Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
All federal, state, and local financial aid recipients are expected to maintain acceptable progress towards their studies or other activities to successfully complete a program of study within the maximum timeframe. This is called Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Satisfactory Academic Progress is measured by the following:
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
- Pass 67% of the credits in which the student is enrolled.
- Students can receive federal funding up to duration of eligibility, which is up to 150% of the time the program usually requires for completion.
- Each student receiving financial aid will have his or her academic progress and duration of eligibility reviewed each semester.
Financial Aid Warning
Students failing to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements for the previous semester will receive a financial aid warning for the next semester. Students will be notified in writing that they have been placed on “warning” status. Students will be able to receive aid for the warning term. However, for financial aid eligibility to continue, students must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements by the end of the probation term.
Financial Aid / Academic Probation
Financial aid students who fail to maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA for two semesters in a row and/or fail to complete at least 67% of the courses in which they are enrolled for two consecutive semesters will be placed on financial aid probation and must stop-out of college for one full semester (fall or spring). Financial aid probation status is recorded on student transcripts.
Students can appeal for reinstatement of financial aid after they have either:
- Attended a semester and completed the required number of credits earning at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA.
- Receive approval of an appeal
Financial Aid Appeal Procedures
Students have the right to appeal financial aid decisions by appealing directly to the Financial Aid Administrator. The Financial Aid Administrator will review the appeal and try to resolve the issue or issues with the student directly. If the attempt to resolve the issue or issues is unsuccessful, Financial Aid has the option to either make a decision in the case or refer the appeal to the Financial Aid Advisory Committee. The Committee will make a recommendation on the appeal to the Financial Aid Administrator. The Financial Aid Administrator can accept the Committee’s recommendation or reject it. The Financial Aid Administrator has the final authority on all student financial aid appeals.
Students who have been placed on financial aid probation or who have exceeded the 150% program of study limit may file an appeal if they have extenuating circumstances. Financial aid appeal forms can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office. The appeal and the documentation will be reviewed by the Financial Aid Administrator and students will receive written notification of the result of their appeal within 14 days of submission of their documentation. If the appeal is granted, the student will be able to receive aid for the term(s) listed in the notification. However, for financial aid eligibility to continue, students must meet the Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) requirements by the end of the term specified in the notification. All appeal decisions are final.