pell Grant eligibility is based on enrollment intensity and all other federal eligibility requirements.
  
  All Pell Grant funds received, including Year-Round Pell, count toward the student's Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU). Federal Pell Grant eligibility is limited to the equivalent of 12 full-time semesters (600%) over a student's lifetime. The U.S. Department of Education tracks each student's LEU across all institutions attended. Once a student reaches the 600% lifetime limit, they are no longer eligible to receive Federal Pell Grant funds. Students who earn a bachelor's degree generally become ineligible for additional Federal Pell Grant funding, regardless of any remaining LEU.
   
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
  The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Award amounts vary based on federal funding and institutional awarding policies.
  
  Priority consideration is given to students who do the following:
  • Submit the FAFSA^® by the college's published priority filing date
  • Submit all requested documentation by established deadlines
  • Demonstrate exceptional financial need
     

• Federal Work-Study Program
  The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program provides eligible students with opportunities to earn money through part-time employment while attending college.
  
  Students must do the following:

  • Complete the FAFSA^®
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Meet all federal eligibility requirements
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Be enrolled in an eligible program

  Most students work between 10 and 20 hours per week. Employment opportunities are dependent upon available funding and available positions. Students are paid based on hours worked and receive earnings through the college's payroll process.
  
  Additional information is available from the Financial Aid Office.
   

• Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
  You may be eligible for an Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant if you meet the following conditions:
  • Your parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of September 11, 2001.
  • You were under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of your parent's or guardian's death.
  • You meet all requirements for the federal Pell Grant, but your Expected Family Contribution makes you ineligible.
     

State grant program

• Next NC Scholarship
  The Next NC Scholarship is for North Carolina residents who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled at least half-time at a North Carolina community college or a University of North Carolina institution.
  
  Qualifying students at community colleges are guaranteed at least $3,000. To be eligible, students must meet the following requirements:

  • A North Carolina resident as defined by North Carolina Residency Manual
  • Graduated high school or completed a high school equivalency program
  • In a household with an adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less
  • Enrolled for at least six credit hours in a financial aid-eligible program

  Students are automatically considered for the Next NC Scholarship when they submit the FAFSA^®. The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) establishes annual application deadlines and eligibility requirements. Students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA^® as early as possible to maximize eligibility for all available financial aid programs.

The U.S. Department of Education offers three types of loans through the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program:

• Direct Subsidized Loans
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans
• Direct Parent PLUS Loans

Student loans must be repaid.

Interest rates on federal student loans have been set annually according to the 10-year Treasury note rate, plus a fixed percentage that differs by loan type.

Borrowing responsibilities

Federal student loans are a financial obligation that must be repaid. Students are encouraged to borrow only the amount needed to cover educational expenses.

Before receiving a Federal Direct Loan, first-time borrowers must complete Entrance Counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) through StudentAid.gov. Students are responsible for understanding the terms and conditions of their loans, including interest rates, repayment requirements, deferment and forbearance options, and borrower rights and responsibilities.

Students should maintain enrollment at or above the required level for loan eligibility and notify the Financial Aid Office before dropping or withdrawing from classes, as changes in enrollment may affect loan eligibility and future disbursements. Students who graduate, withdraw or drop below half-time enrollment are required to complete Exit Counseling and begin repayment after the applicable grace period unless they qualify for a deferment or other repayment option.

Students are encouraged to monitor their federal loan borrowing through StudentAid.gov and carefully consider the long-term financial impact of borrowing.

Direct Subsidized Loans
Direct Subsidized Loans are awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA^®.

The federal government pays the interest on a Direct Subsidized Loan while the student is in any of these situations:

• Is enrolled at least half-time
• Is in the six-month grace period after leaving school or dropping below half-time enrollment
• Qualifies for an authorized deferment

Annual and aggregate loan limits are established by federal law and are based on the student's dependency status, grade level and remaining eligibility.

Repayment begins after the student's grace period ends.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to eligible undergraduate students regardless of financial need.

Eligibility is determined by the student's Cost of Attendance (COA), Student Aid Index (SAI), enrollment, grade level, dependency status and other financial assistance received.

Interest begins accruing when loan funds are disbursed. Students may choose to pay the interest while enrolled or allow it to accrue. Any unpaid interest may be capitalized as permitted under federal regulations.

Annual and aggregate loan limits are established by federal law.

