Satisfactory Academic Progress
The Office of Financial Aid is required by federal regulations to monitor all students’ academic progress toward completing their degree. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is evaluated at the end of each term, including summer. All transferred credits are included in the calculation. It also includes credits taken with or without receiving financial aid.
There are three components included in the evaluation of SAP:
| Undergraduate | Graduate/Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Grade Point Average (GPA) |
Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to remain eligible for federal and institutional funds | Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to remain eligible for federal and institutional funds |
| Pace* (Earned / Attempted Credits) |
Students must successfully compete at least 70% of credits attempted each term and cumulatively. | Students must successfully complete at least 70% of credits attempted each term and cumulatively. |
| Maximum Time Frame** | Students must complete their bachelor’s degree within 150% of the expected credits. 120 credits required x 150% = 180 credits |
Students must complete their program within 150% of the programs expected credits. MACP (70 cr x 150% = 105 credits) MAOL (36 cr x 150% = 54 credits) |
*To determine pace, divide the number of earned credits by the number of attempted credits.
Pace example: Student, Samy, registers for 15 units. After the fourth week of school, Samy withdraws from a 3-unit course. At the evaluation period, Samy has completed 12/15 credits. Samy’s pace is 80%. Samy is meeting this component of SAP.
**The evaluation will include all attempted credits, including withdrawals or incompletes, regardless of any program changes. If you have exceeded the 150% time frame, your financial aid will be suspended immediately.
Financial Aid SAP Status
Students are required to meet all SAP requirements to maintain eligibility. If a student is not meeting one or more requirements, they will be notified via email of the following SAP status:
Financial Aid Warning
The first time the student does not meet the GPA or pace SAP requirements, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Warning for one term. The student is still eligible to receive financial aid while on warning. At the end of the one-term warning period, if the student is still not meeting the SAP requirements, their aid will be suspended for the subsequent term.
Financial Aid Suspension
Students are placed on financial aid suspension after two terms of not meeting SAP requirements. The student may continue to attend Simpson University at the student's expense until the student regains eligibility or is approved through a financial aid appeal.
Financial Aid Appeals
Students who fail to meet the above requirements after the semester of warning are disqualified from receiving further federal, state, or institutional financial aid. A student may submit a completed appeal form to the Office of Financial Aid documenting extenuating circumstances which impacted academic performance. Appeals are due by the second Friday of the semester and are reviewed by committee. Students will be notified in writing of the committee’s decision. If approved, a student will be placed on probation.
