How do I appeal my Financial Aid Suspension?

You may appeal your Suspension if you have an extenuating circumstance that prevented you from meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress criteria. 

How to Appeal:

  • Complete all applicable steps on the Suspension Appeal Form. You will need to log in to The Q to complete this form.  
    • If you are unable to access the form, please contact the QCC IT Service Desk at 508-854-4427 or help@qcc.mass.edu for assistance during regular business  hours Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. You may be asked information to confirm your identity before credentials are provided. 

  • Provide documentation, if required. Effective with appeals being reviewed for Summer 2025 and forward, students appealing for the first time will not require documentation unless the Financial Aid reviewer determines it is needed on a case-by-case basis.

    If you have had an appeal approved at QCC before, you will be required to provide supporting documentation. Documentation should support the circumstances described in your appeal and, where appropriate, how they have been resolved to allow you to attend school successfully going forward.  While not exhaustive, some examples of documentation include:

    • A doctor’s note confirming medical issues and that they have been resolved
    • A letter from your employer regarding required changes to your work schedule
    • Hospitalization or Court records
    • Car Accident Report
    • Death certificates, Obituaries, or Funeral Cards
    • Documentation of stable housing (lease, mortgage, etc.)
    • Child Care Arrangements
    • Other documentation appropriate for your circumstance(s)

    Submit all documentation via the Financial Aid Document Center. As long as no Social Security Numbers are on the documents, you may also email your documentation to us. If you need assistance or are not sure what to provide, please contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@qcc.mass.edu.  

Review Process:  Appeals are reviewed and a decision is made on a case-by-case basis. 

  • Please submit a complete appeal. Incomplete appeals will significantly delay a decision.
  • Subsequent appeals submitted based on the same circumstances used in a previously approved appeal are unlikely to be approved.
  • Additional information may be requested after review.
  • Due to the volume of appeals we receive and the care with which they are reviewed, the appeal process can take from 4 to 12 weeks.
  • If you choose to enroll in courses while you await a decision, please note that you are responsible for ensuring you have what you need to attend classes and be academically successful.  You will also be responsible for your charges in the event you do not complete the appeal process or if your appeal is denied.  Please pay attention to Add/Drop deadlines if you decide not to attend any courses for which you are enrolled.

General Information

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General Financial Aid - Frequently Asked Questions

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MassEducate and MassReconnect (Free Community College Financial Aid Programs) - Frequently Asked Questions

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This page contains the forms and defines missing information you may need to complete your financial aid file. If you are required to submit additional information, you will be notified by post mail and/or to your QCC student email account.

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If you have been notified that your eligibility is for financial aid is Suspended under the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, you may be eligible to submit an appeal if you have extenuating circumstances.

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This Award Guide contains information you need to know about your Financial Aid Award Offer. Terms and Conditions, Maintaining your Financial Aid Eligibility, and other Important Information are included.

Loan Information

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Contains important information on Federal Direct Student Loans, including how to accept or reduce/decline your loan award offer.

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Policies

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Please see the 'Academic' section of the Student Handbook page, linked here. For Financial Aid eligibility, see the Award Offer Letter Guide.

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Students must meet the standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress to maintain eligibility for financial aid.

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What happens to your financial aid when you withdraw from or stop attending your classes?