Students may only receive federal and state financial aid for courses required for their program of study, including federal loans. Students that enroll in courses not required for their program may have their financial aid reduced or canceled. Oswego is required to follow all federal and state regulations in the administration of federal and state aid programs. Federal and state regulations both mandate that aid can only be given for required courses. Student Outcome Tracking (SOT) helps evaluate if the courses students register for are required for their degree program.
How does Student Outcome Tracking benefit students?
When students only enroll in courses required for their degree, they can graduate faster, spend less money, and reduce loan debt. Additionally, there are lifetime limits to financial aid so graduating sooner will help ensure students do not run out of aid.
Student Outcome Tracking — frequently asked questions
What types of courses are considered required?
- Major coursework
- Core courses
- Elective courses required for your degree program
- Concentration areas for your major
What is the impact on my financial aid?
Students will only receive aid for courses that are needed for their degree program and their financial aid award may be adjusted to reflect the number of courses they are taking towards their degree. Students need to be enrolled in 12 degree applicable courses in order to receive their full federal aid. They may still be eligible for aid if they are registered for less credits, however, it may be for a lesser amount than a full-time student.
Remember! While aid will be adjusted to reflect a part-time status students will still be charged for full-time coursework on their bill.
How can I see if my courses are required?
Students will be notified at the time of registration if their classes are not needed. Students can also log into Degreeworks to see if their classes are considered aid eligible.
Will I be notified if some of my courses aren’t aid eligible?
Students will be notified at the time of registration if their courses are not aid eligible and via their Oswego email address. They may also see it flagged in their Starfish account. Please exercise caution when registering during drop/add week to ensure new courses are needed.
What are my options if my course isn’t considered required?
Students will who are registered for coursework that isn’t considered needed have three options:
- Change their schedule. During drop/add students can change their schedule to ensure all their course are needed.
- Work with an advisor. If a student believes their non-required courses are required they can work with an advisor to ensure they are necessary.
- Stay enrolled in non-required courses. A student’s aid may be reduced due to a class not being required, however they are still able to take the course. Remember that if aid is adjusted the student is still responsible for any balance not covered by financial aid.
Can I still enroll in a minor?
Minor courses are not required. However, students often need additional electives to earn enough credits to graduate. If these additional electives are also minor courses, the student can receive aid for them. Please speak to your advisor if you would like to add a minor.
Is my repeat coursework considered necessary?
Repeat coursework is considered needed, unless the student has previously passed the course with a ‘D’ or higher. Once a student has passed a course with a ‘D’ or higher they are allowed one additional attempt at the course. Third or more attempts will not be aid eligible.