The Maricopa Community Colleges follow Federal regulations (CFR 668(f) and 668,34) which require you to move towards the completion of a degree, or certificate of completion, within an eligible program when receiving financial aid. There are specific requirements, known as Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), for academic success for financial aid recipients and they are applied differently than Scholastic Standards.
It is very important that you meet all of these minimum standards while pursuing your educational goals with the support of financial aid. In the event you do not meet the minimum standards, it may result in loss of Title IV, HEA program (federal financial aid) eligibility. This policy affects all students that hav, or will apply for financial aid. Federal regulations state that Academic Progress Standards must include a review of all periods of enrollment, regardless of whether or not aid was received.
Standards of Academic Progress: Evaluated Elements
Evaluation Period
Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will be evaluated at the end of each semester: fall, spring and summer. Programs less than one year in length will be evaluated at the midpoint of the program. Non-standard sessions will be evaluated at the completion of the session.
Standards of Academic Progress
Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) are evaluated on each of the three measurements outlined below. Failure to meet any of these standards will result in suspension of eligibility for financial aid.
Note: Grades of F,I,N,W,X,Y,Z, and courses not yet graded are considered attempted but not meeting progress standards for the purposes of financial aid.
Grade Point (GPA )Measurement
Students must meet the following credit hour/cumulative grade point average (CGPA)
| Number of Credits Attempted | Minimum Cumulative GPA |
|---|---|
| <16 | 1.60 |
| 16 - 30.75 | 1.75 |
| 31 -45.75 | 1.90 |
| 46+ | 2.00 |
*for which grade points are computed
Progress Measurement
Students must successfully complete 2/3 (66.67%) of all attempted course work.
Coursework Treatment in SAP Calculation
Course work taken during the semester also included in the evaluation:
- Courses funded through a consortium agreement
- All attempted remedial credits
- Repeated course work
Course work included in the Maximum Time Frame evaluation:
- All of those included in the semester evaluation
- All evaluated transfer credits
- Any Associates degree or higher earned will be considered to have exhausted maximum timeframe eligibility.
Course work not included in SAP evaluation:
- Audited courses
- Non-credit courses
- Credit by examination
- Credit for prior learning option (as outlined in the college general catalog)
- Academic Renewal Process
Ineligibility Determination Appeal
Any student who has lost financial aid eligibility due to extenuating circumstances may appeal. Appeal must:
- Be in writing and submitted to the Financial Aid Office where the student is applying for aid.
- Include the extenuating circumstances that caused the student not to meet SAP standards.
- Include appropriate supporting documentation.
- Include how that condition or situation has been resolved thus allowing the student the ability to meet SAP standards
Students will be notified of the results of their appeal and any restrictions or conditions pertaining to their appeal. The outcome of an appeal may include a probationary term or denial.
Failure to successfully complete all conditions during the probationary period (as defined in the academic plan) will result in loss of financial aid eligibility.
Go to the Financial Aid Forms page to print a copy of the SAP Appeal form, MTF Appeal form or the MTF Appeal Addendum.
Regaining Eligibility
A student who has lost financial aid eligibility may only regain eligibility by meeting the minimum SAP standards. Course work taken at other colleges will not be considered for reinstatement purposes.
For the full Maricopa Community Colleges Standards of SAP for Financial Aid Eligibility in PDF format click here
For students who had to appeal:
Your appeal decision will be sent to your Student Center Message Center at : My.maricopa.edu. Please read the message to ensure that you understand the decision and any stipulations set for you by the Academic Appeals Committee.
If you are placed on probation, or were given stipulations set by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee, you must meet the requirements set for you by the Committee. This criteria may vary from student to student so it is important that you check with us if you are unsure of your requirements to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress. If you do not meet the criteria set for you, you may need to re-appeal or you may be ineligible for aid.
Academic Probation For Not Meeting Scholastic Standards
Financial aid probation or denial for failing to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress, and academic probation for not meeting Scholastic Standards are different issues. Students who need to appeal for academic probation for scholastic standards must do so through the Admissions and Standards Committee.