Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy
Federal law requires students to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as a requirement for financial aid. View more information about the SAP policy on our website.
Students are measured by three criteria; all criteria must be met.
- Minimum Cumulative GPA Standard
- Overall Degree Progress Standard
- Satisfactory Pace Standard
Minimum Cumulative GPA Standard
Students must meet the annual minimum cumulative GPA based on their career.
- 3.0: Graduate (Doctoral, Master’s, and Credential)
- 2.5: Second Bachelor’s
- 2.0: Undergraduate
Overall Degree Progress Standard
Students are required to complete their degree/certificate within 150 percent of their program degree objective.
All graded coursework are counted, including transfer units, repeats, in-progress and withdrawals. SAP review also incorporates all unsuccessful coursework attempted at Sacramento State (i.e. “F”, “I”, “NC”, “W”, “WU”).
Probation Warning
Students who have completed 120 percent of attempted coursework will receive a warning notification. This early warning enables the student to seek academic advisement for degree completion.
Satisfactory Pace Standard
The satisfactory pace standard is an overall ratio of Sacramento State units earned to Sacramento State units attempted. Students must pass at least 67 percent of units attempted.
All graded coursework are counted, including repeats, in-progress and withdrawals. SAP review also incorporates all unsuccessful coursework attempted at Sacramento State (i.e. “F”, “I”, “NC”, “W”, “WU”). Transfer units are not included in this calculation.
SAP Appeal
A review of your Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) indicated that you did not meet one or more of the required SAP standards. As a result, you are not eligible to receive financial aid for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Start by filing the 2023-2024 Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal and submitting any documentation to support your appeal located on your Student Center > To Do List. An appeal is required if you wish to be reconsidered for financial aid for the upcoming school year.
When Filing Your SAP Appeal
- Make sure to address the circumstances that led up to your SAP disqualification.
- Upload all SAP documentation “initiated” on your Student Center > To Do List.
Appeal processing timelines are approximately five to six weeks and may increase during peak periods.
Filing Tips
It’s important that you thoroughly explain the extenuating circumstances that impacted your academic progress. The Financial Aid & Scholarships Office will begin processing your appeal AND supporting documentation (if “initiated”) is received.
While waiting for a decision continue to check your Student Center regularly for updates or additional information that may be needed to process your appeal. You will be notified on your Student Center & CSUS email when a decision is made.
View SAP Frequently Asked Questions
Deadlines
- Fall 2023 SAP appeal deadline to submit: October 13, 2022
- Spring 2024 SAP appeal deadline to submit: February 16, 2024