Standards of Academic Progress (SOAP) Requirements for Graduate Students

Regular Financial Assistance

• In compliance with federal financial aid regulations, the University of Miami requires satisfactory progress towards a degree as an eligibility requirement for financial assistance.
• This policy is applicable to all undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students receiving financial aid through university, state, and federal aid sources, including the Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS).

Credit Requirements

• Graduate students must be enrolled at least half-time in order to receive federal financial assistance. Half-time enrollment status for a graduate student is constituted by at least five credits. The only exception to this credit requirement is enrollment in any of the 700 level research courses. Students enrolled in any of these courses are considered full-time and are eligible for federal loans.
• A student must have earned 75% of the total hours attempted during the term at his/her current degree level established by each University school or college.
• Undergraduate and graduate level credits cannot be combined to meet the 75% standard; however, hours transferred into the University of Miami are used in the calculation.
• Withdrawals, incompletes, audits, and Fs are not considered earned hours.
• Reinstatement of aid eligibility can be obtained by earning additional University approved credits, meeting the 75% standard, or appealing as outlined later in this section.

Cumulative Grade Point Average Requirement

All University of Miami graduate and doctoral students must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA), as measured at the end of the spring semester.

Graduate course credits earned include those labeled IP. Students who fail to meet the minimum credit or cumulative grade point average requirements have failed to meet the satisfactory academic progress standards established by the University. Those in violation of the satisfactory progress eligibility requirements will be notified in writing of their eligibility status and right of appeal.