Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP)

As a standard for participation in any federal student aid program, Colorado State University Pueblo (CSU Pueblo) is required by the U.S. Department of Education to apply reasonable standards for measuring whether a student is making progress toward a degree. The State of Colorado also requires that students meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in order to receive any state-funded student assistance. CSU Pueblo’s SAP Policy applies to all students and is evaluated at the end of each payment period (period of enrollment). Students are measured against both qualitative and quantitative standards to determine aid eligibility.

Academic Standards for Financial Aid Eligibility

Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)

Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for undergraduate programs and a 3.0 cumulative GPA for graduate programs to remain eligible for financial aid.

Completion Percentage (Pace)

At least 67% of all credit hours attempted must be completed with passing grades. Students must demonstrate successful completion of coursework at the end of each enrollment period to maintain both current and future financial aid eligibility.

Passing grades: S or D- and higher
Non-passing grades: U, F, W, IN, IP, NC, and repeated coursework. These count as unsuccessful credit hours attempted.

Course Repetition

Students may repeat a course and have it count toward enrollment for financial aid eligibility only once. Each attempt, however, will count toward a student’s completion rate (pace). All prior attempts with lower grades count as unsuccessful credit hours attempted.

This policy applies only to courses repeated at CSU Pueblo. Transfer credits accepted from other institutions that are equivalent to CSU Pueblo coursework are not considered course repetitions.

Withdrawals

Withdrawals (grade of “W”) do not affect a student’s cumulative GPA for SAP, but do count as credit hours attempted toward both pace and maximum time frame. A withdrawal (“W”) differs from dropped courses (no grade, no record of attempt).

Unofficial Withdrawals

Students who do not earn any passing grades for the period of enrollment (semester GPA = 0.0) are placed on Financial Aid Suspension without a warning period if cumulative requirements are not met. See the Evaluation section for more details on Financial Aid Suspension.

Incompletes

Incompletes (grade of “I”) do not affect cumulative GPA at the time of evaluation but do count as credit hours attempted toward both pace and maximum time frame. Once an incomplete converts to a letter grade, it may change SAP status. Students should contact Student Financial Services for an updated evaluation.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credits do not count toward a student’s cumulative GPA for SAP evaluation, but they are included as both attempted and completed credit hours (100% completion rate) for determining pace and maximum time frame.

Maximum Time Frame

Federal regulations limit the number of credit hours students can attempt while receiving financial aid. Students who exceed this limit become ineligible for further aid, even if they have not yet completed their degree.

• Undergraduate students: Attempted credit hours may not exceed 150% of the published length of the educational program.
• Graduate students: Attempted credit hours may not exceed 100% of the published program length.

Both Pace and Maximum Time Frame are measured solely in credit hours, regardless of whether a student is enrolled full-time or part-time.

Notification

All students are notified of their Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) status at the end of each period of enrollment (semester). Notifications are sent to the student’s official CSU Pueblo email address. Students may also view their SAP status at any time through their PAWS account.

Evaluation

SAP evaluations occur after the Registrar’s Office releases official grades for each semester. Students can find their SAP standing within the Financial Aid menu on PAWS. The following SAP statuses determine eligibility for financial aid:

• Eligible: The student meets SAP standards and qualifies for financial aid. This may include students who have appealed successfully or completed a probation period.
• Warning: The student failed to meet SAP for the first time but remains eligible for one additional semester. Students must meet SAP standards by the end of the next term or face suspension. Warning status cannot be appealed.
• Suspension: The student failed to meet SAP after a Warning term or earned no passing grades in the last term. The student is ineligible for aid unless they submit and receive approval for a SAP appeal.
• Probation: The student successfully appealed a suspension. They may receive aid for one term under probation. Two types exist:
  • Probation: Must meet SAP in one term.
  • Academic Plan: Must follow a multi-term plan approved by the SAP Appeals Committee.

Appeal Procedure

Students who have lost financial aid eligibility due to failure to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) may appeal to the Financial Aid Committee for reinstatement. GPA, pace, and maximum time frame are all appealable factors. Students are encouraged to contact Student Financial Services with questions prior to submission.

Appeals must be submitted electronically through the online form linked below. The form may be saved and resumed later if additional time or documentation is needed.

To ensure timely review, students should submit their appeal by the first day of classes for the semester in which they are requesting reinstatement. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Incomplete submissions will be denied.

Appeal Requirements

• Select all reasons that apply for ineligibility (e.g., GPA below 2.0, less than 67% completion, exceeding 150% program limit, or 0% completion in a term).
• Provide a written explanation of how your situation has changed to support future academic success.
• Complete the Financial Literacy Course and upload the certificate of completion.

Students will be notified of their appeal outcome via their official CSU Pueblo email and PAWS account. Financial Aid Committee decisions are final for the semester being appealed. Students whose appeals are denied may reestablish eligibility by meeting SAP cumulative standards or by appealing in a subsequent term.

Factors Considered During Appeal Review

1. Validity of reasons for failing to meet SAP standards.
2. Resolution of prior issues affecting academic performance.
3. Past academic history (credits earned vs. attempted, GPA, repeated courses).
4. Advisor meeting notes and recommendations.
5. Number of previous suspensions or reinstatements.
6. Likelihood of future academic success.
7. Number of additional semesters requested.
8. Overall loan indebtedness and prior institutions attended.

Academic Plans

Students who successfully appeal their suspension and are placed on Financial Aid Probation will automatically follow an Academic Plan. This plan is designed to help students meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards within a specific period of time.

At a minimum, students must maintain the following during subsequent periods of enrollment:

• Undergraduate students: 2.0 cumulative GPA and at least 67% completion rate.
• Graduate students: 3.0 cumulative GPA and 100% completion rate.

The Financial Aid Committee may create individualized academic plans based on the student’s unique circumstances, prior academic record, and appeal documentation. Each plan outlines the conditions a student must meet to regain and maintain aid eligibility.

Requirements of the academic plan are provided in writing and must be signed by the student before financial aid can be disbursed. The plan is monitored by the Financial Aid Committee or its designee each term. Students who fail to meet their academic plan requirements will return to Financial Aid Suspension status.

Important: Approved SAP appeals require that all additional documentation be satisfied before the last day of the semester to receive aid for that term. Documentation completed after this date may be applied to a future semester but not retroactively.

Policy Notes

The Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy is separate from CSU Pueblo’s Good Academic Standing policy . The SAP review considers GPA, pace, and maximum time frame, including all attempted credit hours—even those excluded by the Registrar’s Office through Academic Renewal. Each policy has its own appeal process.

Extended Studies courses or programs may follow a different appeal process. This SAP policy supersedes all previous CSU Pueblo SAP policies published online or in prior catalogs.

Campus Resources & Support Services

CSU Pueblo offers numerous resources to help students maintain academic progress and succeed in their programs. Students are encouraged to contact these offices for assistance:

• Pack Center
• Career Center
• Student Counseling Center
• Student Support Services (TRiO)
• Disability Resource & Support Center
• Student Health Services