Course Program of Study

This page is dedicated to general awareness for UNC Charlotte’s advisors, faculty and staff, regarding the Course Program of Study (CPOS) requirement and its implementation beginning with Fall 2026 registration.

What is CPOS?

Course Program of Study (CPOS) refers to a federal requirement that states only courses that count toward a student’s declared program of study (major, minor, or required prerequisites) are eligible for federal financial aid.

If a course does not count toward your degree, it cannot be funded with federal aid such as:

  • Federal Work-Study
  • Pell Grants
  • Federal Student Loans

Why are we implementing CPOS?

The U.S. Department of Education requires that institutions ensure financial aid funds are used to pay for courses that apply to a student’s degree program. This change not only pertains to financial aid, but also helps ensure that our students are progressing toward timely completion of their degree.

What can YOU expect?

We recognize the critical role advisors, faculty and staff have with this process as they support our students with registration and coursework that applies to their degree programs. Given this, we are planning to hold departmental feedback forums and create dedicated materials to equip you to best serve our students during implementation (Fall 2026 registration).

Frequently Asked questions

We have put together a list of frequently asked CPOS questions, but this section may not cover every scenario. This list will be updated as we receive questions and prepare for CPOS implementation (Fall 2026 registration).

Why does CPOS matter for students?

CPOS affects your financial aid eligibility. Federal regulations require that students receiving federal aid take courses that are part of their degree program. Taking courses outside your program of study may reduce the amount of aid you receive or make you ineligible for certain aid programs.

How will a student know if their courses are eligible for financial aid under CPOS

To be eligible for federal financial aid:

  • Courses must be part of your declared major, minor, or program of study.
  • Courses must be required for degree completion, including prerequisites.

Students can check DegreeWorks or talk to your academic advisor to confirm if your courses are CPOS-eligible.

What happens if a student takes a course that is not part of their program of study?

If a student takes a course that is not part of their program:

  • The student may need to pay out-of-pocket for courses that are not CPOS-eligible.
  • Federal financial aid will not cover those courses.
  • The student’s financial aid offer may be reduced or adjusted based on the eligible credit hours they are taking.
How does CPOS affect part-time and full-time enrollment?

A student’s enrollment status (full-time, half-time, etc.) for federal financial aid is based only on CPOS-eligible courses:

  • Full-time = 12+ CPOS-eligible credit hours
  • Three-quarter time = 9-11 CPOS-eligible credit hours
  • Half-time = 6-8 CPOS-eligible credit hours

Taking non-CPOS courses could lower a student’s status, which may impact their aid.

What steps can students take to avoid CPOS issues?
  • Declare a major and minor as soon as possible.
  • Review DegreeWorks each semester to ensure courses count toward their program.
  • Work with their academic advisor to register for the correct courses.
  • If a student changes their major, updating their program of study promptly.
  • If a student is unsure about a course, connecting with their advisor before enrolling.
What if a student wants to take a course that is not part of their program of study?

Students can still take courses outside their program, but:

  • Those courses will not count toward federal financial aid enrollment status.
  • The student will be responsible for paying for those courses out-of-pocket.
Are prerequisites covered under CPOS?

Yes! Prerequisites are covered if they are required for a course that is part of a student’s program of study. Students will be encouraged to check with their academic advisor to ensure that prerequisite courses are eligible.

What if a student is in a double major or dual degree program?

If a student has declared a double major or dual degree, courses in either program of study are eligible for federal aid, as long as they are required for degree completion.

What happens if a student changes their major mid-semester?

If a student changes their major mid-semester, their financial aid will not be affected for that semester. CPOS eligibility is based on declared program of study at the time of registration. Any changes will apply to future semesters.

What if a student is pursuing a certificate program?

If a student is pursuing a certificate program, the courses must be required for the completion of that certificate to be eligible for federal financial aid. Students should confirm with their advisor and DegreeWorks to ensure compliance.

What if a required course is not offered during the current semester?

If a required course for a student’s program of study is not offered during the current semester, they should:

  • Connect with their academic advisor to identify alternative options.
  • Consider taking other CPOS-eligible courses that will keep them on track.
  • Work with the department to determine when the required course will be available again.
Can elective courses count toward CPOS?

Yes, elective courses can count toward CPOS if they are required to fulfill the program of study. Electives must still fit within the degree requirements, such as free electives or specified electives listed in the program outline.

Who can help a student if they have questions about CPOS?

If students have questions, encourage them to reach out to:

  • Their Academic Advisor for help with course selection and degree requirements.
  • Niner Central to understand how CPOS impacts their aid.
  • The Registrar’s Office for help with declaring or updating your major.
  • The Department Chair if you have concerns about course availability.