Colleges use Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as a benchmark to assess students’ steady progress toward graduation. More importantly, SAP has a direct impact on financial aid eligibility. If a student does not maintain SAP, they risk losing federal, state, and institutional funding. SAP is measured by three areas: (1) a minimum GPA, (2) completion of credit hours, and (3) a maximum time frame based on the specific course of study. All colleges have their own set of SAP requirements that follow underlying federal regulations. These requirements should be continually assessed by the financial aid office.
What are the common requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?
However requirements vary per college and financial aid program, students must generally maintain a GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale with at least 67% of the credits they are trying to earn in good standing. They must also remain within a 150% maximum completion timewhich, for example, would equate to 6 years for a traditional 4-year degree program.
In addition to these minimum requirements, a school’s SAP policy will also include:
- the effects of transferred credits, incomplete courses, dropouts, repeated courses and change of major;
- the frequency of assessments;
- what happens if the requirements are not met;
- how to submit an appeal, if permitted; and
- how to regain eligibility for federal aid.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) at work
Take John, for example. John is pursuing his bachelor’s degree and relies on federal aid to pay for his education, so it’s important to him that he maintain SAP. At the end of each semester, John’s University evaluates his performance and reports this information to his financial aid office. By the end of his fall semester, John has maintained a GPA of 3.2, completed 13 of 15 enrolled credits (87%) and is expected to graduate within the time limit of his 4-year bachelor’s degree program. Has it maintained SAP?
Let’s see how he stacks up against his college standards:
| John | University | |
|---|---|---|
| GPA (out of 4.0) | 3.2 | 2.0 |
| Accumulation of credit attempts | 87% | 67% |
| Maximum delay (150%) | 4.5 years | 6 years |
The answer is yes. Because John has met all of the requirements for his university, he has maintained SAP and will continue to be eligible for federal aid.
But what happens in a different scenario? Let’s say that John passed 9 of the 15 credits listed. As a result, his cumulative GPA is calculated at 2.13. Because of the 6 failed credits (9 out of 15 completed), his academic advisor says he will likely graduate even later. Has it maintained SAP?
| John | University | |
|---|---|---|
| GPA (out of 4.0) | 2.13 | 2.0 |
| Accumulation of credit attempts | 60% | 67% |
| Maximum delay (150%) | 5.5 years | 6 years |
In this scenario, because John has not met the Attempts Cumulative Credits requirement, he has not met SAP. However, her school will likely send her a warning first. Typically, warning periods last for an additional semester, during which time John will be expected to strive to meet all three measurement requirements by the end of his internship. Ultimately, he should meet with his academic advisor or financial aid office to discuss next steps.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) FAQs
When is SAP calculated?
Generally, SAP is calculated at the end of each semester, although some colleges calculate SAP annually after each spring semester. Students should check with their college financial aid office for their preferred schedule.
What if you don’t meet SAP?
SAP has a direct impact on financial aid eligibility. If students are in good standing, so is their financial aid. But if students do not comply with SAP, their financial aid is at risk due to federal regulations. Federal, state, or institutional assistance will be withheld until SAP is achieved.
How do you typically use SAP?
Typically, students are asked to write a letter or submit an appeal form to their school’s financial aid office. The call should detail why they were unable to maintain SAP, how they plan to improve, and the tools they will use to achieve this. Supporting documents are strongly suggested. Some colleges also require students to submit an Academic Improvement Plan signed by their advisor. Since requirements vary by school, students should contact their financial aid office for more information.
Is SAP the same as “academic status”?
No, these terms are different. Academic level is strictly defined by GPA, while SAP includes additional parameters such as progression towards completion in the form of credit hours and time limits.
Do all successfully attempted credits count for SAP?
No not all. For successfully attempted credits to count, students must take courses that are earned toward their degree. For example, if a student is enrolled in 15 credits, but 6 of those credits are not included in their degree progression, those 6 credits will not be included in the SAP formula.
What happens to your SAP if you change major?
As a general rule, students changing majors must still maintain SAP and meet all requirements. Any credits earned in the previous major will generally count towards the cumulative GPA, although this may vary from university to university. Some colleges may allow students to establish a new SAP plan for their new degree. When in doubt, students should always refer to their academic advisor and financial aid office for further information.
Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Remember that SAP takes your GPA, completed credit hours, and pace into account. To maintain SAP, try to enroll in at least 15 credits per semester, work hard, study hard, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you feel like you’re falling behind, don’t wait until you have to appeal – be proactive. And, if you change specialties or change schools, know that you will probably have to comply with SAP. Your financial aid office is the best place to find the latest information on SAP, so don’t hesitate to contact them with any questions. Most importantly, faculty, advisors, and staff are all available to help you navigate the process.
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