Direct Parent PLUS Loans
Parents of dependent undergraduate students may apply for a Direct PLUS Loan to help pay educational expenses not covered by other financial aid.

Eligibility requires the following:

• A completed FAFSA^®
• The student to meet all general federal financial aid eligibility requirements
• The parent borrower to satisfy the federal credit requirements or qualify through the Department of Education's approved appeal or endorser process

Interest begins accruing upon disbursement. Repayment generally begins after the loan is fully disbursed; however, eligible borrowers may request a deferment while the student remains enrolled at least half-time. Additional information regarding eligibility, repayment options and application procedures is available through the Financial Aid Office and StudentAid.gov.

Beginning July 1, 2026, federal regulations established new borrowing limits for Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans. Parents of dependent undergraduate students may borrow up to $20,000 per academic year per dependent student, with a maximum aggregate limit of $65,000 per dependent student for the student's undergraduate education. These limits apply to all Parent PLUS Loans borrowed on behalf of the student, regardless of the number of parents who borrow. Parents must continue to meet federal eligibility requirements, including completing the required application and credit review process.

Families should carefully review their financial aid eligibility, educational costs and available funding options when planning for college expenses. Students and parents are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information regarding Parent PLUS Loan eligibility, borrowing limits and alternative resources.

Loan enrollment requirements and schedule of reduction

Federal Direct Loan eligibility is based on a student's enrollment status. Under federal regulations, Wake Technical Community College is required to review enrollment prior to loan disbursement. If a student reduces their enrollment before the applicable Schedule of Reduction (SOR) date, their Federal Direct Loan eligibility may be reduced or canceled to reflect the student's adjusted enrollment level.

Students who withdraw, drop classes or cease attendance after receiving loan funds may also be subject to the federal Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) regulations and may be required to repay a portion of their federal financial aid.

Students are encouraged to consult with the Financial Aid Office before making changes to their class schedule to understand how changes in enrollment may affect their financial aid eligibility.

Forgivable Education Loans for Service
The Forgivable Education Loan for Service is state-funded aid that provides financial assistance to qualified students who are committed to working in North Carolina in fields designated as critical employment shortage professions. College for North Carolina has more information on the application process, specific program details and deadlines.

The Wake Tech Foundation offers a variety of merit-based and financial need-based scholarships for Wake Tech students enrolled in degree programs. For information about scholarships for students in non-degree programs, students should contact the Workforce Development Division.

To be considered for a scholarship on the basis of financial need, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) and supply all necessary documentation to the Financial Aid Office prior to the April 30 scholarship deadline.

Scholarship applications are available during Spring semester. Applications are accepted online via the website from March 1 through April 30 for the upcoming academic year. Selections are made in June.

Applications are evaluated by a committee of Wake Tech faculty and staff. Only applicants who have received an acceptance letter from Wake Tech Admissions by the scholarship application deadline will be considered.

Students are strongly encouraged to apply for scholarships to offset tuition costs.

Federal law requires Wake Technical Community College to review the financial aid of any student who withdraws from all classes before completing more than 60% of the semester.

Students who receive federal financial aid earn those funds by attending and participating in classes. Students who withdraw from all classes before completing more than 60% of the semester may not have earned all of the financial aid they received. As a result, Wake Tech may be required to return a portion of the federal financial aid to the U.S. Department of Education.

The federal financial aid programs subject to this calculation include the following:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
• Federal Direct PLUS Loan
• Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
• Other eligible Title IV federal aid programs

The amount of aid earned is based on the percentage of the semester completed before withdrawing. For example, if a student completes 30% of the semester, they generally earn approximately 30% of the eligible federal financial aid. Once they complete more than 60% of the semester, they are generally considered to have earned 100% of the federal financial aid for that payment period.

If Wake Tech is required to return federal funds, the student may face the following situations:

• Owe a balance to Wake Tech
• Owe money to the U.S. Department of Education
• Become ineligible to register for future classes until the balance is paid
• Experience delays in receiving future financial aid

Students who are considering withdrawing from all classes are strongly encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office before making a decision. Withdrawing may affect financial aid eligibility, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), academic standing and future financial aid eligibility.

Withdrawal date

A student's withdrawal date is generally determined by one of the following:

• The date the student officially begins the withdrawal process or notifies the college of their intent to withdraw
• The student's last documented date of academic attendance or participation, as determined by the college

Post-withdrawal disbursements

In some cases, students who withdraw may still qualify to receive a portion of the federal financial aid they earned before withdrawing.

