Additional Information

Reasonable Academic Progress (RAP)

Federal regulations require the Office of Student Financial Aid to monitor the academic progress of students receiving financial aid. Reasonable Academic Progress (RAP) is defined as the successful completion of coursework toward an eligible certificate or degree.

RAP Standards:

apply to undergraduate and graduate students who wish to establish or maintain financial aid eligibility,
apply to a student's entire academic record, whether or not financial aid was received for prior terms of enrollment,
include qualitative (minimum grade-point average) and quantitative (minimum yearly semester hour requirement and total number of semester hours earned/semesters enrolled) measures, and
do not apply to students enrolled in the Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, and Law, and the eligible hospital certificate programs whose academic progress is monitored by the individual colleges and programs.

Students’ academic records are reviewed in January, May and August to determine compliance with the undergraduate and graduate RAP Standards. Following the review, probation or not eligible letters are sent to those students who did not meet the RAP requirements. Students who lose financial aid eligibility due to not meeting RAP requirements may file a RAP appeal or follow other options for regaining eligibility (see below).

RAP Appeal

RAP appeals exist for different student classifications and different reasons. Review the options listed below to select the appropriate appeal form for your circumstances. If RAP appeals are approved, students are given specific probation requirements or the duration of their eligibility is extended. Students will receive a written response from the Office of Student Financial Aid within 15 working days of submitting their RAP appeal form.

Undergraduate RAP Appeal Form – for undergraduate students who did not meet the minimum grade-point average and/or minimum semester hour requirement
Undergraduate Duration of Eligibility Appeal Form - for undergraduates who reach the total semester hours or semesters enrolled limits, or who are returning for a second undergraduate degree or teacher certification
Graduate RAP Appeal Form – for graduate students appealing grade point average, minimum semester hour, or duration of eligibility limits

Options for Regaining Financial Aid Eligibility

Students have the following options to regain financial aid eligibility:

Earn the necessary GPA or semester hours to meet the minimum requirements while not receiving financial aid.
Submit a RAP Appeal Form (see above links) documenting individual circumstances. Appeal forms can be obtained on-line, in Room 208 Calvin Hall, or by calling 335-1445.
Choose not to register for classes at The University of Iowa for at least one year and then return as a reenrollment student to the University.