EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
Nova Academy is dedicated to your success as a professional Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Nail Technician, Eyelash Extension Technician, advanced practice esthitician or Instructor. While job placement is not guaranteed, we assist students through career fairs, salon and spa networking events, resume workshops, and referrals to employment partners.
SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP) POLICY
Last Updated: 08/2025
Applies to All Programs at Nova Academy (Rochester, Mankato, and Woodbury)
Section 484 of the Higher Education Act, as amended, requests that a student maintain satisfactory progress in order to receive financial aid from State and Federal Financial aid programs.
The Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP) is consistently applied to all students enrolled in Cosmetology, Esthiology, Advanced Practice Esthetics, Advanced Practice Esthetics Combined, Nail Technology, Eyelash Extension Technician and Instructor Training whether participating in Title IV programs or not. It is printed in the catalog to ensure that all students receive a copy prior to the first day of class. The policy complies with the guidelines established by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) and the federal regulations established by the United States Department of Education. To be making SAP, a student is expected to complete a program within a specified time frame and maintain a grade point average consistent with graduation requirements. Summer terms, changes in major, and pursuit of the second degree is not applicable for this institution.
SAP Evaluation Periods
Nova Academy defines its academic aid year as 900 hours and 26 weeks. This definition applies to all programs. The academic year is divided into two payment periods and the students are evaluated for Satisfactory Academic Progress once the student has attended the following clock hours:
- Cosmetology: 450 hours and 13 weeks, 900 hours and 26 weeks, 1225 clocked hours and 35 weeks
- Esthiology: 300 clocked hours and 9 weeks
- Advanced Practice Esthetics: 250 clocked hours and 7 weeks
- Advanced Practice Esthetics Combined: 450 hours and 13 weeks, 900 hours and 26 weeks
- Nail Technology: 175 clocked hours and 5 weeks
- Instructor Training: 22.5 hours and .64 weeks
- Eyelash Extension Technician: 7 hours and 1 day (.2 weeks)
Evaluations will determine if the student has met the minimum requirements for satisfactory academic progress. The frequency of evaluations ensures that students have ample opportunity to meet both the attendance and academic progress requirements.
These evaluation periods ensure students have at least one evaluation by no later than midpoint of the academic year or the course/program whichever is sooner. Students are given Satisfactory Academic Progress evaluation results at the end of each period by a school administrator.
SAP Attendance Progress Evaluations
Students are required to attend a minimum of 67% of the hours possible based on the applicable attendance schedule in order to be considered maintaining satisfactory attendance progress. Evaluations are conducted at the end of each evaluation period to determine if the student has met the minimum requirements. Evaluations are based on the point when the student has attended the periods scheduled clock hours. The attendance percentage is determined by dividing the total hours accrued by the total number of hours scheduled. At the end of each evaluation period, the school will determine if the student has maintained at least 67% cumulative attendance since the beginning of the course which indicates that, given the same attendance rate, the student will graduate within the maximum time frame allowed.
Maximum Time Frame
The maximum time (which does not exceed 150% of the course length) allowed for students to complete each course at satisfactory progress is stated below:
COURSE |
HOURS IN PROGRAM |
MAXIMUM TIME ALLOWED |
SCHEDULED HOURS |
Cosmetology |
1550 Hours |
68 Weeks |
2325 |
Esthetics |
600 Hours |
27 Weeks |
900 |
Advanced Practice Esthetics |
500 Hours |
23 Weeks |
750 |
Advanced Practice Combined |
1100 Hours |
48 Weeks |
1650 |
Nail Technology |
350 Hours |
15 Weeks |
525 |
Eyelash Extension Technician |
14 Hours |
1 Week |
21 |
Instructor Training |
45 Hours |
2 Weeks |
67 |
Students who exceed the maximum time frame shall be terminated from the program. The student then may be permitted to re-enroll in the program on a cash-pay basis in a manner consistent with the re-enrollment provisions of the institution’s admissions policy.
