Satisfactory Academic Progress –Financial Aid Eligibility Policy
Federal regulations require that all students make Satisfactory Academic Progress in a program of study to maintain eligibility for financial aid. SAP requirements are different for Undergraduate and Graduate students. Each University Financial Aid Office develops its own SAP Policy in accordance with federal guidelines. It is IMPORTANT that as soon as you accept admission to the college of your choice Thoroughly READ the SAP Policy located on the college’s financial aid website.
What is the SAP?
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards ensure that you are successfully completing your coursework and can continue to receive financial aid. All students receiving financial aid are required to meet SAP standard, 67% or higher must be earned of the number of credit hours at the end of each semester/term that a student attempts.
Federal regulations require the University to establish, publish, and apply standards to monitor your progress toward completing your degree program. If you fail to meet the SAP standards, you will be placed on financial aid warning or suspension. Your academic performance must meet the SAP standards below:
1.Minimum GPA: Undergraduate students’ cumulative and semester GPA must meet University standards. Financial aid eligibility will be cancelled
immediately for any student who is academically suspended or dismissed at most Universities.
2. Percentage Completion Rate: At most Universities, undergraduate students must earn a minimum percentage of their registered hours (also known
as locked hours) at the end of schedule adjustment to remain eligible for financial aid each semester (including summer).
Schedule adjustment (also known as drop/add) typically ends on the fifth to the tenth day of classes… Be sure to read your University Bulletin or Website Please for specific dates and terms.
Undergraduate students must earn 67% (or a maximum of 12 hour s) of their locked hours at the end of the
semester/term. To calculate the minimum hours required, multiply the number of credit hours at the end of schedule adjustment
(locked hours on ) by .67 (normal rounding rules apply to the percentage, not the hours). Some Universities may offer courses that
Are in .5 increments and those will most likely be taken into consideration by the financial aid department.
Example: A student has 12 hours at the end of schedule adjustment. The student would need to earn a minimum of
8 hours to remain eligible for further financial aid (12 x 0.67 = 8.04). Since 8 hours is 66.67% of 12, a student is allowed to
round the percentage to 67% which meets the policy requirements (since normal rounding rules apply at most Universities).
3. Cumulative Completion Rate: Each semester an undergraduate student must also maintain a minimum of 67%
cumulative hours attempted to remain in good standing. Divide earned hours by attempted hours (including grades of W) to
calculate the cumulative completion rate. The result must be 67% or greater to remain in compliance (normal rounding rules
apply at most Universities).
4. Maximum Time Frame:
An undergraduate student seeking a first degree is eligible to receive financial aid for a maximum of 150% of the hours required
for the degree (maximum of 180 attempted hours). A student pursuing a second undergraduate degree is eligible to receive
financial aid for a maximum of 150% of the hours required for the second degree (maximum of 228 hours including hours for
first degree). Hours dropped after schedule adjustment are included in locked hours and therefore are counted in total attempted
hours for financial aid. All grades of W are required to be counted in the total attempted hours. The Maximum Time Frame may vary by Universitiy.
Check your Univeristy’s SAP Policy closely
Exceptions: These may not apply at all Universities, however for most NC Universities these were similar exceptions noted……
*NR (not reported) is used for instances in which a final grade is not reported by the end of the semester. The NR carries 0
grade points and clearly marks no grade was given. The grade of NR will be treated like an F when calculating SAP.
* A grade of IP is not satisfactory for undergraduate courses.
* AP credits and CLEP courses do not count as hours towards making up credit hour deficiencies. Neither does transferred credits from Community Colleges.
* Grades of W must be counted in total attempted credit hours.
SAP Warning
Be advised the first time a student does not meet SAP standards, Universities place students on Financial Aid Warning. This means students are one semester/term away from losing their financial aid eligibility. (See attachment about appeal policies that ae set by your University).
I am sending this information because Students/Parents deserved to be informed early of the expectations of Financial Aid. Also, why getting C’s and D’s could lead to loss of financial aid and potentially cause a student to have to sit out a semester or more due to lack of funds to pay tuition. I have seen this scenario happen many times, it is a very difficult and time consuming task to re-gain financial aid eligibility once it is lost. The article attached is quite informative and provides valuable information. I encourage you to be informed and inquisitive, to be globally competitive and prepared. knowledge has great power because it controls access to opportunity and advancement that fosters professional /personal growth …vital attributes desired by universities and employers.