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:

1. Meet 2.0 GPA Requirement.
2. Complete 67% of Attempted Credits. Calculator »

   Satisfactory Academic Progress: 67%

   Total Attempted Hours: Total Completed Hours:

   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.
3. Graduate within the Maximum Time Frame.

   Max Time Frame = Required hours from degree plan × 150%

For more information read the complete South Texas College 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?

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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 include, but are not limited to:

  • Death of a family member or other significant person
  • Injury or illness, including, but not limited to, behavioral health conditions, of the student or family or other significant person
  • Pregnancy or birth of a child
  • Military obligations
  • Homelessness
  • Loss of childcare
  • Loss or change of employment
  • Automobile accident, automobile breakdown
  • Change in living situation, separation or divorce
  • Loss of access to personal or public transportation
  • Being a victim of a serious crime, including, but not limited to, domestic abuse, even if the crime was not reported or did not result in criminal prosecution or civil liability
  • Change of major
  • Family problems
  • Inability to access support services
  • Change in financial status

  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.

Appeal Form

The Financial Aid Appeal form is available on the Financial Aid Forms webpage and may be submitted in person at the Student Financial Services Offices at the Pecan, Mid Valley or Starr County campuses; or may be uploaded via the Financial Aid Upload Documents app in JagNet.

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