The maximum time allowed for transfer students who need less than the full course requirements will be determined based on 67% of the scheduled hours. Nova Academy establishes that transfer hours from another institution that are accepted towards the student’s educational program are counted as both attempted and completed hours for the purpose of determining when the allowable maximum time frame has been exhausted. In the instance where transfer hours have been accepted the SAP evaluation periods are based on actual contracted hours at the institution.
SAP Academic Progress Evaluations
The qualitative element used to determine academic progress is a reasonable system of grades as determined by assigned academic learning. Students are assigned academic learning and a minimum number of practical experiences. Academic learning is evaluated after each unit of study. Practical assignments are evaluated as they are completed and counted toward course completion. If the student doesn’t receive a 75% or higher on an evaluation or academic test they are notified by Nova Academy that their grade will impact their financial aid eligibility. They are given the opportunity to retake any evaluation or assignment that is below 75%. At least two comprehensive practical skills evaluations will be conducted during the course of study. Practical skills are evaluated according to text procedures and set forth in practical skills evaluation criteria adopted by the school. Students must maintain a written grade average of 75% and pass a final written and practical exam prior to graduation. Students must make up failed or missed tests and incomplete assignments. Incompletes will have a score of 0 until attempted at which time will be scored.
Grading Scale:
- A: 100–95%
- B: 94.9–90%
- C: 89.9–80%
- D: 79.9–75%
- F: 74.9% and below
Determination of Progress Status
Students will be evaluated at the end of each payment period. At each evaluation, a student making satisfactory academic progress must maintain the minimum qualitative requirement of having a cumulative satisfactory academic progress of 75% or higher for academics. A student considered to be making quantitative satisfactory academic progress must successfully attend a minimum of 67% of the hours possible based on the applicable attendance schedule. The frequency of evaluations ensures that students have ample opportunity to meet both the attendance and academic progress requirements. A student who has met requirements is considered making satisfactory academic progress until the next evaluation. SAP evaluation periods are based on actual contracted hours at the institution.
Warning
Students who fail to meet minimum requirements for attendance or academic progress are placed on warning. The student will be advised in writing via hand delivery in a meeting with the school administrator on the actions required to attain satisfactory academic progress by the next evaluation.
Warning Status: While on a warning status, Nova Academy shall allow the student to retain his/her financial aid eligibility under a warning status for one evaluation period.
Reinstatement of students on Warning Status: If, at the end of the warning period, a student has met both the cumulative minimum qualitative (academics) SAP and the cumulative quantitative (attendance) completion percentage standards, then Nova Academy shall end the student’s warning status.
Financial Aid Suspension: Following one warning period, if a student has not met SAP requirements, he or she must be suspended from financial aid eligibility. This suspension will be effective immediately after the completion of the evaluation.
Probation
A probationary period is allowed for students not considered to be meeting SAP. A student must first meet the following outlined prior to being placed on a status of probation:
- The student was not determined to be making SAP during the warning or previous evaluation period; and
- The student prevails upon appeal of a negative progress determination prior to being placed on probation; and
- The institution determines that SAP standards can be met by the end of the subsequent evaluation period; or
- The institution develops an academic plan for the student that if followed will ensure the student will be able to meet the SAP requirements by the maximum time frame established for that individual student.
If the student meets the above outlined criteria they may be placed on probation. A student that is placed on probation after successful appeal will be considered making SAP during the probationary period and will maintain their financial aid eligibility.
Appeal Procedure
As an appeal is a required element of the probation status, Nova Academy will allow a student to appeal a SAP progress determination. Students may re-establish satisfactory academic progress and financial aid, as applicable, by meeting minimum attendance and academic requirements by the end of the probationary period. A student may appeal his/her suspension based on unusual or extenuating circumstances within five days of the suspension. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, death of a relative, illness, hospitalization or injury of the student.
