Academic Progress Policy
Government regulations require all financial aid recipients to maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward a degree as measured both qualitatively and quantitatively, in order to receive financial aid. This requirement applies to the entire period of enrollment at Southern Adventist University, including periods during which a student does not receive financial aid. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in a student becoming ineligible for financial aid.
Academic Progress Qualitative Standards
| CUMULATIVE CREDIT HOURS ATTEMPTED | CUMULATIVE GRADE POINT AVERAGE |
| 0 - 23 | 1.50 or above |
| 24-54 | 1.75 or above |
| 55 or above | 2.00 or above |
Academic Progress Quantitative Standards
Students must complete and pass a minimum of 67 percent of attempted credit hours toward a degree to be making satisfactory academic progress (SAP). Incompletes, withdrawals, and failed courses count toward the total attempted credit hours. A repeated course counts as attempted credit hours each time it is taken.
Time Frame for Receiving Financial Aid
| DEGREE PROGRAM | DEGREE | MAX. TIME TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID |
| General | Baccalaureate | 186 attempted hours |
| General | Associate | 96 attempted hours |
| Art | Baccalaureate | 190 attempted hours |
| Music | Baccalaureate | 198 attempted hours |
| Nursing | Associate | 103 attempted hours |
| Second | Baccalaureate | 231 attempted hours |
| Second | Associate | 132 attempted hours |
The above maximum time frame to receive financial aid is based on 1.5 times the number of credit hours to attain a degree. Hours from the first degree will be counted as attempted hours toward a second degree. Adding a second major does not count as a second degree.
Time frame for transfer students will be evaluated according to the hours accepted from previous institutions and the attempted hours toward Southern Adventist University's current degree program.
Progress Review
A financial aid recipient's progress at Southern Adventist University will be reviewed at the end of each semester and will be based on the number of attempted hours a student completes during each semester of an academic year and the cumulative grade point average (GPA).
Students who do not meet the above satisfactory GPA or completion requirements will be placed on financial aid warning. If the cumulative GPA or the completion rate is below the required level at the end of the warning period, the student will be ineligible to receive financial aid and may file an appeal with the Financial Appeals Committee. Students must meet with their Academic Adviser to set an academic plan.
Students may enroll for the summer sessions or subsequent terms at Southern Adventist University without financial aid assistance or attend another accredited institution to fulfill the progress requirements, subject to approval in accordance with transfer credit policies. Academic progress for these students will be reviewed prior to the release of financial aid for the following term in which the student reaches the necessary academic standard.
Students accepted to Southern Adventist University on conditional standing will be eligible for financial aid for the first semester in attendance. Financial aid thereafter is based on the guidelines set above.
Procedure for Appeal and Reinstatement of Financial Aid
Students who are found to be ineligible for financial aid based on progress will be notified in writing by the Student Finance Office. If unusual circumstances occur that include, but are not limited to, personal or family illness, injury, or death in the family, students may appeal in writing to the Financial Appeals Committee for continuation of financial aid. Students will receive a written notification as to the committee's decision. If approved, the student will be placed on financial aid probation and must sign the SAP Appeal Response Certification form before financial aid is reinstated.