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Course to Program of Study (CPOS)

Are Your Classes Aid Eligible?

The U.S. Department of Education (DoE) regulations require that:
  1. You must be enrolled in an approved degree-seeking program to receive federal financial aid (Grants, Loans, Work Study, etc).
  2. Funds will only be provided for courses that fulfill your program of study requirements.
If you enroll in courses that are not required to complete your degree, your financial aid may be prorated (funds reduced) or canceled as required by the Department of Education.

Take Action now

Run a Degree Check audit now to ensure the courses you are enrolled in are part of your program of study. If you have further questions, contact your Academic Advisor.

Run a Degree Check Audit and Confirm Classes

 

 

 

Why is Course to Program of Study (CPOS) important?

 

The U.S. Department of Education regulations require that a student must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program to receive federal financial aid at PPSC. 

Essentially, only the coursework that counts toward your degree will be used in determining your hours of enrollment for federal aid purposes (grants, loans, and Federal Work-Study).

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How Does PPSC Verify My Course Eligibility?

Course to Program of Study (CPoS) is the internal process the Financial Aid office runs to identify whether or not your registered courses are requirements for you to complete your degree or certificate (i.e. program of study).

How We Do This
Each semester, our office compares your registered courses with the degree requirements listed on your officially declared major or minor on file with our Student Records office.

Courses that do not apply towards your officially declared program of study will be ineligible for federal financial aid (Grants, Loans, FSEOG, Work Study).

Please Note: Taking courses that are not required to complete your degree may result in a reduction to your overall financial aid package - or even owing money back to the Department of Education. 


Lightbulb graphicUse Degree Check to ensure you only take courses required by your degree or certificate.


Learn More About Degree Check
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Ensure Eligible Courses with Advisor Guidance

Before registering for classes, meet with your academic advisor to map out your program plan, ensuring that your courses count toward your degree and are eligible for federal and state funding.

Students enrolled in courses impacted by CPOS will be notified via their student email. Students will only be notified if CPoS impacts their federal financial aid eligibility. Make sure you regularly check your student email for Financial Aid updates

Be aware that some certificate programs may not qualify for most financial aid - however special grants might be available to help cover costs.

Schedule an Advising Appointment

Enrollment Level

Financial aid is initially awarded based on the assumption that undergraduate students will enroll in full-time fall and spring semesters. Students may only receive federal financial aid for outstanding coursework that counts towards their officially declared program of study.

Non-Federal Aid
Non-Federal State Aid, institutional, and private aid requirements may vary when it comes to CPOS requirements. Please check with the agency that is providing you with financial aid to ensure you are meeting all requirements for funding. 

Schedule Changes and CPOS Eligibility

Dropping or not attending your courses can negatively impact your eligibility for current and/or future aid.

If your federal financial aid is reduced due to enrolling in courses not applicable to your program, contact your academic advisor to discuss your options. For other questions, please contact Financial Aid.
Contact Academic Advising
Email Financial Aid
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Using Degree Works to Maintain Financial Aid Eligibility

Course to Program of Study (CPOS) works in conjunction with the student’s Degree Check audit.



What is Degree Check?

Degree Check is a web-based tool in your PPSC Student Portal that reviews degree requirements and completed coursework, offering a visual report to help you and your advisor with course selection

It can also help ensure ensure you only take courses toward your officially declared Program of Study, and thus maintain your aid eligibility.

To Keep Financial Aid, Enroll Only in Classes That Meet Degree Requirements!

You should regularly run and refer to a your Degree Check audit, as it automatically shows where your both completed and currently registered for courses count within your program of study requirements.

Lightbulb GraphicIf a course doesn’t meet a degree requirement, adjust your schedule.
For assistance, contact your Academic Advisor.


Learn More About Degree Check
Schedule an Advising Appointment
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Still Need Help?

Our financial aid advisors are here to help answer your questions regarding federal financial aid, including:

  • Student Loans
  • Federal Grants (Pell Grant)
  • Work Study
  • Special Circumstances
  • Applying for Aid
  • Dependency Status
  • Aid Appeals
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