The student must submit a written appeal to the school with supporting documentation regarding why they failed to make satisfactory academic progress, and what has changed in the student’s situation that would allow the student to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress in the future. All appeal documents will be reviewed and the student will be notified within 30 calendar days. The appeal and decision documents will be retained in the student file. If the appeal is granted, students will be placed on probation for one evaluation period. A student who does not meet a minimum standard is no longer eligible for Title IV program funds unless the student is on a warning or has prevailed upon appeal of the determination that has resulted in the status of probation.
Interruptions, Course Incompletes, Withdrawals
If enrollment is temporarily interrupted for a Leave of Absence, the student will return to school in the same progress status as prior to the leave of absence. The student’s contract period and maximum time frame will be extended by the same number of calendar days taken in the LOA. Students who withdraw prior to completion of the course and wish to re-enroll will return in the same satisfactory academic progress status as at the time of withdrawal.
Incompletes, Noncredit and Remedial Courses
Incompletes, Noncredit and remedial courses do not apply to this institution. Therefore, these items have no effect upon the school's satisfactory progress standards.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To graduate and receive a certificate from Nova Academy, the following is required:
Complete Documented Legal Hours
in the specific areas of training required by the State of Minnesota:
- COSMETOLOGY: 1,550 Hours
- NAIL TECHNOLOGY: 350 Hours
- ESTHIOLOGY: 600 Hours
- ADVANCED PRACTICE ESTHETICS: 500 Hours
- ADVANCED PRACTICE ESTHETICS COMBINED: 1,100 Hours
- INSTRUCTOR TRAINING: 45 Hours
- EYELASH EXTENSION TECHNICIAN: 14 Hours
Academic and Practical Excellence
- Complete all school quotas and examinations, both written and practical, with a score of 75% or higher.
- Complete all unit requirements, both written and practical, with a score of 75% or higher.
- Pass the School Certification Exam with a score of 75% or higher and State Certification Exams.
Licensing Requirements
Administrative Requirements
- Complete an exit interview with an appropriate school employee.
- Fulfill all tuition and fee obligations. Payment arrangements may be made prior to graduation or the exit interview but are not guaranteed.
To receive a license in the state of Minnesota in Cosmetology, Esthiology, Nail Technology, Advanced Practice Esthetics, Eyelash Extension Technician or Instructor Training, the student is required to:
- Complete all graduation requirements.
- Successfully complete a license application.
- Pay the license fee to the MN Board of Cosmetologists.
Transfer of Credit
Transfer hours are subject to evaluation and approval. Approved hours count toward completion but may not affect tuition. Transfer hours are final upon enrollment.
Major Standard Violations
Major standard violations include using controlled substances/alcohol, destroying property, stealing, falsifying documents, committing fraud, abusing and/or causing physical harm to others, having in their possession a gun/firearm on School property, and violating local, state, and federal laws. Anytime during a student’s program, the violation of a major standard will result in termination.
Termination Policy
Reasons for termination are major standard violations, including using controlled substances/alcohol, destroying property, stealing, falsifying documents, committing fraud, abusing and/or causing physical harm to others, having in their possession a gun/firearm on School property, and violating local, state, and federal laws.
Students who are terminated have up to five school days to appeal their termination. Appeals must be in written form and address the issues that led to the termination. The appeal should be addressed to the School Director. While a student is terminated, no clock hours may be earned, and the contract graduation date will not be extended. If a terminated student fails to respond in five school days, the student’s termination will be final.
If a student is terminated by Nova Academy, an administrative fee of $100 will be assessed.
Buyer’s Right to Cancel
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION AND RIGHT TO REFUND
The refund policy applies to all terminations for any reason, by either party, including student decision, course or program cancellation, or school closure.
