Satisfactory Academic Progress
Federal regulations require that Kent State University review the academic progress of students who apply for federal financial aid. The purpose of this review is to measure whether a student is making satisfactory progress towards his or her educational goals.
To be eligible for federal student aid funds, a student must make reasonable satisfactory academic progress toward the attainment of a degree or certificate program. The criteria are GPA, percent completion and maximum time frame (each are explained below). This policy is specific to federal regulations regarding financial aid. This policy does not prevent enrollment, but does prevent the awarding of federal financial aid.
View the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (PDF)
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will be evaluated at the end of the spring semester or at the time the student applies for federal assistance (completes the FAFSA). Evaluation of SAP occurs annually for all programs except programs that take one year or less to complete. Students enrolled in programs that take one year or less to complete are evaluated for SAP after every payment period (semester).
Students can view their Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Calculation by following these steps:
- Log into FlashLine
- Click Student tab in left column
- Under Finances, click Financial Aid
- Choose Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Calculation
This Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Calculation displays a student's Financial Aid GPA, SAP Financial Aid Completion and SAP Maximum Time Frame values. Please note the SAP earned hours value. SAP earned hours is used to determine percent completion standard.
SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS APPEAL PROCESS
If extenuating circumstances contributed to the student not meeting the SAP Policy, the student may appeal for federal financial aid by submitting a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal. The purpose of the appeal is to show that there were extenuating circumstances that lead a student to not meet the standards and that federal financial aid should be awarded on a one-semester basis.
Examples of extenuating circumstances are: death of a relative, an injury or illness of the student, or other special circumstances, including a public health emergency. The appeal is an online form that you complete, sign and submit to your campus' financial aid representative. Once you receive confirmation that it has been completed, it will be automatically sent to your campus' committee. In an appeal, a student must explain the circumstances that prevented the student from meeting the SAP policy standards and explain what has changed that will allow the student to meet the standards at the next evaluation. Supporting documentation must be provided. Examples of documentation that support the circumstance are medical documentation, obituary or a counseling record.
If you are interested in completing an appeal please review the following steps to complete this process.
- Find your SAP Status
- Identify the forms needed based on your SAP Status
- Review information on acceptable documentation
- Complete and submit needed forms
Please continue to open each of the sections below for additional information as well as forms needed to complete the appeal process.
Students who are cited and do not appeal, are denied by the committee, or are not in compliance with the standards will not be eligible for federal financial aid until their academic record is once again in compliance with the Standards of Academic Progress. If you are currently cited but are now meeting SAP standards, you will need to file an appeal for review. Neither paying for their classes out-of-pocket nor sitting out for an enrollment period is sufficient for students to re-establish eligibility for federal aid.
Deadlines for the 2023-2024 academic year:
Term | Deadline |
Summer 2023 Appeal | Thursday, August 10, 2023 |
Fall 2023 Appeal | Sunday, December 10, 2023 |
Spring 2024 Appeal | Sunday, May 5, 2024 |
If you have any questions or concerns you can reach the One Stop via our online Contact Us inquiry form. If you are enrolled at a Regional Campus, contact your Regional Campus Student Services area.