If additional grant funds are available, Wake Tech may apply those funds toward outstanding tuition, fees and other authorized institutional charges. Any remaining funds will be disbursed in accordance with federal regulations. Student or parent authorization may be required before certain funds can be applied to other charges.

Students who stop attending

Students who receive all failing grades (F's) or otherwise stop attending classes without officially withdrawing may also be subject to a Return of Title IV Funds calculation. The Financial Aid Office reviews these situations to determine whether federal regulations require financial aid to be adjusted.

Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Recipients
Effective July 1, 2019

Federal regulations require schools to monitor the academic progress of each student who applies for financial aid and to certify that each student applicant is making Satisfactory Academic Progress toward a degree, diploma or certificate. Federal regulations require schools to establish Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) that include qualitative and quantitative measures of progress and a time frame for completion of a program of study.

These standards are applied to students who receive financial aid from any of the following programs: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, The Next NC Scholarship, Federal Work-Study, Direct subsidized or unsubsidized loans, Direct PLUS loans and institutional grants, scholarships and loans.

Students’ academic performance is evaluated at the end of each semester of enrollment. Any student not meeting the minimum standards outlined below will be given financial aid warning status and notified by email from the Financial Aid Office. The student must meet the minimum requirements by the end of the financial aid warning semester; if not, financial aid will be suspended until the standards are met.

Transitional coursework
Although transitional courses do not count toward completion of a degree, federal regulations require that they be included when calculating cumulative completion rate for the purpose of determining Satisfactory Academic Progress for financial aid recipients. Wake Tech will also count grades earned in transitional courses in the student's cumulative GPA. Therefore, a student's financial aid GPA may differ from the college GPA that shows on the transcript. Most transitional courses are graded as pass (P) or fail (R). For financial aid purposes, a "P" will be treated as an "A" grade, and an "R" will be treated as an "F" grade.  

Federal regulations also state that students may not receive financial aid (including grants and loans) for more than 30 credit hours of transitional coursework. Students who exceed this limit will be denied financial aid for additional transitional courses, and denial cannot be appealed. Students are limited to one Direct Loan for completion of transitional coursework.

Qualitative: Cumulative grade point average (GPA) requirement
In accordance with federal regulations, a student’s cumulative GPA must be reviewed at the end of each semester of attendance, including summer.

• Students must have earned a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher when grades are reviewed at the end of the semester.
• Students who do not earn the required cumulative 2.0 GPA will be placed on financial aid warning for their next semester of attendance.
• While on financial aid warning, the student remains eligible for financial aid:
  • If the student earns a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher by the end of the financial aid warning semester, the warning will be lifted (provided the student meets all other SAP guidelines).
  • If the student does not earn a cumulative 2.0 GPA by the end of the financial aid warning semester, financial aid will be suspended. The student will not qualify for financial aid effective the next semester of attendance and until such time as the student again meets all SAP guidelines.

Quantitative: Completion rate requirement
In accordance with federal regulations, students must successfully complete at least 67% of cumulative credits attempted in order to meet the requirements for financial aid. For example, if a student has attempted 60 credit hours during enrollment, he or she must successfully complete 41 or more of those hours. Student completion rates are reviewed at the end of each semester of attendance, including summer.

• Students must earn a cumulative 67% completion rate. Grades are reviewed at the end of each semester.
• Students who do not earn a cumulative 67% completion rate will be placed on financial aid warning for their next semester of attendance.
• While on financial aid warning, the student remains eligible for financial aid:
  • If the student completes sufficient credits to earn a 67% completion rate by the end of the financial aid warning semester, the warning will be lifted (provided the student meets all other SAP guidelines).
  • If the student does not complete sufficient credits to earn a 67% completion rate by the end of the financial aid warning semester, financial aid will be suspended. The student will not qualify for financial aid effective the next semester of attendance and until such time as the student again meets all SAP guidelines.

Maximum time frame
The maximum time frame within which to complete a degree (or another program of study) is 150% of the published length of the program. For example, if the published length of a program of study is 64 semester hours, a student may attempt up to 96 semester hours (64 x 150%). To determine the published length of a program, please refer to the Wake Technical Community College Catalog. A student becomes ineligible for aid when it becomes mathematically impossible for him or her to complete the program within 150% of its length.

