What is a "SAP" Policy?
SAP is a term that pertains to financial aid eligibility, and recent discussions of the policy are a result of new federal regulations incorporated into the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, which require students to be making Satisfactory Academic Progress in order to continue to receive federal financial aid. This federal aid includes all Direct Student Loans, Pell Grants, Federal Work Study, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Perkins Loans and Parent PLUS Loans.
The purpose of the change to this regulation is to prevent students from indefinitely continuing to receive federal aid and to ensure program integrity. The primary change in the regulation is a “no tolerance” policy. This no longer allows for an automatic warning period with continuation of aid for students who failed to meet standards. Previously, these students were granted an automatic grace period during which time they could work towards returning to good standing while still receiving aid. New regulations require that students who fail to make Satisfactory Academic Progress automatically lose their aid immediately.
Satisfactory Academic Progress is determined by three factors. Students must achieve the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) required for good standing at their institution. (For many schools, this is a 2.0 or equivalent, although there may be a slightly lower standard for first-year students.) Students must be progressing on pace toward graduation (usually completing a minimum of 67% of attempted credits during a term). Students must complete their degree within 150% of the required credits required for a degree. (For example, if 120 credits are required for graduation, students must complete their degree within 180 attempted credits.) Each school adapts these requirements to fit its own calculations and degree requirements.
Students are reviewed at least annually for compliance with SAP. Those who have not achieved required standards lose federal aid, but may appeal to continue. Documentation of extenuating circumstances is usually required. The deciding committee at each school will determine whether they believe that the circumstances described will continue to interfere with the student’s progress.
Students whose appeals are granted may receive a semester of probation during which they will continue to receive aid. They will need to achieve Satisfactory Academic Progress by the end of that semester. For some students, for whom it may not be mathematically possible to achieve SAP by the end of the semester (because their GPA was too low, for instance) the college will create an Academic Plan which will contain clear conditions and expectations for what the student must accomplish within a determined timeframe.
The new federal SAP regulations require that institutions monitor student progress carefully. They are intended to ensure that students are making reasonable progress toward a college degree in order to continue to receive federal aid. If your student receives federal aid and is struggling, work closely with the financial aid office to help you and your student understand the specific requirements. If you know that your student is struggling, don’t wait until the official letter arrives. Help your student understand what may be at stake.
This post is intended to be an overview of SAP Policy only. Please check with your student’s institution for specific explanation of regulations and processes.
