Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a federal requirement that states a student must meet and maintain good academic standards in their program of study in order to be eligible for Federal and State aid. A student must meet these standards regardless of whether financial aid is awarded each semester.
SAP includes three criteria:
- Meet 2.0 GPA Requirement.
- Complete 67% of Attempted Credits. SAP Calculator »
Satisfactory Academic Progress: 67%
Completed Hours can't be greater than Attempted Hours. Try again.
Completion Rate:
additional hours needed to reach 67%
Note: This tool is only for reference. Calculations are unofficial estimates.
- Graduate within the Maximum Time Frame.
Max Time Frame = Required hours from degree plan × 150%
For more information refer to the catalog for the complete Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy.
The SAP process will run at the end of the fall, spring and summer semesters, after final grades are due. All Students will receive an email letting them know their updated status. Students who are placed on a Warning or Suspension Status will also receive a letter notifying them of their updated status. Students on a Suspension status will have a link in their email and letter with information on the SAP Appeal process and Appeal form.
Please note that Fall letters will be sent after the December break, however all students will receive an email before the break.
Do you meet SAP requirements?
If you meet SAP requirements you are Eligible for financial aid. If you have a Warning status you're eligible for financial aid. Visit with a financial aid advisor to see what you need to do.
If you do not meet SAP requirements you are on Suspension. You can appeal. Contact the Financial Aid office for SAP appeal instructions.
SAP is calculated at the end of the semester.
If you meet requirements by the end of the semester you are eligible.
If you do not meet requirements by the end of the semester you'll stay on Suspension until you meet SAP requirements. You must pay for tuition until you regain FA eligibility.
Financial Aid Appeals
South Texas College understands that sometimes students encounter circumstances beyond their control that can affect their academic progress, and prevent them from meeting the minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Standards.
A student who fails to meet SAP is considered ineligible for financial aid, however South Texas College allows students to appeal their ineligibility if they have special circumstances that prevented them from meeting SAP.
- Special Circumstances
Special circumstances and their required documentation include, but are not limited to:
Circumstance Examples of Documentation Death of a family or close person Death certificate or obituary Illness or injury (including mental health) Medical records or doctor’s note Pregnancy or birth of a child Medical records or birth certificate Military service Military orders Homelessness Eviction notice, letter from high school counselor, or interview with Financial Aid Director Loss of childcare Letter from childcare provider or family member with a copy of their picture ID Job loss or change Termination letter or unemployment documents Failed Dual Enrollment Classes Letter from former high school counselor Car accident or breakdown Accident report, insurance claim, or repair bill Separation, divorce, or housing change Divorce papers, separation letter, or letter from a counselor Loss of transportation Repossession notice, repair bill, or proof of new transportation (copy of car title or insurance card) Victim of a serious crime (including domestic abuse) Police report or letter from counselor, therapist, or pastor Change of major Statement from Advisor or Guided Pathway specialist with new degree plan Family issues Letter from counselor, therapist, or pastor Trouble accessing support services Accommodation memo from STC’s Student Accessibility Department for services you have requested Financial hardship Statement from parent with copy of their ID explaining situation Work is not considered a special circumstance since financial aid is considered a supplement to student income. It is the responsibility of the student to successfully complete all classes they are registered in.
If you do not have supporting documentation please contact the Financial Aid Office for advisement on your appeal. We may be able to assist you. Please contact us at 956-872-8375 or via the Financial Aid Chat.
Appeal Form
The Financial Aid Appeal form is now available online and can be submitted via Secure Share. You will be able to type your statement and upload your supporting documentation.
Online FA Appeal Form
The paper Financial Aid Appeal form is only available at the Student Financial Services Offices located at the Pecan, Mid Valley, or Starr County campuses. You may submit the form in person or upload it with supporting documents using the Financial Aid Upload Documents App in JagNet.
Students must submit supporting documentation for the special circumstances they mention in their appeal statement. Appeals submitted without supporting documentation will not be approved.
- What to include
A complete Financial Aid Appeal includes:
- A statement explaining what happened that caused the student’s low academic progress (appeal statement must include student’s name and STC ID).
- Explain how things have changed, and what student will be doing to be successful in future semesters.
- Supporting documentation for the special circumstances; for example:
- Death in Family – Family member’s name and obituary
- Homelessness – Eviction Notice
- Health Related – Medical documentation
Processing/reviewing Appeals may take up to seven weeks during peak registration times. Appeals are reviewed by the date they are received.
Appeal decisions made by the Student Financial Services Office are final, and the U.S. Department of Education cannot overturn a decision made by the school. Appeal decisions will be posted in the student’s STC JagNet portal under Financial Aid Notifications.
If a student’s appeal is denied, they may submit a new appeal with supporting documentation during the next scheduled appeal period.
Students are responsible for payments that become due to the College while an appeal is being reviewed. Students should consider alternative funding including installment payment plans or emergency loans with the Business Office.
Maximum Timeframe Suspension (SMAX)
Once you have exceeded the 150% of the minimum number of credit hours required to complete your program of study (degree), you will be placed on Maximum Timeframe Suspension.
Maximum Timeframe Calculation Agreement Form.
Important Appeal Deadlines
Summer 2025 Appeals:
Available: March 10, 2025
Priority Date: May 10, 2025
Final Deadline: Aug. 8, 2025
Fall 2025 Appeals:
Available: May 10, 2025
Priority Date: Aug. 9, 2025
Final Deadline: Dec. 14, 2025
Spring 2026 Appeals:
Available: Oct. 10, 2025
Priority Date: Jan. 9, 2026
Final Deadline: May 14, 2026
Summer 2026 Appeals:
Available: Mar. 9, 2026
Priority Date: Apr. 10, 2026
Final Deadline: Aug. 7, 2026