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 in a graduate program 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
Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00
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 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
The above maximum time frame to receive financial aid is 150% of the established course length. A student may receive financial aid for up to two graduate degrees.
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 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.