Based on federal Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) financial aid regulations, students who have met all degree requirements for their first bachelor’s degree at the University of Iowa may no longer qualify for federal financial aid even if they have not officially applied for graduation.
After final semester grades are posted, the UI Registrar’s Office provides the UI Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) a list of students who have met all degree requirements for their first bachelor’s degree, whether or not they have applied to graduate. OSFA emails all students who have met degree requirements for their first bachelor’s degree to explain the different options for covering future educational costs.
Financial aid options will vary depending on the student’s individual educational plan.
Single Declared Major (no minors or certificates declared)
Students with a single declared major who have completed all degree requirements for their first bachelor’s degree will no longer qualify for federal financial aid. Students will continue to qualify for institutional scholarships and state financial aid.
Double Major or Dual Degree
Students who have completed all degree requirements for one of their declared majors/degrees will no longer qualify for federal Pell Grant or SEOG. Only courses required for the second major or degree will qualify for federal loans or work study. You must take at least 6 hours required for the second major or degree to qualify for loans. Students will continue to qualify for institutional scholarships and state financial aid.
Minors and Certificates (other than Teacher Certification)
Students with declared minors and/or certificates will not qualify for federal financial aid once all degree requirements for their first bachelor’s degree have been met. Students will continue to qualify for institutional scholarships and state financial aid.
Required Prerequisites for Admission to Another Degree Program
Students who have completed all degree requirements for their first bachelor’s degree and are enrolled in required prerequisites for admission to another degree program may qualify for federal loans in addition to institutional scholarships and state financial aid. In order to determine eligibility, the Non-Degree Student Status Form must be completed.
All answers to the Frequently Asked Questions below assume students are currently meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if I have met all of my degree requirements?
You can view your Degree Audit in MyUI to see if you have met all degree requirements. If you have questions, contact your academic advisor or the Registrar’s Office.
- If I have met all of my degree requirements, when I file my FAFSA, should I indicate that I am working on my first bachelor’s degree?
Yes, you should indicate first bachelor’s degree on the FAFSA. If the Registrar’s Office notifies OSFA that you have met all degree requirements for your first bachelor’s degree, OSFA will make the appropriate changes.
- I am working on one major and a minor. Will I qualify for financial aid?
You will qualify for federal financial aid until you have met all degree requirements for your major. Once you have completed all degree requirements for your major, you won’t qualify for federal financial aid even if you haven’t completed your minor. You can continue to qualify for state financial aid and institutional scholarships for your minor.
- I am almost done with my first major and am thinking about adding another. Will I qualify for financial aid?
Yes, you will qualify for federal, state, and institutional financial aid until you have met all requirements for your first major. After that, only courses required for your second major can be considered for federal loans and work-study. You will not be able to receive the federal Pell Grant or SEOG once you have completed the requirements for your first major.
- I am working on a double major. What can I do to qualify for financial aid until I graduate?
You should work closely with your academic advisor(s) to map out a plan for graduation. If you can hold out at least one class in each major until your last semester of enrollment, you will continue to qualify for all forms of financial aid. If you finish one major before the other, you will not qualify for the federal Pell Grant or SEOG, but may qualify for federal loans and work-study,...
View FAQ- I am in the Secondary Teacher Certification program so I have to finish my major before I can student teach. Does this mean I won’t get financial aid when I’m student teaching?
You will qualify for financial aid during your student teaching semester. Your degree audit on MyUI should reflect that your degree cannot be conferred until both your degree requirements and teacher education program requirements are met.
- I am majoring in Elementary Education. Will I qualify for financial aid when I’m student teaching?
Yes. Student teaching is required for a degree in Elementary Education so you will qualify for federal, state, and institutional financial aid until you have met all degree requirements for your first bachelor’s degree.
- I plan to study abroad during my last semester. Can I receive financial aid for that semester?
Many UI students study abroad and receive financial aid. The semester before you leave, there are specific steps you will need to take to make sure your financial aid is in place. Our study abroad web page offers details on the procedures.
If you have not completed all of your degree requirements and are studying...
View FAQ- I have taken all of the classes required for my degree but I cannot graduate because my GPA is too low. Can I get financial aid for classes to raise my GPA?
Generally, a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required to graduate. If you cannot graduate because your cumulative and/or major GPA is too low, you have not met all of your degree requirements so you may continue to qualify for financial aid. If your UI GPA is below a 2.0, you may need to complete a SAP appeal to be...
View FAQ- I have taken all of the classes required for my major but still don’t have enough hours to graduate. Will I qualify for financial aid?
Yes, you will continue to qualify for financial aid until you have earned enough hours to graduate.