Course Program of Study (CPoS) is a federal requirement from the U.S. Department of Education that ensures only courses in a student's declared degree program may count toward federal or state financial aid eligibility. CPoS was designed to keep students on track in their chosen major and graduate on time.
- Why is This Important? If you use financial aid to attend The University of the South, CPoS can affect how much federal and state aid that you receive. This includes Federal Work-Study, Pell Grants, federal loans, etc.
- How Do I Remain Eligible? You must enroll in 12 qualifying credit hours toward your degree program every semester. Students enrolled in fewer than 12 credit hours will receive prorated federal and state financial aid, depending on their total amount of qualifying hours.
- What are Qualifying Credit Hours? A full course carries four (4) credit hours at The University of the South. Qualifying courses are those that count toward General Education Requirements, Major Requirements, and General Electives required to reach the 128 credit hours in order to graduate.
- How Do I Make Sure My Courses Count? Before you register for classes, we recommend that you meet with your academic advisor to review your SODA to ensure that you will take courses that are required for your degree program.
- What Do I Need to Do? Plan ahead. It is important to make a plan as soon as you have decided upon a major(s) that will include 12 qualifying credit hours each semester. If you wish to pursue a minor(s) in addition to your major, those classes can be the 4th class taken that semester, provided you have the necessary 12 qualifying credit hours.
- What if I Withdraw from a Course? Your enrollment will be checked each semester when financial aid is disbursed and again following the end of late add period. Any changes after that date will not affect your CPoS evaluation.
- Can I Appeal to Have a Non-Qualifying Course Considered for Aid Eligibility? No. The Office of Financial Aid does NOT review appeals on individual courses. If a course applies to your degree program requirements through the Degree Program Modification process, you must work with your advisor to complete and submit your form to the Registrar's Office at least five days prior to the end of the Drop/Add period.
- What About Insitutional Aid? Eligibility for aid from The University of the South does NOT include the evaluation of CPoS.