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. SAP 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 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?

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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 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 may be submitted in person at the Student Financial Services offices located at the Pecan, Mid Valley, or Starr County campuses. You may also upload the form and any supporting documents using the Financial Aid Upload Documents App in JagNet.

• 2026–2027 Appeal Form
• Sample Appeal Template

Maximum Timeframe Suspension (SMAX)

Once you have attempted more than 150% of the total credit hours required for your major, you will be placed on Maximum Timeframe Suspension. To continue receiving aid, you must submit an appeal form, a signed degree plan, and a statement explaining why your degree is taking longer to complete.

Please note: If you are also on 67% completion rate suspension and/or GPA suspension, you must also submit supporting documentation for your extenuating circumstances as part of your appeal.

For assistance, please contact our office.

Important Appeal Deadlines