Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy – Federal and University Aid

Federal regulations require that colleges/universities monitor the academic progress of every student who is eligible for Federal Title IV financial aid, which includes the Pell Grant, SEOG Grant, TEACH Grant, Direct Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized), Parent PLUS Loan, and Work Study. Federal standards of satisfactory academic progress (SAP) include a qualitative (cumulative GPA) measurement of a 2.0, a quantitative (Pace) measurement (credits completed vs. credits attempted) of 67%, and a maximum time frame to degree measurement of 150% (6 years to complete a 4 year degree). If one or more of these measures is not being met, the student is not making SAP. SAP is measured and reviewed at the end of each payment period, or semester. University of Rochester scholarships and grants are subject to the same SAP standards for cumulative GPA and Pace as federal financial aid. Maximum time frame for University aid is a total of four years or eight semesters.

Students who fail to meet either the GPA or Pace requirement will be placed on financial aid warning for one semester. During this time, the student remains eligible for Federal and University financial aid. Students who have been placed on financial aid warning are often on academic probation as well. These students are strongly encouraged to work closely with their academic advisor in order to address their academic progress difficulties and regain eligibility. Students who fail to meet the cumulative GPA and/or Pace requirements after the warning period will lose their Federal and University aid eligibility unless they successfully appeal and are placed on financial aid probation with a detailed academic plan. Student who reach the maximum time frame are no longer eligible for Federal or University aid; they are not eligible for financial aid warning or financial aid probation.

Students will be notified, via email as well as through FAOnline, by the University of Rochester Financial Aid Office if they are not meeting SAP guidelines and have been placed on financial aid warning or financial aid probation. The complete Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy for Federal and University aid can be reviewed online. Students receiving New York State aid are subject to additional Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. Learn more.