Understanding the policies that govern your financial aid is key to maintaining eligibility and planning for your academic future.
This page covers AAMI’s federal financial aid policies regarding attendance, withdrawal, satisfactory academic progress (SAP), and appeals.
Attendance Policy For Federal Aid
To receive and retain federal financial aid, students must:
- Attend at least 80% of scheduled class hours
- Actively participate in academic coursework each term
Accepted forms of participation include:
- Submitting assignments
- Taking exams or quizzes
- Participating in live discussions or academic forums
Logging into a course without participating does not count as attendance. For more on attendance expectations, refer to the AAMI Student Handbook.
Withdrawal & Return Of Title IV Funds (R2T4)
Federal financial aid is awarded under the expectation that students will complete the term in which the aid was disbursed. If a student withdraws, either officially or unofficially, a recalculation of their financial aid may be required. AAMI uses the last recorded date of attendance to determine how much aid must be returned to the U.S. Department of Education.
If a student withdraws before completing 60% of the term, AAMI is required to return the unearned portion of their federal aid. This process is known as Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4).
Official Withdrawal
An official withdrawal occurs when a student formally notifies the Registrar’s Office of their intention to withdraw from the program. This can be done by submitting a withdrawal form either electronically or in person. The official date of withdrawal is based on the date the student initiates the process. This date is used to calculate how much of the student’s federal financial aid must be returned, in accordance with federal guidelines.
Unofficial Withdrawal
An unofficial withdrawal takes place when a student stops attending all courses without providing formal notice to AAMI. In these cases, the institution will determine the last date of academically related activity, such as submitting an assignment or participating in a discussion. That date is then used to assess how much federal aid must be returned. Students who are withdrawn unofficially may not be eligible for the full amount of aid originally disbursed.
Post-Withdrawal Disbursements (PWD)
If you earned more federal financial aid than what was originally disbursed before your official or unofficial withdrawal, you may be eligible to receive a Post-Withdrawal Disbursement (PWD). The type of aid and next steps depend on whether the funds are from grants or loans, and how much is still owed to AAMI at the time of withdrawal.
Grants Automatically Credited
If you’re eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement of federal grants, AAMI will apply the amount to your account within 45 days, no action needed.
Loans Require Confirmation
Post-withdrawal loan disbursements are not automatic. You’ll need to confirm your acceptance within 14 days of notification before funds are applied.
Balance First, Refund Second
Any post-withdrawal aid is first used to cover outstanding charges at AAMI. If there’s a remaining balance, it will be refunded directly to you.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
AAMI evaluates SAP at the end of each semester for all students receiving federal financial aid.
GPA Requirement
| Credits Attempted | Minimum Cumulative GPA |
| 0–17 | 1.70 |
| 18–35 | 1.80 |
| 36–53 | 1.90 |
| 54+ | 2.00 |
Pace Of Completion
Students must complete 66.67% of attempted credit hours with a passing grade of D or better.
Maximum Timeframe
Students must complete their program within 103.5 credit hours (150% of the 69-credit program length).
SAP Status Definitions
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Satisfactory | Students meets all SAP standards |
| Financial Aid Warning | One-semester grace period (not available for MTF violations) |
| Financial Aid Suspension | Aid discontinued unless appeal is approved |
| Financial Aid Probation | Aid continues based on approved Academic Plan |
SAP Appeal Process
Students facing extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness, family emergency) may appeal for reinstatement of aid.
To submit an SAP appeal, students must include:
- Completed SAP Appeal Form
- Statement of the extenuating circumstances
- Explanation of changes that will support academic success
- Third-party documentation
Students may submit up to three approved appeals during their enrollment at AAMI. Each appeal must involve new circumstances and documentation.
Reinstatement Of Financial Aid
If your aid was suspended and you either did not file an appeal or your appeal was denied, you may still be reevaluated for financial aid after completing a subsequent term. To be reconsidered, your new FAFSA must be received and you must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards. If eligible, aid will resume in the following term; however, retroactive disbursements are not permitted.
Code of Conduct for Education Loans
Although AAMI does not have a preferred lender list, AAMI adheres to The Higher Education Opportunity Act (“HEOA”) requirements with respect to education loans. HEOA requires educational institutions to develop and comply with a code of conduct that prohibits conflicts of interest for its student financial services personnel.
Any AAMI officer, employee, or agent who has responsibilities with respect to student education loans must comply with this code of conduct. The following provisions bring AAMI into compliance with HEOA.
AAMI as an institution and its individual employees and agents are prohibited from engaging in the following:
- Revenue-sharing arrangements with any lender;
- Receiving gifts from a lender, a guarantor, or a loan servicer;
- Contracting arrangement providing financial benefit from any lender or affiliate of a lender;
- Directing borrowers to particular lenders, or refusing or delaying loan certifications;
- Offers of funds for private loans;
- Call center or financial aid office staffing assistance from any lender; a guarantor, or a loan servicer;
- Receiving compensation from serving on an advisory board of a lender, guarantor, or loan servicer.
Helping You Navigate Aid Policies & The Application Process
Whether you’re looking for clarity on AAMI’s financial aid policies or preparing to submit your application, we’re here to help. Our team can guide you through eligibility requirements, aid procedures, and next steps toward enrollment in our Mortuary Science Degree program.