Academic Progress Academic Progress Requirements for Federal Aid While grades generally do not play an important role in determining eligibility for federal financial aid, federal regulations require students to make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) towards a degree in order to receive funds from any of the Federal Aid Programs.  Attempted Credits Students may attempt up to 150% of the credits normally required to complete a baccalaureate degree and retain eligibility for federal student aid.  At UAlbany, students must earn 120 graduation credits to receive a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.  Therefore, students may attempt up to 180 credits and retain eligibility for federal student aid.  However, students must also complete a percentage of credits attempted each year as shown on the Academic Progress Chart. Transfer credits accepted by the University are considered to be attempted credits for SAP.  Transfer students, regardless of the number of transfer credits accepted by the University, must complete a minimum of 50% of credits attempted during their first year at the university. Grade Point Average Students must also maintain a satisfactory cumulative grade point average to maintain eligibility for federal aid.  While students on Academic Probation may be eligible to receive federal aid, they are subject to the University's policy regarding review and dismissal for academic reasons.  Aid recipients on probation and those with less than a "C" average at the end of their second year of study or the equivalent will retain eligibility for federal aid if they meet the requirements shown on the Academic Progress Chart and are allowed to continue their studies at UAlbany. SAP Notification Students who do not maintain SAP will lose their eligibility for federal aid.  The Financial Aid office notifies students in writting when they fail to maintain SAP. SAP Appeal Process Students who feel there are special circumstances that affected their ability to maintain SAP may appeal to the Director of Financial Aid for an SAP waiver.  Students must appeal in writing, within 30 days of the date on their SAP notice.  The Director of Financial Aid will determine if the student's situation qualifies for an SAP waiver.  Students receiving SAP waivers will continue to be eligible for federal financial aid, for a duration determined by the Director of Financial Aid.  Questions regarding SAP should be directed to the Director of Financial Aid. Academic Progress Chart For Federal Financial Aid Title IV Programs If credits attempted are between: Then the following percentage of graduation credits must be completed: 3 - 30 30% 31 - 60 50% 61 - 90 60% 91 - 120 65% 120 - 150 70% 151 - 180 80% Quantitative progress towards the degree will be measured at the end of each academic term.  Students may restore eligibility for federal aid when they meet the standards shown on the chart above.