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Course Program of Study FAQs

What is CPOS?

Course Program of Study (CPOS) is a federal regulation that requires students to be enrolled in courses that apply toward their officially declared degree or major in order to receive federal financial aid.

Why Does CPOS Matter?

Federal financial aid—including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and Work Study—can only be used for courses that count toward your Degree Plan. If you register for courses that don’t apply, your aid may be reduced or canceled.

How Do I Know If My Courses Are Eligible?

Use your Degree Audit in Degree Works to check if your courses are part of your declared program. If a course is not listed as required or an elective in your Degree Plan, it may not be CPOS-eligible.

What Types of Financial Aid Are Affected by CPOS?

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized/Unsubsidized)
• Federal Work Study
• Some state and institutional aid may also be affected

What Happens If I Take a Course That Doesn’t Count?

You may still take the course, but it won’t count toward your financial aid enrollment status. This could result in:

• Reduced aid amounts
• Loss of eligibility for certain aid programs
• A balance owed to the college

What Should I Do Before Registering?

• Review your Degree Audit in Degree Works
• Meet with your academic advisor
• Confirm your major/program is correctly declared
• Ask questions if you're unsure

Can I Change My Major to Include a Course?

Yes, but it’s important to understand how this affects your financial aid.

Ideally, you should only register for courses that are required in your current Degree Plan. If your program is accurately declared, your course selections should come directly from the courses outlined in your Degree Plan.

However, if you are planning to pursue a different program, you may change your major. Once your new program is officially updated in the system, your financial aid eligibility will be re-evaluated based on the new Degree Plan.

Note: This functionality is part of a new CPOS process that goes into effect for Spring 2026 registration, beginning October 13, 2025.

What If I Think a Course Should Count, But It’s Flagged?

Contact your academic advisor. In some cases, a course substitution or exception may be approved by your academic department.

What Is the Census Date?

The Census Date is the official date when SoLAcc finalizes student enrollment for financial aid purposes. Any changes to your major or course schedule must be completed before the Census Date to affect your financial aid eligibility for that semester.

Where Can I Get Help?

Contact your Academic Advisor

Quick Tips to Stay CPOS-Compliant

• Register only for courses in your Degree Plan
• Keep your major/program up to date
• Use your Degree Audit every semester
• Ask your advisor before making changes

Common Student Questions

I’m Taking a Class to Boost My GPA. Will It Affect My Aid?

Yes. If the class does not count toward your declared program, it may not be CPOS-eligible—even if it helps your GPA.

Can I Take Electives Outside My Major?

Only if those electives are listed as part of your Degree Plan. General electives that don’t apply to your program may not be covered by financial aid.

What If I’m Undecided or Planning to Change My Major?

You must be officially declared in a program for your courses to count. If you’re planning to change majors, do so before the Census Date to ensure your aid reflects your new program.

I’m in a Certificate Program. Does CPOS Apply to Me?

Yes. CPOS applies to all federal aid recipients, including those in certificate, associate, and transfer programs.

How Do I Know Which Courses Are CPOS-Eligible?

Use your Degree Audit in Degree Works or meet with your academic advisor. They can help you confirm which courses count toward your Degree Plan.

Can I Appeal a CPOS Decision?

In some cases, yes. If you believe a course should count, contact your advisor. You may be able to submit a course substitution request through your academic department.