Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students receiving Financial Aid must meet all three STANDARDS OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP):

1. 2.0 Rule: Students must maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.0 on a 4-point scale.
   
   
2. 67% Passing Rate Rule: Students are required to successfully complete at least 67% of courses attempted with a passing grade of A, B, C, or D. Transfer credit hours count as hours attempted and completed.
   
   Calculating Passing Rate:
   Credit Hours Completed divided by the Credit Hours Attempted=Passing Rate
   
   
3. 150% Maximum Time Frame Rule: The maximum timeframe for a student to complete a program is 150% of the published length of the program.
   
   Example: if 75 credit hours are required to complete a degree, the student may attempt a maximum of 113 credit hours before the student exceeds his/her eligibility for financial aid (75 credit hour program multiplied by 150% = 113). One academic year of credit (30 credit hours) may be added for required remedial coursework. After completing graduation requirements, one may possibly regain eligibility for an additional program of study. Transfer credit hours received from other colleges count in the 150% calculation.

Caution!

• The Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) for financial aid as defined above are different from the college's academic standards as stated in the VGCC Catalog.
• Students who change majors repeatedly may exceed the 150% limit of credit hours and lose their eligibility.
• Students prior to withdrawing from courses should discuss with a Financial Aid Assistant the potential consequences of withdrawing such as losing financial aid eligibility and overpayments.
  

Definitions of Academic Status and Terms

Academic Probation:
Academic progress is monitored after each term. Students who fail to meet either of the first two SAP rules are placed on academic probation and given one more term of financial aid eligibility to regain the minimum requirements of academic progress. If both standards are met at the end of that term then the probationary status is removed.

Academic Suspension: At the end of academic probation, students who are not meeting the first two SAP rules will have their eligibility for financial aid suspended. Students may remain in school if they are meeting the academic standards of the College; however, no federal or state financial assistance will be awarded until they have met the first two SAP requirements.

Appeals:Students suspended from financial aid may submit an appeal request in writing to the Director of Financial Aid. Documented extenuating circumstances will be given consideration for granting an appeal. Academic Appeals Form