Enrollment can be terminated by written notice of cancellation from Nova Academy of Cosmetology to the student or by written or verbal notice, phone, or email from the student to Nova Academy of Cosmetology. Enrollment is defined as the time elapsed between the actual starting date and the student’s last day of scheduled attendance at Nova Academy of Cosmetology. All monies due the student shall be refunded within 30 days of formal cancellation or formal termination by Nova Academy of Cosmetology; which shall occur no more than 30 days from the last day of scheduled attendance or in case of leave of absences, the documented day of return. The postmark on written notification determines formal cancellation date or the date said information is delivered to a Nova Academy of Cosmetology representative in person as described below.
Notice
All notices shall be delivered or mailed with postage prepaid, registered or certified, and return receipt requested to the other party as follows:
To the Student: At the address set forth on page one of the Enrollment Agreement.
To Nova Academy Locations:
Woodbury: 1750 Weir Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125
Mankato: 500 Raintree Road, Suite 10, Mankato, MN 56001
Rochester: 5979 Bandel Road, Rochester, MN 55901
Attn: Director of Admissions
Notice of a Change of Address shall be given in writing, by telephone, or by email. Notices may also be delivered to the party in person (in the case of Nova Academy, the individual must be the Director of Education, Business Manager, or Admissions Representative). The postmark on written notification determines the formal cancellation date or the date the information is delivered to the Nova Academy representative in person.
The school shall acknowledge in writing any valid notice of cancellation within 10 days after the receipt of such notice. Any money due to the applicant or student shall be refunded within 30 business days of the official withdrawal date or the date the school discovers that the student has unofficially withdrawn. The official withdrawal date is determined by:
The postmark date on written notification
The date the written or verbal notice is delivered to the school director in person
The date the email notice is sent
The date the notice is phoned in
All miscellaneous costs that have not yet become due will be void. In the case of a leave of absence, the school shall return any money due to the applicant within 30 days of the last day of the student’s leave of absence if the student fails to return.
Refund Policy For Programs 40 Hours Or Less With A Written Contract Or Enrollment Agreement
If your application is rejected, you will receive a full refund of all tuition, fees, and other charges. If your program is 40 hours or less and you withdraw from your program, your refund will be pro-rated by the number of hours attended and the length of the program.
To receive a full refund of tuition, fees, and other charges:
You must withdraw from your program before the scheduled start day of the program.
You will receive:
Written notice acknowledging your withdrawal request within 10 business days after the receipt of the notice.
A refund of any tuition, fees, and other charges within 30 business days of the receipt of your withdrawal.
Any mailed notice is effective as of the date of the postmark if sent by mail or the day it has been hand-delivered to the school. Notice to withdraw may also be given by:
- Email
- Verbally to the Business Office
- Voicemail to the Business Office
Refund Policy For Programs Greater Than 40 Hours With A Written Contract Or Enrollment Agreement
If your application is rejected, you will receive a full refund of all tuition, fees, and other charges. You will be entitled to a full refund of tuition, fees, and other charges if you give notice that you are canceling your contract within five business days after the contract or enrollment agreement is considered effective.
A contract or enrollment agreement will be presumed to be effective on:
The date that the institution notifies you that you have been accepted into the institution and you have signed the contract or enrollment agreement.
If the notification of acceptance into the institution is sent by mail, then the effective day of being accepted is the postmark on the acceptance letter.
This five-day refund policy applies regardless of when the program starts.
If you give notice more than five days after you signed the contract, but before the start of the program (or first lesson for an online distance education program):
You will receive a refund of all tuition, fees, and other charges minus 15%, up to $50, of the total cost of the program.
If you withdraw after the start of your program and it has been more than 5 days after you signed the contract:
You will receive a pro-rated refund of the entire cost of your program based on your last day of attendance.
You will be provided a prorated tuition, fees, and other charges refund minus your initial application fees, up to $50, and minus the lesser of 25% of the total tuition or $100.
Proration is based on clock hours and how much of the program you have completed.
The completion rate is the number of clock hours you actually attended divided by the number of clock hours in the program. The completion rate is calculated to the second decimal point (.XX).
You will receive:
Written notice acknowledging your withdrawal request within 10 business days after receipt of the notice.
