Beginning July 1, 2011, a new federal regulation specifies that undergraduate students may only receive federal financial aid funding for one repetition of a previously passed course. Repeating a previously passed course more than once may result in an adjustment to financial aid eligibility. Any adjustments will typically occur after the start of the semester during which the student is repeating the course, so students are responsible for monitoring their own enrollment in repeated coursework. According to the University of Southern Maine Catalog, a passing grade is defined as D- or higher letter grade of P (for pass/fail course grading). 

Examples of repeated coursework that MAY be included in a student’s enrollment for financial aid purposes are noted below:

  • Repeated coursework may be included if a student previously received a failing grade or did not pass the course. 
  • Repeated coursework may be included if a student previously enrolled in and passed the course one time.  For instance, if a student previously took a course and received a grade of D-, they may repeat the course once to earn a better grade. 

Examples of repeated coursework that MAY NOT be included in a student’s enrollment for financial aid purposes is noted below:

  • Repeated coursework may not be included if a student previously passed the course two or more times in prior terms. For instance, if a student previously took a course and earned a D-, then repeated the class and earned a D, they may not receive federal financial aid to repeat the course again for a better grade.
  • Repeated coursework may not be included if a student previously attempted the course twice or more, first earning a passing grade and subsequently earning failing grade. For instance, if a student previously took the course and earned a D-, then repeated the course and earned an F, they may not receive federal financial aid to repeat the course again for a better grade.

Please note: this policy is applicable to courses that may not be repeated multiple times for credit. Some courses may be taken for credit multiple times. Such courses are not restricted by these federal regulations. Please also note that only courses required for the student’s degree are eligible to be covered by federal financial aid