Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

1. Completion Rate:
Complete at least 67% of all attempted credits.

2. Grade Point Average (GPA):
Undergraduate Students - Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
Graduate Students - Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

3.) Maximum Timeframe
Undergraduate Maximum Timeframe

• Complete the degree program within 150% of the published program length.
• Example: A program requiring 120 credits must be completed within a maximum of 180 attempted credits.

Graduate Maximum Timeframe

• The maximum timeframe for graduate students is measured in calendar time rather than attempted credits. Please refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy for the maximum timeframe applicable to each graduate program, as program lengths vary by degree type.

Passing SAP
The student meets all SAP requirements and remains eligible for federal financial aid.

Financial Aid Warning
If a student fails to meet one or more SAP requirements, they will be placed on Financial Aid Warning for one semester

While on Financial Aid Warning, the student remains eligible to receive federal financial aid but is expected to meet all SAP requirements by the end of the warning period.

If the student does not meet the SAP requirements at the conclusion of the warning period, they will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension and will no longer be eligible to receive federal financial aid unless a SAP appeal is submitted and approved.

Financial Aid Suspension
A student is placed on Financial Aid Suspension after failing to meet SAP requirements following a Financial Aid Warning semester.

Students on Financial Aid Suspension are not eligible to receive federal financial aid unless a SAP appeal is approved.

Students who fail to meet SAP requirements due to documented extenuating circumstances may submit a SAP Appeal for consideration.

To submit an appeal, the student must:

• Complete the SAP Appeal Form assigned in the Financial Aid Checklist. (hyperlink) 
• Provide acceptable supporting documentation.
• Complete all required sections of the appeal form.

Submission of an appeal does not guarantee approval or reinstatement of federal financial aid eligibility.

1. Examples of Extenuating Circumstances

Examples of circumstances that may be considered include:

• Death of an immediate family member or loved one
• Serious illness or injury of the student or an immediate family member
• Mental health conditions diagnosed by a licensed healthcare professional
• Divorce or other significant legal matters
• Significant disruption caused by a natural disaster
• Other documented circumstances beyond the student's control

2. Examples of Circumstances That Generally Will Not Be Considered

Examples include:

• Difficulty adjusting to college, campus life, teaching styles, or online learning
• Poor time management (such as enrolling in more courses than can reasonably be managed)
• Medical or mental health concerns that have not been diagnosed by a licensed healthcare provider

3. Required Supporting Documentation

Supporting documentation must be submitted to verify the unique circumstances experienced during the specific semester(s) in which the student was unable to maintain SAP.

Documentation should clearly support the circumstances described in the appeal and demonstrate how those circumstances affected the student's academic performance.

4. Student Statement

As part of the appeal, the student must:

• Explain the circumstances that prevented them from meeting SAP requirements.
• Describe how those circumstances have been resolved or improved.
• Outline the steps they will take to improve their academic performance and maintain SAP in future semesters

Appeal Decisions

SAP appeals are reviewed individually by the Office of Financial Aid. Students will be notified of the appeal decision through their university email. If approved, the student may be placed on Financial Aid Probation and may be required to follow an academic plan to maintain continued eligibility for federal financial aid. If denied, the student will remain ineligible for federal financial aid until SAP requirements are met.

I am in good standing academically. Why am I failing SAP

You are failing SAP because you are not meeting one or more of these requirements.

Completion Rate - Complete at least 67% of all attempted credits.

• Grade Point Average (GPA)
  • Undergraduate Students - Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2
  • Graduate Students - Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Undergraduate Maximum Timeframe
  • Complete the degree program within 150% of the published program length
  • Example: A program requiring 120 credits must be completed within a maximum of 180 attempted credits.
• Graduate Maximum Timeframe
  • The maximum timeframe for graduate students is measured in calendar time rather than attempted credits. Please refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy for the maximum timeframe applicable to each graduate program, as program lengths vary by degree type.

What is Federal Aid?
Federal Work Study, Federal Pell Grant, Federal  Direct Loans, Federal Supplemental Grant, and Federal PLUS loans. 

Will SAP affect my institutional financial aid eligibility?
No, SAP has no impact on your institutional financial aid.  

I did not meet SAP standards. What are my options for paying for school?
If your appeal for financial aid reinstatement is not approved, you must make alternative arrangements to finance your education. You may choose to apply for a private loan during this period. Keep in mind that not all lenders will approve a private loan if you do not meet SAP. View the preferred private loan lender list available here

Where can I submit my SAP appeal and supporting documents?
All documents to be included in the appeal should be submitted in the SAP appeal available on your Financial Aid Checklist

Can I register for classes while my SAP appeal is being considered?
Yes, you can register for classes while under financial aid suspension, but you are responsible for all costs incurred, regardless of the outcome of the SAP appeal.