Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Financial Aid

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Related Information

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a set of academic standards students must meet to continue receiving financial aid. These standards are put into place to ensure students are making progress toward completing their program of study. 

2025/2026 Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy (coming soon)

Why is SAP important?

If a student does not meet SAP standards, they could lose eligibility for financial aid, impacting their ability to pay for school.

SAP Standards are evaluated at the end of each semester and require that students:

  • Must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 (GPA)
  • Must successfully complete at least 67% of all credits attempted (completion rate)
  • Cannot enroll and receive financial aid for more than 150% of the number of credits required for your program of study (maximum timeframe)

If students do not meet the SAP standards, they may be placed on financial aid warning or disqualification. 

Warning

Students may generally receive one warning term. If a student is placed on warning, they will still receive aid for the next semester, but must improve academic performance to continue receiving aid. Please note, students disqualified for Maximum Timeframe will not receive a warning status. 

Disqualification

if a student fails to meet SAP after a warning term, they may be disqualified. If a student is disqualified, they may submit a SAP Appeal. Being disqualified means that a student is not eligible for financial aid funds without an approved appeal. Appeals cannot be submitted after the end of the term. Appeals are processed on a first-come first-served basis. Please allow 2-4 weeks for processing. 

Probation

if a student submits a financial aid appeal, and it is approved, they will be placed on a probation status which will require that they maintain a 2.0 GPA and 100% completion rate each term until they return to meeting SAP standards. 

 

Students who believe that circumstances beyond their control that impacted their academic performance may submit a SAP appeal to the Financial Aid Office through their Student Forms account. 

Appeals should include:

  • Detailed statement of the circumstances that caused the student not to meet SAP. The student must address circumstances that took place for any semester in which they received non-passing or withdrawal grades.
  • Supporting documentation of the circumstances that are being described in the statement.
  • An updated Comprehensive Education Plan completed with a Cuyamaca College Academic Counselor. 

 

  • Stay Organized: Keep track of important deadlines and requirements
  • Seek Help Early: Seek help from academic advisors or tutors when needed
  • Plan Ahead: Work with an academic advisor to plan course schedules and track progress
  • Monitor Progress: Regularly check GPA and completion rate to ensure SAP standards are being met

 

 

Please contact the Financial Aid Office with additional questions.


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