Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is required by federal and state regulations to ensure that students receiving financial aid are making steady progress toward completing their degree. SAP eligibility is separate from general enrollment eligibility and applies specifically to financial aid.

SAP is reviewed at the end of each semester.

If you do not meet SAP standards, you may be placed on a one-semester Warning status. If you do not meet SAP standards after the warning period, your financial aid eligibility will be suspended unless you submit and are approved for an appeal.

SAP Standards

To maintain financial aid eligibility, students must meet all three of the following standards:

Pace / Pass Rate (Quantitative Standard)

You must successfully complete at least 67% of all attempted units (cumulative).

  • Completed units include grades of A, B, C, D, or CR
  • Attempted units include all courses taken, including grades of F, W, NC, and others

Maximum Time Frame (MTF Standard)

You must complete your degree within 150% of the published unit requirement for your program.

  • Transfer units and repeated courses are included in this calculation

GPA / Academic Standing (Qualitative Standard)

  • Undergraduate students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • Graduate students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • You must not be academically dismissed

SAP Appeal Process

If you lose financial aid eligibility due to not meeting SAP standards, you may submit an appeal to request reinstatement of your aid for one probationary semester.

Your appeal must include:

  • A personal statement explaining what prevented you from meeting SAP standards
  • A degree plan outlining the courses remaining to complete your program
  • Supporting documentation (such as medical records, death of a family member, etc.), if applicable

Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and decisions are typically made within 2–3 weeks.

If your appeal is approved, your financial aid will be reinstated for one semester. You must meet all SAP standards by the end of that probationary period to maintain eligibility.

Appeals may be reconsidered in subsequent semesters if new extenuating circumstances arise. Repeated appeals may be reviewed by a committee.

How to Submit a SAP Appeal

  1. Log in to your SFSU Gateway using your SF State credentials.
  2. In the Launchpad, select “See All Apps.”
  3. Scroll to the Finance & Jobs section and select “FinAid Student Forms.”
  4. If this is your first time accessing Student Forms, you will be prompted to create an account. Complete the required identity verification questions and select “Register.”
  5. Once logged in, go to the “Needs Action” section. Any required forms, including your SAP appeal, will be listed there.
  6. Select the SAP Appeal item and complete the form. Be prepared to upload all required supporting documentation (such as third-party statements or legal documents) along with your personal statement.