Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Students who fail to make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) may lose their eligibility for Title IV federal financial aid. SAP is measured by two components: qualitative and quantitative.

Qualitative

In order to meet qualitative Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards, a student must earn the following cumulative GPA:

After four (4) terms, a student must maintain a 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA.

Quantitative

Students must complete satisfactorily at least three (3) full courses during each regular term, and complete the total number of course credits per year based on the student’s academic year as listed below:

A maximum of six (6) academic years will be permitted to complete a baccalaureate program, or a total of fifty-four (54) courses attempted. Courses for which a student receives grades of “F” (Failing) or “W,” “WP,” or “WF” (Withdrawn, Withdrawn Passing, or Withdrawn Failing) will not be counted as earned courses, but will be counted toward courses attempted. Incomplete courses will not be counted until a grade is given. An excessive number of course repetitions will be considered not making SAP. Transfer courses accepted at Berea will be counted toward the total number of courses attempted.

Review

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will be reviewed at the end of each Spring Term. Students who do not meet SAP standards will be subject to a probationary period lasting up to two (2) regular terms. During this probationary period, students still may receive financial aid. A student who is meeting minimum SAP standards at the end of the 1st probationary term will be returned to good standing in regards to financial aid. A student who is not meeting minimum SAP standards after 1 (one) regular term on probation will be placed in a 2nd probationary term. At the end of the 2nd probationary term, the student must be meeting all of the SAP standards in order to regain good standing in regards to financial aid. If a student is still not meeting the minimum SAP standards at the end of the 2nd probationary period, eligibility will be lost for Title IV federal financial aid, including any Kentucky state aid. Students who are not meeting SAP due to having more that 54 courses attempted or completing six or more years are not eligible for the probationary period and will lose their eligibilityimmediately, with an opportunity to appeal. Appeals for a 5th year of education/financial aid will be reviewed through the Student Admissions and Academic Standing Committee (SAAS).

Students who earn all failing grades (F) during any term, or do not earn any grades during any term immediately will become ineligible to receive financial aid for any coming terms, including any that remain in the given school year. If enrolled, institutional interest-bearing loans may be awarded on a case-by-case basis to cover the unmet need for term-bill costs to replace any grant aid lost. A student may appeal this decision (see “Refund Appeals” earlier in this section. Also see “Academic Regulations” to follow in this Catalog for additional information about Satisfctory Academic Progress.)

Appeal

Students who lose their Title IV financial aid eligibility due to failure to maintain SAP have an opportunity to appeal. Written appeals must explain the circumstances that kept the student from making satisfactory academic progress for the designated period and be sent to Student Financial Aid Services. Appeals will be due within 30 days of notification of failing to meet SAP. A review of the appeal and decision will occur within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the appeal. If an appeal is denied, interest-bearing college loans will be available to help cover any grant aid lost.

Reinstatement of Title IV Aid Eligibility

Students will be considered in good standing in regard to financial aid eligibility when they again meet the minimum SAP standards as listed or receive approval of a submitted appeal. Sitting out for any length of time does not affect a student’s SAP standing. Students who re-enroll after a period of absence are required to submit an appeal in order to determine financial-aid eligibility.