Students who exceed the maximum allowable time frame for completing a program of study may appeal if they experience documented extenuating circumstances. The student must provide a Maximum Time Frame Appeal form; if the plan is deemed reasonable and the circumstances are valid, the student will receive financial aid on a probationary basis for one or more semesters until the degree is completed. Failure to comply with the plan will result the suspension of financial aid.

A student may request a "recalculation" of the maximum time frame component in the following scenarios:

• A change in the program of study
• Attempting multiple programs
• Has successfully completed a program and is returning to pursue another program.

If deemed appropriate, the recalculation would include only the credit hours that are applicable to the current program(s) of study. In the case of multiple degrees, each program would be calculated separately to include only the credit hours that are applicable to each program. A student may request the recalculation only twice in his or her academic career at Wake Tech. A review of the student's remaining aid eligibility and the ability to complete will be taken into consideration for students completing multiple programs. The student must be meeting the GPA and completion rate requirements for a recalculation to be approved.

Appeals
Students may appeal the suspension of their financial aid eligibility in the event of documented extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances are those that are unexpected, could not be planned for and are outside of the student's control. Extenuating circumstances may include illness or injury of the student or an immediate family member or the death of a family member. Documentation from a third-party verifying the circumstances is required. Circumstances such as lack of maturity, lack of effort and typical work and family life balance will not be considered. The appeal must address why the student failed to make satisfactory progress and what has changed in the student’s situation that will allow the student to demonstrate satisfactory progress in the future. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Financial Aid Office. The Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Committee will review the appeal and notify the student in writing regarding the status of the appeal. If it is mathematically impossible for a student to meet the cumulative 2.0 GPA requirement and/or the cumulative 67% completion rate requirement, the appeal will not be approved. Appeals are not retroactive; they are approved for the student's current (if enrolled) or next semester of enrollment. Students are generally limited to two suspension appeal requests while attending Wake Tech. Please refer to the Satisfactory Academic Appeal website for information regarding submission deadlines.

Students whose appeals have been approved will be placed on financial aid probation for their current or next semester of attendance. The student will be placed on an academic plan that must be followed in order to continue enrollment. The plan may include requirements for academic performance and/or for meetings with an academic advisor or Wake Tech counselor. Students who meet these requirements will continue to be on probation for the next semester. Continued eligibility for financial aid is contingent on meeting the requirements of each semester’s academic plan. Failure to meet the requirements of the academic plan will result in termination of financial aid the next semester of attendance. A student's academic progress status does not return to satisfactory until he or she earns a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a cumulative 67% progress rate and does not exceed the maximum time frame for program completion.

Treatment of selected grades

Withdrawals: Credit hours in which a student receives a grade of "W," "WP," "WF," "R" and "F" are included in the number of hours attempted but do not count toward successfully completed hours. Consequently, students who withdraw may have difficulty meeting the completion rate component of satisfactory academic progress requirements.

Incompletes: Incomplete grades are treated as an "F" in the SAP calculation. Upon notification by the student that the final grade has been submitted, the actual grade, credit hours attempted and credits earned will be used to determine if the student is maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

Grades earned thru Career and College Promise: All grades earned as a Wake Tech CCP student are included in the calculation to determine a student's satisfactory progress standing for GPA and completion rate. A cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 67% completion rate are required to be eligible to receive financial aid.

Transfer credit: Students transferring from another institution will be considered making satisfactory progress at the time of enrollment. A student’s maximum time frame for receiving financial aid will be reduced by the number of transferred credit hours applied towards his or her program of study at Wake Tech. Transfer hours applicable to the student's program of study count favorably towards the student's rate of progression.

Audits: An "AU" audit grade is not considered attempted coursework. It is not included in the determination of grade point average or completion rate. A student cannot receive financial aid for an audited course.

Credit by examination: Credit hours earned by examination are considered attempted and completed coursework and, therefore, will be considered in calculating a student's completion rate. Financial aid does not pay for credit hours earned by examination.

Repeated course: Per federal regulations, financial aid can pay for one repeat of a course in which a grade of "B," "C," "D" or "P" was earned. All repeated courses are included as attempted credits. A student may not receive financial aid for repeating a course in which he or she previously earned a grade of "A," because that grade cannot be improved upon.

Failed course: Per federal regulations, financial aid can pay for a failed course until the course is successfully passed; however, each attempt is included in both attempted and earned credits. As a result, a student's rate of progression may be negatively affected. Students must adhere to the Wake Tech policy regarding limitations on repeat courses.

