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.
|