Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy?


The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended by Congress, mandates that institutions of higher education establish minimum standards of "Satisfactory Academic Progress" (SAP) for students receiving federal financial aid. These standards apply to all Federal Title IV aid programs including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, TEACH Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Direct Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, and Federal Work-Study.

The Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards apply to all students seeking federal Title IV financial aid, regardless of whether a student has received Title IV financial aid in the past. This policy was effective beginning with the 2015-2016 academic year. This policy is cumulative and includes all students and all periods of enrollment, whether or not aid was received for that period. This policy refers only to federal financial aid. Information on the PA State Grant's satisfactory academic progress policy is defined separately below.


APPEAL YOUR SAP STATUS

If you did not make Satisfactory Academic Progress after the 2021-2022 academic year and plan to appeal for the 2022-2023 academic year, the priority deadline to submit this form depends on the semester you begin enrollment for the 2022-2023 academic year.

  • Fall Semester Start: The priority deadline is Wednesday, July 6, 2022
  • Spring Semester Start: The priority deadline is Wednesday, December 21, 2022.
    • The final deadline to submit appeals is no later than the first day of the semester you are beginning enrollment. Appeals submitted after the start of the semester will not be accepted, and no exceptions made will be made.

Processing Timeline and Reminders:

  • Appeals are reviewed in the order they are received and students will be notified if they have been approved or denied aid for the 2022-2023 academic year.
  • If your appeal form and other documentation are not received by the priority deadline for your enrollment start, there is no guarantee that your appeal will be reviewed prior to the bill due date for the semester. You will be responsible for any balance due to the university and will need to arrange payment with the Office of Student Accounts (OSA).