Course Program of Study (CPOS)
Aid Based on Course Program
Important Student Information
Students, you may not be aware, but there is an important emphasis in federal financial aid regulations that could cause federal grants, work study, loans, and some scholarships to be reduced if you enroll in ineligible coursework. Only courses that count toward a student’s program of study (your declared major) can be considered when determining aid eligibility for federal financial aid programs. For federal aid to pay for a course in your major, it must be part of your Course Program of Study (CPOS) or be necessary to help you earn the total hours required to complete your degree. For those depending upon federal aid to attend Tennessee State University, not paying attention to this rule could affect your full-time enrollment status and ultimately your financial aid awards.
Why Is This Important
Taking classes that are not in your Course Program of Study for your officially declared major may result in a reduction to your overall financial aid package.
Make it Count! – Utilize your Academic Advisor
As a student, academic advisors are available to you to assist with discussing your short-term and long-term educational goals, the best degree fit for you at TSU, and planning your courses each term to help you complete your declared degree as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Officially Declare Your Major
It is essential that your major is officially declared and noted in your student record. If you have been planning to declare or change your major, but have not yet done so, you should consult your academic advisor immediately and complete the Change of Major form (PDF) . Do not register for classes toward the new major until the update to your official degree is reflected in the TSU System (Banner/DegreeWorks).
Courses can only be determined to be eligible based on the officially declared major as noted on your student record. Changes cannot be made retroactively, and most changes will not be approved once a determination is made that a course is not financial aid eligible.
Assumptions About Financial Aid Awards
Financial aid awards are based on the assumption that undergraduate students will enroll full-time and graduate students will enroll half-time in eligible coursework during Fall and Spring terms. Any enrollment level different than those assumed above can create a recalculation of financial aid awards per term. However, in many cases, a student can enroll in less than the assumed hours listed above and still receive financial aid. When awarding financial aid, TSU is required to calculate a cost of attendance (COA) for all terms of enrollment. Students will not be awarded beyond their COA for each term, or for the academic year as a whole. Changes to a student’s COA may result in a change to financial aid awards, since total aid cannot exceed cost of attendance.
Keep Your Eligibility
Remember that dropping or not attending your courses can negatively impact your eligibility for current and/or future aid. It is important that you discuss your Course Program of Study with your advisor when you enroll each semester. If your degree program is not listed correctly in the TSU System (Banner), work with your advisor to make them aware of your request and ensure you complete the request to change your major (PDF) . Do not register for classes toward the new major/minor/concentration until the update to your official degree on records is reflected in Banner. Do not register for classes toward the new major/minor/concentration until the update to your official degree on records is reflected in the TSU system (Banner).