Academic Policies
Overview of academic policies and standards at Columbia College.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
All Columbia College students must comply with Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards to maintain enrollment and/or remain eligible for federal financial aid. SAP is evaluated every 10 weeks and monitored by the Academic and Financial Aid Offices.
SAP Overview
SAP measures progress in two categories:
- **Qualitative Standard:** Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) — minimum 2.0
- **Quantitative Standard:** Completion within 150% of the program length
Students not meeting SAP standards may receive a warning, probation, or dismissal notice.
SAP Statuses
**✅ Good Standing**
- CGPA meets or exceeds 2.0
**⚠️ Warning**
- CGPA falls below 2.0 for the first session
- Student remains eligible for financial aid
**🟠 Probation**
- CGPA below 2.0 for two consecutive sessions
- Strongly recommended to meet with the program director
**❌ Dismissal**
- CGPA below 2.0 for three consecutive sessions
- Student is no longer eligible to enroll or receive financial aid
Financial Aid Eligibility
- Reviewed at the end of each 10-week session
- Students on warning or probation remain eligible for financial aid
- Students who fail both qualitative and quantitative standards after two years lose eligibility
Appeal Process
Students may submit a written appeal to the Academic Office. Mitigating circumstances include:
- Death of a family member
- Student illness/injury
- Other documented circumstances
Documentation may include:
- Death certificate
- Medical certificate
- Supporting statements from faculty/staff
Appeals may result in:
- Full reinstatement of financial aid and good standing
- Denial, requiring readmission without financial aid
- Placement on probation with restored aid
SAP Standards
Qualitative Standard
- Minimum CGPA: 2.0
- Grades counted: A, B, C, D, F (including repeats)
- Grades not counted: W, I, AU, T
Quantitative Standard
Students must complete programs within 150% of the normal length
Maximum Timeframe
| Program | Completion | Maximum Time |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | 70 weeks | 105 weeks |
| Information Technology | 70 weeks | 105 weeks |
| Culinary Arts | 70 weeks | 105 weeks |
| Dental Lab Technology | 70 weeks | 105 weeks |
| Massage Therapy (Associate) | 70 weeks | 105 weeks |
| Early Childhood Education | 70 weeks | 105 weeks |
| Technical & Business English | 70 weeks | 105 weeks |
| Certificate Program | Completion | Maximum Time |
|---|---|---|
| VESL | 60 weeks | 90 weeks |
| Cosmetology | 60 weeks | 90 weeks |
| Culinary Arts | 60 weeks | 90 weeks |
| Dental Laboratory Technology | 60 weeks | 90 weeks |
| Massage Therapy (Certificate) | 30 weeks | 45 weeks |
Extended Enrollment
- Available for students needing additional time beyond the program length
- No financial aid; tuition charged at regular rates
- Only the most recent grade counts toward CGPA
Transfer Credits
Within the College
- Credits and CGPA from prior programs apply to new programs
From Other Institutions
- Up to 50% of credits (major and general) may transfer
- Must have earned a grade of C or better
- International credits require evaluation by NACES or AICE
Transferred credits reduce program length and maximum timeframe accordingly. Grade "T" does not affect CGPA but counts toward earned hours.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate, students must:
- Complete all required courses within maximum timeframe
- Achieve a CGPA of at least 2.0
- Be in good financial standing
- Complete federal financial aid exit counseling (if applicable)
- Pass graduation/licensure exam (if applicable for programs such as Cosmetology and Massage Therapy)