Policies & Procedures
Degree Audit
What is Degree Audit?
Degree audit is a process run to ensure students are only taking courses required for their program of study. The Financial Aid Office will notify students who are registered if they are not taking courses within their program of study.
For example: A student enrolled in the Welding Technology program cannot take Cosmetology courses!
How does a student make sure their courses are covered through financial aid?
Speaking to your Advisor and following your academic plan will help ensure that the courses you register for are required for your major.
What happens if a student does not take courses within their program of study?
If you take courses outside of your program of study, your financial aid could be affected. Your financial aid eligibility is based on your enrollment status. When you take courses outside of your program, your enrollment status can change. Below you will find the enrollment status and Federal Pell eligibility chart:
| Enrollment Status | Eligibility |
| 12+ credit hours (full-time) | 100% |
| 9-11 credit hours (three-quarter time) | 75% |
| 6-8 credit hours (half-time) | 50% |
| 1-5 credit hours (less than half-time) | 25% |
| *Higher EFC ranges and enrollment status can affect eligibility | |
Here are a few examples of how degree audit can affect a student’s eligibility:
Example 1:
Student A is registered for 15 credit hours. The Financial Aid Office determines that 15 out of 15 credit hours Student A is registered for are required for their program. Student A is awarded $3,048 for the term based on enrollment status of full-time. Student is eligible for their full award because all credits are required for their program.
Example 2:
Student B is registered for 12 credit hours. The Financial Aid Office determines that 9 out of 12 credit hours Student B is registered for are required for their program. Student A is awarded $3,048 for the term based on enrollment status of full-time. Because the financial aid is only covering 9 out of 12 credit hours, the student is only entitled to 75% of their award amount.
Are pre-requisites covered?
Most pre-requisites are not covered. Please check with the Financial Aid Office for more information.