Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards Policy for Financial Aid

Federal Regulations require that all schools participating in Federal Financial Aid programs establish standards to monitor the level of academic advancement of students. These standards are called Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Students can lose their eligibility for financial aid by failing to maintain SAP. There are two primary components in measuring SAP: A Qualitative (grades) and Quantitative (credits) measure.

Students who do not meet the qualitative and/or quantitative measurements are placed on financial aid suspension and not allowed to receive financial aid. Students placed on financial aid suspension may appeal their financial aid suspension by submitting a SAP Appeal.

Students who have had their financial aid suspended may submit a SAP Appeal. SAP appeals are only considered if there are extenuating circumstances that prevented a student from making satisfactory academic progress. Valid reasons for an appeal may include:

• Medical emergencies
• Severe health issues
• Severe personal or family problems
• Serious illness or death of a family member

The appeal must consist of a personal statement explaining why they did not meet SAP standards, what steps they are taking to ensure their performance will meet SAP, along with supporting documentation to substantiate their circumstances, such as medical reports, obituaries, or police reports. Appeals submitted without supporting documentation may be denied and the student may not be able to re-appeal.

Appeals not meeting the definition of "extenuating circumstances" will not be accepted. Submission of an appeal does NOT GUARANTEE reinstatement of a student's financial aid. Therefore, students should be prepared to pay for their books and other school-related expenses pending the outcome of their appeal.