Satisfactory Academic Progress
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the standard you are measured by to determine if you are making progress towards completing your degree. If you do not meet SAP standards you may lose your financial aid eligibility. The United States Department of Education requires that financial aid students have their academic progress reviewed each academic year (fall, spring, and summer semesters) to determine if Satisfactory Academic Progress has been achieved.
Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress is required to maintain eligibility for grants, federal work-study, and student loans.
Basic Requirements:
- Overall GPA of 2.0
- Earn at least 67% of units you attempt each semester.
- Earn at least 67% of units you accept overall.
- Complete educational goals within the maximum timeframe.
How is pace calculated?
Pace is calculated by dividing the number of units earned by the number of units attempted.
Example: Student attempted 12 units in the fall semester and successfully completed 8 units. To calculate term pace: Divide 8 (units completed) by 12 (units attempted). The student completed 66.67% of courses attempted, which is below 67%. The student was required to complete 8.5 units, which calculates a term pace of 70.83%.
Complete Educational Goal Within Maximum Timeframe
Financial Aid students are required to have an educational goal of a certificate, associate degree or transfer program to be awarded aid.
Completing educational goals in a reasonable amount of time is essential, given the lifetime limits of Pell Grant and limits on Subsidized Loans. Students who don’t complete their educational goals within the maximum timeframe are considered “over units” and not eligible for aid.
Students with extenuating circumstances may submit an Education Plan and Request for Extension for consideration.
| Maximum Timeframe | ||
|---|---|---|
| Educational Goal | Average Units Required | Maximum Units Attempted Before Student is Over units |
| Certificate | 30 | 45 |
| Associate Degree | 60 | 90 |
| Transfer Program | 60 | 90 |
For More Information
Refer to the complete SAP Policy.