Satisfactory Academic Progress

Federal regulations require that a student receiving federal financial aid achieve and maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) in accordance with the standards set by TCC and the federal government.

What does “Satisfactory Academic Progress” mean?

These SAP standards include all terms of enrollment, whether or not aid was awarded or received. At TCC, these standards also apply to non-federal aid, including state grants, and Institutional and Educational Foundation scholarships.

Federal student loan borrowers must meet SAP requirements at the point of loan certification and again prior to the disbursement of any loan proceeds.

If it has been determined that you have not met SAP due to extenuation circumstances, you will not be eligible for financial aid which includes grants, all student loans including PLUS and private loans, and federal work-study. However, you can appeal to try to reinstate your eligibility.

Federal Standards of Progress

Federal regulations (CFR 668.32(f) and 668.34) require a student to move towards the completion of a degree, or certificate, within an eligible program when receiving financial aid. Specific requirements for academic progress for financial aid recipients are applied differently than Scholastic Standards.

Failure to meet any of these minimum standards will result in loss of title IV, HEA program (federal financial aid) eligibility. This policy affects any student that has or will apply for financial aid. Federal regulations state that Academic Progress Standards must include a review of all periods of enrollment, regardless of whether or not aid was received.

TCC’s Financial Aid Office will evaluate SAP before aid is awarded and after grades are posted for every term, starting with the first term of enrollment.