ÐÓ°ÉÊÓÆµ Financial Aid Office
Effective Date: July 1, 2025
What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?
To keep getting financial aid, students must make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). This means you need to do well in your classes, finish enough of them, and finish your program on time.
Why SAP Matters
Federal and state rules require that students meet SAP standards to keep getting financial aid. This includes aid like the Pell Grant, Direct Loans, and Work-Study.
When We Check SAP
ÐÓ°ÉÊÓÆµ calculates SAP once a year, at the end of the Spring semester. Your financial aid eligibility for the next school year is based on this review. There is no warning term allowed. If you do not meet SAP, your aid is suspended until you appeal and are approved.
SAP Standards
To meet SAP, you must:
1. Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher (cumulative GPA).
2. Complete at least 67% of all classes you attempt (completion rate).
3. Finish your program within 150% of the time it normally takes (maximum time frame).
How We Calculate SAP
Here are examples of how we calculate each part of SAP:
GPA Example:
If you take 5 classes and earn the following grades: A, B, C, D, and F,
- A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.0
Add the grade points: 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 0 = 10
Divide by number of classes: 10 ÷ 5 = 2.0 GPA
Completion Rate Example:
If you attempted 30 units and passed 21 of them:
Completion rate = 21 ÷ 30 = 0.70 or 70%
You meet the 67% requirement.
Maximum Time Frame Example:
If your program requires 60 units to graduate:
60 × 1.5 = 90 units maximum
You must finish before attempting more than 90 units (including repeats and withdrawals).
SAP Statuses
Here are the possible SAP statuses at Delta:
• SAP Good Standing – You meet all requirements.
• Financial Aid Suspension – You did not meet SAP. Aid is stopped.
• Probation – You submitted an appeal, and it was approved. You must follow your plan to stay eligible.
Appealing SAP Suspension
If your aid is suspended, you can submit a SAP Appeal. Reasons might include illness, family emergency, or other special situations. You must also submit an academic plan showing how you will get back on track.
How SAP Affects Other Policies
SAP is connected to other policies. For example:
If you drop out or withdraw, you may owe money (see Return of Title IV Funds Policy).
If we verify your grades or classes, it may affect your aid (see Verification Policy).
Need Help?
If you have questions, visit the Financial Aid Office or email us at finaid@deltacollege.edu. We’re here to help!