A refund of any tuition, fees, and other charges within 30 business days of receipt of your withdrawal.
Any mailed notice is effective as of the date of the postmark if sent by mail or the day it has been hand-delivered to the school. Notice to withdraw may also be given by:
Email
Verbally, including a voicemail, to the School Manager.
If you do not withdraw in writing or contact the school about your absence and you have not attended your program or contacted the school about your absence for 14 consecutive days:
You will be considered to have withdrawn from the school as of your last date of attendance.
Students who have contacted the school regarding an absence may have the option of:
Taking a Leave of Absence (see Leave of Absence Policy)
Using their contracted missed hours
Withdrawing
Nova Academy is responsible for sending you a written notice of cancellation if you are withdrawn for failing to attend your last known address. The confirmation from the school must state that the school has withdrawn your enrollment, and if this action was not the student's intent, the student must contact the school.
Institutional Return Policy
A refund is due if a student has completed less than 75% of their program and is determined as follows:
Calculate Completion Rate:
Divide the number of clock hours that a student actually attended by the number of clock hours of the program.
The completion rate must be calculated to the second decimal point (.xx).
Determine Refund Eligibility:
When a student has completed 75% of their program, the institution can keep the tuition, fees, and charges equal to:
The total tuition, fees, and charges multiplied by the completion rate
Plus the initial application fee
Plus the lesser of 25% of the total tuition or $100.
Important Notes:
Financial aid that has been previously applied to the student's account may have to be returned, which could result in a higher account balance.
In the event the student has a balance on their account when they leave school, they will be expected to make payment in full or establish an ACH payment plan within thirty (30) days or face collections.
Applicable Returns by the School May Be Returned in the Following Order:
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loans
Federal Direct Subsidized Student Loans
Federal Parent PLUS Student Loans
Federal Pell Grant Program
Federal SEOG (if applicable)
Funds calculated based on the Minnesota Office of Higher Education Refund Policy and the Appendix 13 Refund Calculation Worksheet of the Minnesota State Grant Manual and/or other federal, state, private, or institutional student financial assistance programs and/or to the student.
Return of Title IV Funds
Per federal guideline standards, a student must “earn” federal financial aid awards directly in proportion to the number of hours of the program scheduled. In other words, a student earns financial assistance as they attend school. If a student completely withdraws from school, the school must calculate the portion of the total scheduled financial assistance earned.
Divide the clock hours scheduled to have been completed as of the day the student withdrew (the last day attended as documented in the student database) by the total clock hours in the period. If this percentage is greater than 60%, the student earned 100% of the Total Title IV aid disbursed and could have been disbursed for the period. If this percentage is less than or equal to 60%, multiply the percentage of Title IV aid earned by the Total Title IV aid disbursed and that could have been disbursed. If the total Title IV aid disbursed for the period is greater than the Amount of Title IV aid earned, this amount of Title IV aid must be returned. If the Total Title IV aid disbursed for the period is less than the Amount of Title IV aid earned, this amount of Title IV aid would be a post-withdrawal disbursement. Multiply institutional charges for the period by the Percentage of unearned Title IV aid compare the amount of Title IV aid to be returned to the Amount of unearned charges. The lesser amount of the two is the school’s responsibility to return. From the total amount of Title IV aid that must be returned subtract the amount to be returned by the school. If the total is greater than zero, the student is responsible for returning that remaining balance. If the student has received personal payments of Title IV aid, he/she may be required to refund the aid to the applicable program.
The Institution must offer any post-withdrawal disbursement of loan funds within 30 days of the date the school determined the student withdrew. Nova Academy of Cosmetology must always return any unearned Title IV funds it is responsible for returning within 45 days of the date the school determined the student withdrew.
Nova Academy of Cosmetology must disburse any Title IV grant funds a student is due as part of a post-withdrawal disbursement within 45 days of the date the school determined the student withdrew and disburse any loan funds a student accepts within 180 days of the date the Institution determined the student withdrew.
