What Is Academic Standing?
Academic standing is a classification that a college gives to describe how well a student is meeting its academic requirements, usually based on grade point average and the proportion of attempted credits completed. It is reviewed each term, and changes in standing can affect financial aid, registration and eligibility for activities.
Common categories
| Standing | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Good standing | Meeting the minimum GPA and progress requirements |
| Academic warning | A first alert that performance is below expectations |
| Academic probation | A formal period to improve, often with conditions |
| Academic suspension | Required time away from the college, usually a term or a year |
| Academic dismissal | Removal from the college, sometimes with a path to reapply |
Honors categories, such as dean's list, may also form part of the standing.
How it is determined
A minimum cumulative GPA, commonly 2.0 for undergraduates and 3.0 for graduate students, is the main test. Some colleges look at term GPA as well, or at the number of credits passed out of those attempted. Programs may have stricter rules, such as nursing or engineering requiring higher grades in certain courses.
Why it matters
Poor standing can lead to loss of scholarships, restricted registration, ineligibility for athletics and aid consequences, and it can end enrollment if not resolved. Standing is separate from, but related to, satisfactory academic progress for financial aid.
If your standing drops
- Read the notice carefully, and note deadlines and conditions.
- Meet your advisor to make a recovery plan.
- Use support: tutoring, writing centers, counseling and disability services.
- Adjust your course load and schedule.
- Check the effect on aid, and ask about appeals if there were extenuating circumstances.
- Follow conditions exactly, such as attending meetings or hitting a GPA target.
Outside the US
Other countries have similar ideas under names such as progression rules or academic review. In the UK, students who fail assessments may be allowed resits, and may have to repeat a year or leave if they do not meet progression requirements.
Related terms
See academic suspension, academic dismissal, satisfactory academic progress, grade point and mitigating circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
What is good academic standing?
Usually meeting a minimum GPA, such as 2.0 for undergraduates, and completing a reasonable share of attempted credits. Your college sets the exact rules.
What happens if I am on academic probation?
You get a warning and a period to improve, often with conditions such as advising, a limited course load or a required GPA. If you do not improve, suspension or dismissal may follow.
Can I restore good standing?
Yes. Typically by earning the required GPA and credits in the next terms. Support such as tutoring and advising can help.