Stay on Track with your courses for financial aid eligibility

Stay Focused | Graduate on Time | Lower Your Costs

Course Program of Study (CPOS) is a U.S. Department of Education requirement that only considers courses counting toward a student’s program of study for financial aid eligibility. While this federal requirement is not new, UNC Asheville began a reporting process to monitor for it in Fall 2024.

Counts towards CPOS Hours

Does NOT count towards CPOS hours

Core / LAC requirements

Minor courses (if elective hours are not needed)

Major requirements

Certificate courses (if elective hours are not needed)

Elective hours needed to reach 120

Honors requirements (if elective hours are not needed)

Teacher Licensure

Any courses not included in your degree requirements

Federal and state financial aid is only awarded for courses included in your program of study.

Impact on Financial Aid

Total Registered Hours Hours Counting Toward CPOS Hours Not Counting Toward CPOS Student Aid Eligibility
12 12 0 Full-time aid
12 6 6 Half-time aid
16 12 4 Full-time aid

Stay on Track

  1. Check your GradPlan to see what requirements are still needed to complete your degree.
  2. Complete at least 15 hours per fall and spring to stay on track for a timely graduation. A minimum of 12 hours need to count towards your program of study to receive full-time aid.
  3. Apply for graduation in OnePort when you are within a year of your intended graduation semester.
    • May graduation — Apply by December 1 of the preceding year
    • Summer graduation — Apply by April 15
    • December graduation — Apply by September 1

Important Notes

  • Meet with your academic advisor if you are considering changing, dropping or withdrawing from a class. Then check with the Office of Financial Aid as this may affect your aid.
  • Contact the Office of Financial Aid if you’re unsure if you meet eligibility for your financial aid.
  • Your hours for financial aid will be locked at census (the 10th day of the semester).