What is Satisfactory Academic Progress?
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a method of monitoring students" progress toward graduation. The Department of Education provides guidance in this regard, but you must meet certain academic requirements to be eligible for financial aid such as loans, PELL grants, and federal work-study. SAP is the process that allows us to track your academic progress and determine your eligibility for financial aid. Regardless of eligibility or intent to use financial aid, all students are monitored for SAP.
Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy - 4A2 [pdf]
Note: SAP is a procedure that affects your eligibility for financial assistance. It is not the same as “Academic Standing” which refers to an internal university policy that will have an impact on your ability to enroll and/or suspension/termination from the university. You could be terminated from financial aid for SAP and still be able to enroll in classes. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of their academic standing. CougarNet allows you to check your academic and SAP statuses at:
- How to find your Academic Standing – Log in to CougarNet, select "Student", select "Student Records", and select "View Student Record Information." Academic Standing can also be found on your unofficial transcript.
- How to find your SAP Status – Log in to CougarNet, select "Financial Aid", select "Eligibility", Select “Aid Year”, select "Academic Progress”
Students may be placed on academic probation or suspension, or have their scholarships suspended or terminated. Each of these policies is separate from the SAP (Financial Aid) policy. SAP (Financial Aid) is associated with the Department of Education and is linked to your eligibility for aid. Academic probation or suspension is a University policy that determines your eligibility to enroll or attend classes. The minimum GPA for both SAP and Academics is 2.0, but the procedures change if your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0. SAP also includes requirements for the completion rate of classes.
SIUE Academic Policies and Requirements
Scholarship Appeals are for current Meridian, Provost, CougarPride, or Haley Scholarship recipients. The GPA requirements for these scholarships are higher (Meridian and Provost require a minimum of 3.2, and CougarPride and Haley require 2.9.) If a student is the recipient of one or more of these scholarships and their GPA falls below the required minimum (3.2 or 2.9), their scholarship will be terminated. They have the option to file a Scholarship appeal. This Scholarship appeal is separate from the SAP appeal and must be obtained from a Financial Aid Representative in the Office of Student Financial Aid. After the student completes the top section of the Scholarship Application form, the FA Representative will finish and submit the form.
