Federal Student Assistance Satisfactory Academic Progress Standard Federal Student Assistance Satisfactory Academic Progress Standard Satisfactory academic progress must be maintained for continued consideration for federal financial assistance at Penn State.
Academic progress is determined during an annual review each spring.
Upperclass students can maintain satisfactory academic progress by continuing to successfully complete the minimum credits required. The minimum credit requirement is determined in proportion to the number of credits registered while the student is enrolled in a degree or certificate program. Students who drop credits, withdraw from a semester, unsuccessfully complete credits, enroll in audit or repeat courses, etc., may fall below the minimum requirement for satisfactory progress. A one-time probation period is granted to undergraduate students who fall below the minimum credit requirement, but within the probation standard. Students on probation remain eligible for aid.