Summer terms: Credit hours attempted and earned during the Summer term will be included in the calculation of satisfactory academic progress, just as those earned during any other enrollment period.

Successful completion: A grade of "A," "B," "C," "D," "X" or "P" is considered successful course completion. A grade of "F" or "R" is not considered successful completion.

Key terms related to Satisfactory Academic Progress standards

Satisfactory Academic Progress policy: An institution's policy for determining whether an otherwise eligible student is making satisfactory academic progress in his or her educational program in order to receive financial aid assistance.

Satisfactory: Student has met the minimum SAP standards and is eligible to continue to receive federal financial aid for the next semester.

Financial aid warning: Students who have not earned the required GPA or completion rate will be placed on financial aid warning for the following semester. Academic progress will be monitored at the end of each semester to determine if the student meets the standards and is eligible to continue to receive financial aid. The student may receive financial aid during the warning period.

Financial aid probation: Students whose appeals have been approved by the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Committee are placed on financial aid probation.

Financial aid suspension: Students on financial aid warning status who have not successfully earned a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a cumulative completion rate of 67% at the conclusion of the warning period will have their financial aid suspended. Financial aid will also be suspended for students who have attempted the maximum allowable credit hours for their program of study.

Notification of financial aid suspension or warning: The Financial Aid Office will send an email to any student who is placed on financial aid warning or suspension; however, failure to receive correspondence does not negate a suspension or warning status.

Academic plan: A plan developed by the institution and the student to ensure that the student is able to meet the institution's satisfactory academic progress standards by a specific point in time.

Continued probation 1 is assigned to a student who satisfies the conditions of his or her academic plan. The student is eligible to receive financial aid for an additional semester and is expected to complete all courses with a "C" or better, with no withdrawals or failing grades.

Continued probation 2 is assigned to a student who satisfies the conditions of continued probation 1. The student must complete all courses with a "C" or better, with no withdrawals or failing grades.

Continued Probation 3 is assigned to a student who satisfies the conditions of continued probation 2. 

Continued Probation 4 is assigned to a student who satisfies the conditions of continued probation 3.

Appeal: Students who have been disqualified from receiving financial aid may submit a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal form if extenuating circumstances have affected academic performance. The circumstances must be explained and documented in writing and submitted to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Committee.

Extenuating circumstances: Circumstances that are unexpected, could not be planned for and are outside of the student's control and can be documented by a third party. Extenuating circumstances may include illness or injury of the student or an immediate family member or the death of a family member. Circumstances such as lack of maturity, lack of effort and typical work and family life balance will not be considered.

Qualitative component: The specified standard, typically grade point average (GPA), that a student must have at each evaluation period.

Quantitative component: The pace at which students must progress through their programs to ensure that they will graduate within the maximum time frame.

Transfer credit: Credit hours from another institution that are accepted toward the student's education program at the current institution and which count as both attempted and completed hours.

Regaining eligibility: Students who continue to attend school without federal financial aid may regain eligibility for financial aid by earning a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a cumulative completion rate of 67%. A student may request reconsideration of eligibility for financial aid by submitting a written request to the Financial Aid Office once all requirements are met; however, satisfactory academic progress is automatically reviewed at the end of each semester for students with an ISIR on file within the past three years.

Returning students are evaluated on a continuing basis from the last enrollment unless an extenuating circumstance is considered. Returning students who enrolled under an earlier academic progress policy will be required to meet the standards of the current policy upon their return.

Complete academic record: To measure a student’s satisfactory progress toward a degree, diploma or certificate requirements, the student’s complete academic record at Wake Tech must be evaluated, whether or not the student received aid for the entire time of enrollment. Any course grades of "W" or "WF" that were forgiven by Wake Tech must be included in a student’s cumulative record when determining satisfactory academic progress standards. When students complete coursework for more than one major, academic progress standards for each major must be met for that student to receive student aid.

NOTE: Warning status or suspension status due to failure to make satisfactory academic progress can be changed only by successfully completing classes. A student may not improve his or her status by simply "sitting out" a semester. Once the student meets both SAP requirements – a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a cumulative completion rate of 67% – the student's status will change, and he or she will be considered in good standing for financial aid.

The dean of Financial Aid (or designee) is the person authorized by Wake Tech to provide financial aid information to students. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.