Post-Withdrawl Disbursement of Title IV Grant Funds
Nova Academy of Cosmetology is permitted to credit a student's account with the post-withdrawal disbursement of Title IV grant funds without the student's permission for current charges for tuition, fees up to the amount of outstanding charges. Nova Academy must obtain a student's authorization to credit a student's account with Title IV grant funds for charges other than current charges.
Minnesota State Return Policy
To determine the proportional share of Non-Title IV Financial Aid package for a refund, take the amount of funds (financial aid, cash) applied to the original institutional charges to the student to date during the student's program and for the current aid year, including any post-withdrawal disbursements of Title IV financial aid applied to institutional charges.
If funds exceed the original institutional charges, enter the amount of original institutional charges. Subtract the amount of original institutional charges the school can retain per its institutional or state-mandated refund policy. If the gross refund is not greater than zero, then no refund is due to the state financial aid programs. Subtract the amount of the institutional share of any required refund for Title IV financial aid programs. Net Refund of Institutional Charges If the net refund is not greater than zero, then no refund is due to state financial aid programs.
To determine the proportional share of the Non-Title IV Financial Aid Package for a refund, list all non-Title IV financial aid disbursed to the student to date during the student's program and for the current aid year. Take the amount disbursed by the State Financial Program times the percent of the total amount of Non-Title IV Aid disbursed, and this equals the percentage to be refunded back to the State Financial Aid Programs.
Veteran's Refund Policy
In the event that a veteran’s beneficiary enrolls under the provisions of Title 38, US Code and/or Title 10, US Code and discontinues training before completion of the program, Nova Academy of Cosmetology will retain ten dollars ($10) as a bona fide registration cost. All other advance payments of tuition, fees, and other charges will be refunded to the trainee on a pro-rata basis computed to the date of discontinuance of training.
Student Records Policy
Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (“FERPA”), Nova Academy of Cosmetology has established a policy for the review, release and amendment of student records.
As stipulated in the Privacy Act, Nova Academy of Cosmetology requires written authorization from the student or parents/ guardians of dependent minors before we will release any information about the student to any agency or prospective employer. Student’s records are protected under the Privacy Act and are treated with the utmost confidentiality by all personnel. Access to these records is available to the student or parents/ guardians of dependent minors by appointment under supervision of the school. Governing and accrediting agencies have the right to review records. FERPA provides that “directory information” as defined by the school may be made available to the public unless within 10 business days after enrolling in a program at Nova Academy of Cosmetology, a student delivers a written request to the Director of Education that the Directory Information on that student not be made public. Nova Academy of Cosmetology defines directory information as a student’s name, address, telephone numbers, program attended and dates attended.
Notice of Right to Access
Students may request access to their files at anytime. Access to these records is available to the student or parents/ guardians of dependent minors by appointment under supervision of the school. The school will respond to this request within 10 days. To request a transcript fill out the form on our website under student, consumer information select official & unofficial transcript request and pay fee.
Notice of Right to Release of Information
Each student parents/ guardians of dependent minors parents/ guardians of dependent minors may authorize the release of their records in writing. Nova Academy will accommodate within 10 days of the request submission date. Students may obtain a release of information form from the Student Services office or designate persons to receive financial information on their Application for Financial Services. The student must sign the form, giving the school permission to release only the designated information. It is highly recommended that students complete this form when interviewing at salons, and salons contact the school about the student.
Retention Policy
Nova Academy retains all required student records, including enrollment agreements, academic progress reports, and financial records, for a minimum of fiifty (50) years from the student’s last date of attendance, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and accrediting body requirements.
Pre-Enrollment Acknowledgement
As required by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology, students must acknowledge that they have received the following documents before enrollment:
- Licensure requirements for their chosen program
- The school catalog
- The refund policy
- School rules and regulations
Students are provided with the catalog and complete a program acknowledgment prior to enrollment.