Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP)

All students must maintain SAP standards and be in academic good standing with Florida State University to be eligible to receive financial aid. SAP standards ensure that students are successfully completing their coursework and can continue to receive financial aid

What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?

Federal regulation (34 CFR 668.34) requires that schools establish a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirement regarding the maximum number of hours allowable to achieve the degree program sought. Additionally, it enforces minimum progress requirements for continued financial aid eligibility

When is SAP Evaluated?

Florida State University evaluates SAP for financial aid purposes annually, at the end of each spring semester. Students with a FAFSA on file will have their academic progress evaluated by mid-June and are notified by email if they are not meeting SAP standards

What Criteria Does SAP Review?

SAP reviews Qualitative Standard (minimum GPA standards), Quantitative Standard (number of credit hours taken, adjusted based on how many degrees you are pursuing), and Percentage Completed (at least 67% of credits attempted must be completed). Undergraduate, Graduate, Medical, and Law students have different SAP Requirements, so make sure to review your specific requirements

Not meeting SAP Standards?

If you are not meeting SAP standards, you will be notified by email before the upcoming academic aid year. Each appeal submitted requires documentation and/or participation with your academic advisor. Please read each form carefully to ensure you are submitting a complete appeal with the appropriate required documentation:

Appeal Based On Circumstances

If your academics were hindered by a verifiable illness or a documented extenuating circumstance, you can appeal the suspension of your financial aid by submitting a Satisfactory Progress Appeal Form based on circumstance

Appeal Based On Hours

If you are not meeting SAP standards due to high transfer hours or second degree, you can appeal the suspension of your financial aid by submitting a Satisfactory Progress Appeal Form based on credit hours

FAQ

How am I able to reinstate my financial aid if I am not meeting SAP?

If you have experienced an extenuating circumstance, then you may submit the Appeal Based on Circumstances. If you have high transfer hours or working on your second or more degrees, then submit the Appeal Based On Hours Evaluation

My SAP appeal was approved for one term only. How can I make sure that I keep my financial aid for future terms?

Pass all your classes and do not deviate from your academic plan. Should there be any changes to your academic plan, notify the Office of Financial Aid office immediately

If my appeal is denied, am I able to register for classes?

Yes, you will be able to register for classes if your student account balance is below $500. However, you must explore other options to pay for school

What are my options for paying for school if my appeal is denied?

If your appeal is denied, your options for paying your educational expenses are either to pay out of pocket, apply for scholarships, or apply for private student loans

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

Yes, you can submit another appeal along with supporting documentation

If I fail my academic plan at the end of the term, how can I get my financial aid reinstated for the next term?

You may submit a new appeal if you experienced an extenuating circumstance during the academic term that you failed

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

The SAP policy considers all attempted credit hours in the calculation of percentage completed. The hours that you attempted during the term in which you withdraw will still be included in the calculation to determine your credit hour completion rate and will also be included in the calculation of maximum hours completed. The term will be counted towards the maximum terms of enrollment

I have withdrawn from previous semesters for medical, health or personal reasons. Will this affect my SAP status?

The quantitative and percentage completed standards considers attempted credit hours in the calculations. Attempted credit hours include all courses in which a student is enrolled after the add/drop period has ended for the term and for which academic credit will be earned

How do I know if I am meeting SAP or not?

Financial Aid will notify you by your FSU email if you are placed on SAP. Students may also consult with a Financial Aid Office staff member

If I am working with a department on campus, do I need to still submit supporting documentation?

Whichever department you are working with should be able to provide a letter of support that you can submit to with your appeal. If that is the case, then you would do not have to submit any further documentation unless requested by Financial Aid

If I am working on my second bachelors or master’s degree, how will this impact my SAP status?

You will be notified via email that you are not meeting SAP standards. If you graduated with the first degree, then your hours can be recalculated manually. Please submit the Appeal Based On Hours Evaluation