Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

You must complete two-thirds (67%) of all attempted credits for each semester, and for your overall academic career.

Attempted credit hours: all enrolled hours (including withdrawn courses); repeated courses; transferred credits

Completed credit hours: grades of A, B, C, D; transferred credits Credit hours NOT complete: grades of F; incomplete (I); withdraw (W); non-credit (NC)

The US Department of Education has established a requirement that students receiving Federal Student Aid complete their degree within 150% of the time frame. Time frame is evaluated by the number of hours attempted. Students who are unable to graduate within the 150% time frame are no longer eligible for financial aid without an approved appeal.

For example, if your associate degree requires 60 semester hours to complete, you must be able graduate with no more than 90 credit hours attempted.

Likewise, if you are pursuing a bachelor’s degree that requires 120 semester hours to complete, you must be able graduate with no more than 180 credit hours attempted.

In addition to the Appeal documents, you will also need an Academic Plan that outlines the courses required for graduation. You will need to strictly adhere to this plan to remain eligible for financial aid.

The Financial Aid Department reviews all students’ academic progress at the end of each semester. If your PACE or GPA falls below SAP standards, you will be placed on Financial Aid Warning for your next semester. While on warning, you may continue to receive financial aid at United Tribes without filing a SAP appeal.
**Please note there is no warning period for Maximum Time Frame.

Warning Status is your chance to improve your GPA and/or PACE rate to meet SAP standards for the next semester and your academic career. At the end of the Warning semester, your progress is evaluated and you will either be moved back into Good Standing or you will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension.

You will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension, resulting in the loss of your federal financial aid, if either of the following situations occur:

• You fail to meet PACE and/or GPA standards for two or more consecutive terms.
• You reach the Maximum Time Frame for your educational program.

You may appeal the suspension. If circumstances beyond your control prevented you from successfully meeting SAP standards, you may fill out a SAP Appeal Form and submit the form and all supporting documentation to the Financial Aid Department. The decisions of the Financial Aid Department are final.

If your appeal is approved, your aid may be reinstated for one semester. You are required to meet with your Academic Advisor to create an academic plan for the semester. You must follow your academic plan, and meet SAP standards during this semester.

If your appeal is denied, you will remain in Financial Aid Suspension status. You are not eligible for federal or state aid while on Suspension status. You may continue your education at United Tribes while on Financial Aid Suspension, but you must meet with Student Accounts to discuss payment options before the payment due date.