SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Discover how to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), as this is one of the determining factors of student eligibility for continued receipt of financial aid.

Policy Basics Overview

Satisfactory Academic Progress, or SAP, is a federal regulation requiring the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to monitor the progress of each student who is receiving financial aid as they move toward completing their degree. Students who fall behind in their coursework, fail to achieve minimum standards for grade point average, or fail to complete classes in a maximum time frame may lose eligibility for all types of federal, university, and state aid administered by our office.

Auburn University’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships reviews academic records at the end of each term to determine satisfactory academic progress (“SAP”) status which affects aid eligibility. Emails are sent to students who are not meeting requirements.

The required components include:

  • GPA- Students must maintain a 2.00 AU cumulative GPA (unadjusted)

  • Completion Ratio (CR) - Students must achieve a passing rate of at least 67% of all hours attempted.

  • Maximum Time Limit (MTL)

SAP is evaluated at the end of each term for all students. Students who fall below the SAP requirements will be placed on SAP Warning status. Students on SAP Warning status are eligible for aid.

Maximum Attempted Hours

  • 180 semester hours of academic work

  • Architecture - 258 semester hours of academic work.

  • Master’s - 50 semester hours of academic work.

  • Doctoral (PHD, EDD) - 156 hours of academic work (Including Master’s hours).

  • Veterinary Medicine - 258 semester hours of academic work.

  • Pharmacy- 235 semester hours of academic work.

SAP PROBATION

Students who are on Failing SAP status may submit an appeal if they have extenuating circumstances that contributed to not meeting SAP requirements. Please note that GAP (Grade Adjustment Policy) courses cannot be taken into account when determining SAP status.

For detailed information on SAP Requirements, SAP Evaluation, SAP Probation, Reinstatement of Financial Aid Eligibility, and SAP Appeal Guidelines visit Auburn University’s complete Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy.

Scholarship Terms, Use, and Renewal

  • Must enroll in 12+ credit hours by the 15th class day
  • Graduating students with 6+ credit hours may qualify with enrollment in UNIV 4AA0 (Achieve the Creed)
  • Scholarships split evenly between fall and spring semesters
  • Can be used for Auburn-led or exchange study abroad programs (must earn 12+ Auburn credit hours)

  • Applies only to your first undergraduate degree
  • May be used for professional or ABM programs if you have not yet graduated
  • Online programs are not eligible

  • Non-resident awards adjust if residency classification changes
  • Institutional scholarships cannot exceed Auburn’s estimated cost of attendance
  • Funds used in summer count toward the 8-semester maximum

  • Must maintain a minimum 3.0 unadjusted Auburn GPA
  • Must earn at least 24 Auburn credit hours from fall through spring

RESOURCES

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Course Program of Study and Credit Hour Requirements for Federal Student Aid
Taking classes that are not in your Course Program of Study for your officially declared major may result in a reduction or cancellation to your overall financial aid package.
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Policies and Conditions of Aid Offer
Learn about guidance on credit hour requirements, how to set up direct deposit for refunds, and process to request loan cancellation.
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Descriptions and Requirements of Federal Aid
Learn about aid acceptance, federal aid requirements, and summary information for federal aid programs.
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Withdrawing from Classes
Find out how withdrawing from classes will affect your financial aid. You should always contact our office prior to dropping below full time or withdrawing from all classes to determine how this will affect your aid.