Office of Student Financial Aid

How is SAP for Financial Aid different from the University’s Academic Standing?

1. Academic Standing for the University is generally based only on your GPA standing while financial aid SAP standards are based on 3 components:  
   1. Qualitative (GPA/Academic Standing)
   2. Quantitative (passing rate of at least 67% of your attempted hours)
   3. Aggregate/Maximum Time allowance (total attempted hours should not exceed 150% of your degree)

What is the SAP Academic Plan?

1. If your appeal is approved, you will be placed on a SAP academic plan and must adhere to the specifics of the plan during the approved semester(s) for continued eligibility until you once again meet SAP standards.

When is SAP evaluated?

1. SAP is monitored annually after spring semester grades are available for all students.  Students who are on an approved SAP academic plan are monitored at the end of each approved semester.

How do I appeal my SAP status?

1. SAP appeals are submitted before the deadline through our secure portal, Student Forms. To set up your StudentForms account through AppalNet, follow these instructions. Learn how to upload documents here.  Submitting an appeal does not guarantee approval but a well-written and supported appeal with documentation is more likely to be successful. We highly encourage you to appeal to regain your eligibility.

What happens if I don’t meet SAP standards?

1. If you do not meet SAP standards at the SAP evaluation period you are no longer eligible for financial aid.  This includes federal aid, state aid, most institutional and most outside scholarships.  If extenuating circumstances prevented you from meeting the minimum requirements,we encourage you to complete an appeal. The appeal will allow you to be considered for financial aid while not meeting SAP standards.

I want to withdraw from the University.  How will this affect my future SAP status?

1. Withdrawn courses are included in your overall attempted hours.  This will impact both your passing rate and your aggregate limit for SAP.
2. Example:  A student attempted and passed 12 credit hours in the fall with a 3.5 GPA.  During spring semester, the student attempted 15 credit hours but had an unexpected illness in February that caused them to withdraw from the semester. During the SAP evaluation at the end of spring, even though their GPA was a 3.5, their passing rate was below 67% and therefore are no longer eligible for aid.  Their passing rate was 44% (12 passed hours divided by 27 attempted hours).

What hours are included in the Aggregate/Maximum time allowance?

1. All semesters, credit hours,course repeats, and transferred credits are counted toward the SAP maximum time allowance, regardless of whether you received financial aid. All attempted credit hours are counted toward the maximum time allowance.

If I am denied financial aid because I’m not meeting SAP, will I still be eligible to attend the University?

1. Yes, you are still eligible to attend the University as long as you are meeting the academic progress standards for the school.  However, you are no longer eligible for federal aid, state aid, most institutional and most outside scholarships.

Should I meet with my academic advisor before I appeal?

1. It is highly recommended that you meet with your academic advisor before filing an appeal to explore ways to establish a realistic plan towards graduation.

What should I include in my appeal if I lost eligibility due to GPA and/or passing rate?

1. Clearly state the purpose of your appeal
2. Explain the extenuating circumstances that impacted your academic performance (e.g., illness, family emergency, personal challenges) 
3. Explain the steps you took or are taking for future success.  Such steps could include:  outline your academic plan with your advisor, utilize campus resources, seek counseling or time management strategies, etc.
4. Be honest and specific in your details.  
5. Documentation must be included with your appeal and should support your statement.  It should support either what happened, what has changed or both and should clearly align with the time period in question.  Examples could include:  medical documents, counselor/therapist supporting letters, advising supporting letters or recent academic plan, legal documents, etc.

What must I include in my appeal if I lost eligibility due to Maximum time allowance?

1. Clearly state the purpose of your appeal
2. Explain the reasons you have exceeded the attempted hours limit (changed majors, multiple programs, extenuating circumstances, etc.)
3. Explain your plan to successfully complete your program within a reasonable amount of time.
4. Be honest and specific in your details.
5. Documentation must be included with your appeal and should support your plan for completing your program. Examples can include a copy of a degree works or academic plan arranged with your advisor.

What if my extenuating circumstances/reasons are the same as I submitted in a previous appeal?

1. SAP appeals cannot be approved multiple times for the same reason or circumstance.  However, if new occurrences related to the circumstances happened then you would need to explain the new information and provide documentation to support the new circumstance.

How soon after submitting my appeal will I know the results?

1. Students will be notified of the appeal decision by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee within 30 days of the completed appeal being reviewed.

My appeal was denied but I didn’t mention all of the circumstances that impacted my ability to make Satisfactory Academic Progress.  Can I submit another appeal to further explain my situation?

1. Secondary appeal submissions are allowed.  If your appeal is denied and you would like to appeal again, please drop into walk in hours or make an appointment to see a counselor to discuss your options.

If my appeal is denied, what are my options for paying for school?

1. There are a number of options available to help you cover your costs if your appeal is denied.  There are private loans and monthly payment plans available to all students regardless of SAP status.  Drop into walk in hours or make an appointment to see a counselor to discuss your options.

What if I choose not to submit an appeal?  How can I regain eligibility?

1. To regain eligibility without appealing you must meet SAP standards while not receiving financial aid.