The Catholic University of America

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a student eligibility criterion.  In order to receive Federal Title IV and Catholic University funds, students must be moving towards a definite educational goal at a reasonable rate according to the school's satisfactory progress policy.  This policy was last updated on June 29, 2009.

Satisfactory Academic Progress is calculated at CUA by assessing how many credits a student has attempted, how many credits a student has successfully completed, how many semesters the student has completed, and the student's current Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).

Full-Time Requirements

  1. Have completed an average of 12 credits per semester using formula below: Number of Credits Hours Completed / Number of Semesters 
  2. Have a CGPA of at least 1.50 after the completion of student's first spring semester at CUA.
  3. Have a CGPA of at least 2.00 after the completion of student's second spring semester at CUA.
  4. Have a course completion ratio of at least 75% following the end of student's first spring semester at CUA using the formula below: Number of Credit Hours Completed /Number of Credit Hours Attempted
  5. Have not attempted more then 150% of the number of credits required to complete a degree.

Part-Time Requirements

  1. Have a CGPA of at least 1.50 after the completion of student's first spring semester at CUA.
  2. Have a CGPA of at least 2.00 after the completion of student's second spring semester at CUA.
  3. Have a course completion ratio of at least 75% following the end of student's first spring semester at CUA using the formula below: Number of Credit Hours Completed /Number of Credit Hours Attempted  
  4. Have not attempted more then 150% of the number of credits required to complete a degree.

Additional Information

  • Attempted coursework includes failing grades, repeated courses and any course from which a student has withdrawn after the add/drop period.
  • Retaking failed courses will result in a recalculated GPA, however, the original failed course will still be counted as an unsuccessfully completed course.
  • When a previously ineligible student regains eligibility, any offer of financial aid will be based on funds available at the time that it is determined that the student is again making satisfactory academic progress.
  • When a student believes he or she is again making satisfactory academic progress, the student is responsible for contacting the Office of Financial Aid to request a review. For example, the student should notify the Office of Financial Aid in writing only after the student's department has officially accepted externally earned credits.
  • A student who is readmitted after being academically dismissed does not automatically regain federal or institutional financial aid eligibility. A student does not regain federal or institutional financial aid eligibility until he or she is once again meeting the appropriate requirements above.

Restoring Financial Aid Eligibility

If a student fails to maintain satisfactory academic progress and if an assessment of the student's record by the Office of Financial Aid indicates that there is a reasonable expectation that the student will be able to meet satisfactory progress requirements within a reasonable timeframe, a probationary period may be offered. Only one probationary period will be granted.

A student who does not regain eligibility in a probationary period must complete any future course without the assistance of federal or institutional financial aid, until the student is once again meeting satisfactory academic progress as defined above.

If the Office of Financial Aid determines that a student is not making satisfactory academic progress and the student has not been granted a prior probationary period, the student may appeal to be granted probation if extenuating circumstances exist. The student must submit a typed letter of appeal detailing the extenuating circumstances and provide reasonable documentation to support the claim.  The letter should be mailed to the Office of Financial Aid and addressed to the SAP Appeal Committee. The Office of Financial Aid will review the student's request and notify the student in writing of the outcome of their appeal. The decision is final and is not open to further appeal.

The following may be grounds for appeal:

  • a student has a death in the immediately family during the semester that affects his or her performance in school or is the cause of his or her withdrawal from the university. Documentation: advocacy in writing from the Dean of Students.
  • a student has an illness or accident that impacts his or her attendance in class for an extended period of time. Documentation: advocacy by the Academic Dean or the Dean of Students and a doctor's certificate stating the nature, duration and impact of the illness.
  • a student is forced to withdraw from the University after the add/drop period due to a family emergency, thereby not completing his or her coursework. Documentation: advocacy by the Dean of Students.