Satisfactory Academic Progress

Federal and State regulations explicitly state that Washington State University must monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). SAP is monitored through a qualitative component which considers academic achievement (i.e. grades) and a quantitative component which monitors credit hours as well as the number of terms that students have been enrolled.

These criteria are set by Washington State University in order to maintain a high standard of student excellence and success. State and Federal regulations require that the SAP Policy must be as strict, or stricter than, the University's Academic Progress policy. This policy is reviewed annually and if policy changes are made, the policy listed here as well as in the official SAP manual will be updated.

Financial aid will be denied to students who fail to maintain progress under the SAP Policy. At the end of each term, a review is made of a student's progress to ensure compliance with the grade point average, maximum time frame limits, and minimum credit hour requirements as set forth within the SAP Policy. It is important to note that all students are subject to the SAP Policy. Even if students have not been receiving financial aid in previous terms, they must be in compliance with the SAP Policy to receive aid in the future.

Students will be notified via mail as well as on their myWSU. Any aid released to a student who is subsequently determined to be ineligible under the existing SAP Policy will be returned and the student will be billed unless an appeal is filed and approved.

Undergraduate students are required to meet a number of specific criteria to be eligible to receive or continue to receive financial aid. These policies are explained in detail in the SAP manual linked below.

Grade Point Average: Undergraduate students are expected to achieve and maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative and term G.P.A. for all semesters attended. Failure to fulfill this requirement will lead to a denial status of the student's financial aid eligibility and must be appealed.

Minimum credit hours: Undergraduate students are required to meet minimum credit hour standards in order to maintain their aid eligibility. For full-time students, this threshold is the successful completion of at least 12 semester credits. Credit hour requirements are reduced according to enrollment status for part-time students. Failure to complete the minimum credit hour requirement will result in a student being placed on probation for the first semester. If the student should fail to complete the minimum credit hour requirement in the next subsequent semester, the student will be placed into a denial status and must be appealed. Additionally, if the student is fails to complete at least 50% of the credits enrolled, they will be placed in a denial status and must appeal.

Maximum Time Frame: Undergraduate students are given a specific number of semesters or equivalents to complete their degree. For most students, this term limit is typically 12 Maximum Time Frame semesters. Please keep in mind that any transfer credits will be converted into MTF semesters for SAP purposes. Students who reach 10 MTF semesters will be given a 2R - SAP Report Card warning letter and notice on myWSU. For more information, please consult the SAP manual below.

150% Rule: Undergraduate students who have achieved a total number of credits which exceeds 150% of the number of credits required for their degree are automatically placed into denial. This is a federal requirement that cannot be amended or appealed. As such, students should keep this restriction in mind when planning the completion of their coursework. Dual degrees, majors, or special circumstances cannot be considered for this restriction.

 

The requirements for Post-Baccalaureate students are very similar to those that undergraduate students. Post-Baccalaureate students are required to meet a number of specific criteria to be eligible to receive or continue to receive financial aid. These policies are explained in detail in the SAP manual linked below.

Grade Point Average: Post-Bacc students are expected to achieve and maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative and term G.P.A. for all semesters attended. Failure to fulfill this requirement will lead to a denial status of the student's financial aid eligibility and must be appealed.

Minimum credit hours: Post-Bacc students are required to meet minimum credit hour standards in order to maintain their aid eligibility. For full-time students, this threshold is the successful completion of at least 12 semester credits. Credit hour requirements are reduced according to enrollment status for part-time students. Failure to complete the minimum credit hour requirement will result in a student being placed on probation for the first semester. If the student should fail to complete the minimum credit hour requirement in the next subsequent semester, the student will be placed into a denial status and must be appealed.

Maximum Time Frame: Post-Bacc students are given a specific number of semesters or equivalents to complete their degree. For most students, this term limit is typically 6 Maximum Time Frame semesters. Please keep in mind that any transfer credits will be converted into MTF semesters for SAP purposes. Students who reach 4 MTF semesters will be given a 2R - SAP Report Card warning letter and notice on myWSU. For more information, please consult the SAP manual below.

 

The restrictions imposed on Graduate and Professional students are relaxed when compared to other students. Washington State University's Financial Aid Office only monitors maximum time frame limits for graduate students. Further information is given within the SAP Manual linked below.

If you have determined, that you are in violation of one or more of the criteria as set forth within the SAP manual - you should first determine your current status. You can check your status on myWSU under Finances -> Student Aid -> To-Do list.

If you see a "1R - SAP Report Card" on your Financial Aid To-Do list, you are either in denial for G.P.A., Minimum Hours Passed, or Maximum Time Frame. This tracking code means that if you are receiving Federal or State aid, you must complete the SAP Appeal Process to continue receiving your aid. You can complete this online here or download the editable PDF version here. Once OFAS has received your appeal, the committee/committee chair will review the appeal and make their decision (the committee may request information.) If you are unsure as to why you are in denial, please contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

If you see a "2R - SAP Report Card" on your Financial Aid To-Do list, you are on Financial Aid probation for G.P.A., Minimum Hours Passed, or Maximum Time Frame. This probation/warning status is provided as a convenience to inform the student that there may be problems in the future. There is nothing that you'll need to complete for this status. If you are unsure as to why you are on probation, please contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

If you see a "3R- SAP Report Card" on your Financial Aid To-Do list, you are in denial for G.P.A. deficiency for the first time. This tracking code means that if you are receiving Federal or State aid, you must complete a 3R - SAP appeal form located here. Once this form has been completed, your aid will be released.