Satisfactory Academic Progress

Read the full Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

What is Satisfactory Progress (SP)?
Satisfactory Progress (SP) is the term used to denote a student's successful completion of coursework toward a certificate or degree. Federal regulations require the Office of Student Financial Assistance to monitor the progress of each student toward certificate/degree completion. Students who fall behind in their coursework, or fail to achieve minimum standards for grade point average and completion of classes, may lose their eligibility for all types of federal and state aid, and University aid administered by OSFA.

What is required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress?

Maintain a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)
Generally, the minimum GPA for undergraduate and graduate students is 2.0. For students who have attempted 60 credit hours or more, a 2.0 GPA is required to continue financial aid eligibility.

Maintain minimum completion rate for attempted credit hours
While students are expected to enroll at least part-time to be eligible for financial assistance, each student must complete at least 75% of the hours their financial aid was based upon each semester in order to continue eligibility. For example, an undergraduate student enrolls and receives financial aid for 12 credit hours, and completes only 9 credit hours, has completed the required 75% of financial aid hours.

Complete a degree or certificate program in no more than 150% of the average length of the program
Students are expected to complete degree requirements within a reasonable time frame based on the average length of their program. Students must complete graduation requirements in no more than 150% of the average length of their program.

How am I notified when I fail to achieve Satisfactory Academic Progress standards?
At the end of each semester, OSFA will review the progress of each student. If you have not met all Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards, you will be notified in writing via U.S. Mail.

What is a Satisfactory Academic Progress Warning?
Satisfactory Academic Progress Warning occurs when your academic progress has fallen below a level of standard during a fall semester. In this case, a warning letter is mailed to you at the end of the semester. The warning allows you to receive financial aid for the spring semester on a probationary basis, meaning you have the spring semester to make up any deficiencies as well as successfully complete your spring semester coursework.
If, then, you do not complete the necessary deficiencies or you do not successfully complete the spring semester, you will be ineligible to receive federal financial aid for subsequent semesters.

What if special circumstances exist that prevented me from making Satisfactory Academic Progress?
If you feel that unique circumstances exist, you may appeal the decision in writing to the Financial Assistance Appeals Committee. This appeal requires a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form, a copy of your unofficial transcript, as well as supporting documentation.