Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy for Students who Receive Financial Aid
All students awarded financial aid must make continual satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward a degree or certificate to receive any type of financial aid (including loans).
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is measured by:
- A student’s cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)
- The number of credits earned in relation to the number they have tried, and
- The maximum time frame allowed to complete an academic program
A student’s entire academic history will be reviewed for the purposes of determining satisfactory and will include all courses taken, even if not paid by financial aid. Progress will be reviewed at the end of every academic year. For students in One Year Certificate programs, progress will be evaluated after the first semester.
STANDARDS REQUIRED
1. Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA):
Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA.Example:
| Number of Credits Attempted (Associate’s) | Required Minimum Cumulative GPA |
|---|---|
| 1 – 12 | 1.7 |
| 13 – 24 | 1.8 |
| Above 24 | 2.0 |
2. Cumulative credits earned:
A student’s academic progress will be measured by comparing the number of attempted credit hours with the credit hours earned. Students must complete at least 66% of all courses attempted.
EXAMPLE: If a student is registered for three (3 credit) courses in a given semester, he or she must successfully complete at least two of them. (6 credits divided by 9 credits = 66%).
All courses are considered credits attempted whether or not the course is completed. (Course withdrawals (W, WP, or FW) and courses where students have been dropped for non-participation (NF or NW) will be included in this assessment.) Any incompletes (I or IF) that are not completed by the end of the following term will be coded as a failure (F).
Students may repeat a course. Once a minimum grade of “C” is attained, no future repeat will be supported by financial aid.
Transfer credits will be counted as attempted and earned credits in the calculation for determining satisfactory academic progress. A student changing academic program must be maintaining SAP in the original program to be eligible for aid in the first semester of the new program.
3. Maximum time allowed: Students must complete their program in at least 150% of the time expected for a degree or certificate (excluding a maximum of 30 credits of any developmental coursework required). Students will not receive financial aid after they have reached the 150% maximum.
EXAMPLE:
| Degree/Certificate AttemptedSupported with Aid | Credits Required | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Networking Certificate | 28 credits | 42 credits |
| Associate’s Criminal Justice | 66 credits | 99 credits |
Students changing their major will have their status determined by the number of transfer credits applicable to their new program. A student changing academic program must be maintaining SAP in the original program to be eligible for aid in the first semester of the new program.
Probation/Termination of Financial Aid
Students are responsible for maintaining academic progress. Students who do not meet standards of satisfactory progress will automatically be placed on financial aid probation for the following semester. Financial aid may still be received during the probation period, however at the end of the probation period the student must again be making satisfactory academic progress or financial aid can be suspended. Students who are on Academic Suspension at any time are automatically placed on Financial Aid Suspension. All students who are on financial probation must meet with a counselor.
Appeal Process
If students fail to meet academic standards due to circumstances beyond their control, they may appeal to the Financial Aid Office’s Appeals Committee. Appeals must be submitted in writing by filing a SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS APPEAL FORM. It is critical that a student explain what changes have been made to ensure academic success should the appeal be approved.
The Financial Aid Office will notify the student by mail of the appeal decision within two weeks of the date the appeal was received in the office or after the semester final grades have been posted. Students whose appeals are approved will remain academically eligible for financial aid for the courses needed to complete their program of study.
At the end of each semester, the student’s academic progress will once again be reviewed. If the conditions of the appeal are not met, the appeal will be void and the student will no longer be eligible for financial aid.
