Satisfactory Academic Progress
Continue to main contentWhat is Satisfactory Academic Progress?
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the policy that outlines minimum requirements students must meet, in order to remain eligible for federal and selected state financial aid (i.e. federal loans, grants, etc.).
While a student may be academically qualified to take courses, that does not guarantee they are eligible for financial aid. SAP has requirements beyond Southeast's academic standing policy, which can be found in the current year's undergraduate bulletin or graduate bulletin.
Federal regulations require every Title IV institution to have a policy establishing standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress, for students who receive financial aid.
Minimum Requirements of SAP
Southeast reviews progress at the end of every semester, including summer (if applicable), to verify that the following three requirements are met.
- Cumulative GPA. Undergraduate students are required to achieve at least a 1.75 cumulative GPA if they have attempted less than 48 credit hours and a cumulative 2.0 GPA by the time the student has attempted 48 hours or more. See the full policy for additional requirements regarding transfer students. Graduate students are required to maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA each semester.
- Completion Rate (PACE). All students are required to maintain at least a 67% completion rate. PACE is calculated by dividing cumulative earned hours by cumulative attempted hours. The following things lower the completion rate: withdrawing from hours after the published 100% refund period, failing courses, and retaking previously passed courses for a higher letter grade. Note: While a course is considered "earned" (for SAP) when a "D" or greater is received, your specific program of study may require a higher grade to meet the degree requirements.
- Maximum Timeframe. For financial aid purposes, students must complete their degree within 150% of the program length (measured in credit hours). For example, a student enrolled in a 120-credit hour degree must be able to complete their program within 180 attempted hours.
Additional Information
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701