Course Program of Study (CPOS) Requirement

The Course Program of Study (CPOS) ensures that only courses counting toward your officially declared program of study are eligible for federal and state financial aid sources. At Fayetteville State University, we monitor CPOS compliance to help you stay focused on your academic goals and make the most of your financial aid.

Federal and state financial aid is designed to help you earn your degree. To remain eligible, you must enroll in courses that count toward your declared major—these are known as eligible hours under your Course Program of Study (CPoS).

Taking classes that are not required for your degree will reduce your financial aid or even result in you having to repay funds. Additionally, ineligible courses do not count toward your full-time enrollment status for aid purposes.

To make sure you’re eligible for the maximum amount of federal and state financial aid, follow these important steps:

Declare Your Major!

• Your major should be officially declared as soon as possible and recorded in your student file. If you’ve been planning to declare or change either one, don’t wait—schedule a meeting with your academic advisor to make it official.
• Only courses that apply to your declared major can be counted as eligible for financial aid.

Understand How Aid is Calculated

• Financial aid is awarded based on the assumption that you’ll enroll full-time in eligible courses during the fall and spring semesters.
• Your aid is tied to your Cost of Attendance (COA), which is calculated based on the number of credit hours you’re taking that apply to your officially declared program of study.

Maintain Your Eligibility

• Dropping or not attending classes can affect both your current and future financial aid.
• Each semester, review your Course Program of Study (CPoS) with your advisor to ensure your classes align with your degree requirements. If your program information is outdated or incorrect, work with your advisor to update your major.
• If your aid has been reduced due to enrollment in ineligible courses, visit the Advising Center to explore your options and get support.

Undergraduate Students

Total Registered Hours: 12

• Hours That Count: 12
• Hours That Don't Count: 0
• Aid Eligibility: Full-time aid

Total Registered Hours: 12

• Hours That Count: 6
• Hours That Don't Count: 6
• Aid Eligibility: Half-time aid

Total Registered Hours: 16

• Hours That Count: 12
• Hours That Don't Count: 4
• Aid Eligibility: Full-time aid

Graduate Students

Total Registered Hours: 9

• Hours That Count: 9
• Hours That Don't Count: 0
• Aid Eligibility: Full-time aid

Total Registered Hours: 9

• Hours That Count: 6
• Hours That Don't Count: 3
• Aid Eligibility: Half-time aid

Total Registered Hours: 12

• Hours That Count: 9
• Hours That Don't Count: 3
• Aid Eligibility: Full-time aid

Know your degree requirements: Review the FSU catalog and your Degree Works audit.

• Register wisely: Ensure your courses count toward your declared major.
• Meet with your advisor: Before changing, dropping, or withdrawing from a course.
• Consult Financial Aid: Changes in enrollment may affect your aid eligibility.