Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

SAP: How to Maintain Aid Eligibility

Satisfactory academic progress (SAP) refers to the successful completion of coursework required for earning a degree or certificate. This policy applies to all students who receive federal and state financial aid, PPSC scholarships, grants, and Career Advance Colorado.

To maintain aid eligibility, you must meet the following conditions:

GPA and Completion Rate. Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and complete 67% of all attempted courses. You cannot have completely failed or withdrawn from your most recent semester
Maximum Time Frame: Complete your academic program within 150% of the specified credit hours in the PPSC course catalog. For example, for a 60-credit program, finish before earning 90 credits.

If you fail these standards, you cannot receive federal student aid and will lose aid eligibility.

However, if you are facing extenuating circumstances, you can appeal your ineligibility.

You will also immediately become ineligible for
financial aid if they receive all F’s, W’s, I’s,

or a combination of these grades for one semester.

SAP Evaluation Frequency

Satisfactory academic progress (SAP) is evaluated at the end of each semester, including fall, spring, and summer terms. Outstanding grades can affect or delay your SAP status decision.

If you fall short of GPA, Completion Rate, or Maximum Time Frame requirements, you will be placed on warning for the next semester.

How does Financial Aid Warning Status Affect Me?

During the warning semester, you can still receive financial aid but must meet SAP standards by the end. If not, your aid will be suspended until your SAP improves.

Note: However, if you are facing extenuating circumstances, you can appeal your ineligibility.

Learn More About Appeals

Financial Aid Status Definitions

You are meeting both GPA & Completion Rate (qualitative) and Maximum Time Frame (quantitative) requirements successfully.

You have fallen below a 2.0 GPA and/or below a 67% completion ratio (i.e. only completed 67% of your attempted classes). While in warning you are expected to improve your academic standing and degree progress, to meet standards of SAP at the end of the semester.

If your financial aid appeal has been approved, you will be placed on probation. You may have conditions that are required by the Financial Aid Office that you must adhere to if you are to remain on financial aid.

You have attempted more than 110% of the credits required for your degree program. Be careful - aid can only be funded up to 150% of your program's total credit hours.

You are no longer eligible for federal or state funds due to not meeting GPA & Completion Rate (qualitative) and Maximum Time Frame (quantitative) conditions.

Your are ineligible due to either your cumulative GPA has fallen under 2.0 and/or your course completion rate has fallen under 67% for two consecutive semesters (one following your warning semester).

Look for an email from the Financial Aid Office with details and informational on how to appeal.

Academic Plans are for student whose appeals are approved but cannot meet the qualitative requirements by the end of their next period of enrollment.

If your appeal is approved, you may be placed on an Academic Plan, to ensure you meet SAP standards by a specific time. It is important that you keep a copy of this and follow the conditions outlined.

Failure to meet the conditions of your Academic Plan will result in you being placed back on financial aid suspension.

A Degree Plan is for students whose appeal was approved for the quantitative measurement and they are only approved for a specific # of credits.