Satisfactory Progress

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NDSCS Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

1. Purpose

This policy establishes the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards required for students receiving federal Title IV financial aid at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS). Federal regulations mandate that institutions apply SAP standards that are as strict as or stricter than the institution’s Academic Standing Policy.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all students enrolled at NDSCS. SAP is evaluated at the end of each semester for all students, regardless of whether they received aid during that semester.

3. Alignment with Academic Standing Policy

NDSCS’s Academic Standing Policy uses a matrix based on semester GPA and cumulative GPA, with escalating consequences (Warning → Probation → Suspension → Suspension-Final). Students on academic probation must earn a minimum 2.0 semester GPA to avoid suspension.

This SAP policy is stricter because it requires:

  • A minimum 2.0 GPA for the semester
  • A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • A 67% completion rate each term and cumulatively
  • Completion of the student’s program within 150% of the published length of the program
    • Immediate disqualification for certain academic outcomes: 0.00 GPA
    • Withdrawing from the semester

4. SAP Standards

4.1 Qualitative Standard (GPA)
Students must earn a minimum 2.0 semester and cumulative GPA.

  • Programs with Pass/Fail grading:
    • If all coursework is Pass/Fail: all attempted courses must be passed. Any unsatisfactory or failing grade will result in the student not meeting the qualitative SAP standard.
    • If any letter-graded courses exist: the student must meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirements, in addition to successfully completing all pass/fail coursework.

4.2 Quantitative Standard (Completion Rate)

Students must successfully complete 67% of attempted credits, both:

  • Cumulative, and
  • For the current semester

Attempted credits include all courses enrolled at census (8th class day) including course repeats. Completed credits include A, B, C, D, S. Non-completed credits include F, I, U, W, AU.

4.3 Maximum Timeframe

Students must complete their program within 150% of the published program length. Example: A 60-credit program must be completed within 90 attempted credits.

Transfer credits and credits from prior programs count unless formally excluded through documented program-change review.

5. SAP Statuses

5.1 Good Standing

Student meets all SAP standards.

5.2 Financial Aid Warning

Assigned after the first semester a student fails to meet SAP standards. Aid is permitted during the Warning semester.

5.3 Financial Aid Disqualification

Assigned when:

  • A student on Warning fails to meet SAP standards
  • A student earns a 0.00 semester GPA
  • A student withdraws from all courses
  • A student fails to meet 2.0 semester GPA while on Plan of Study
  • A student exceeds the 150% maximum timeframe

Students in Disqualification status are not eligible for federal financial aid.

5.4 Financial Aid Plan of Study – POS

Students who successfully appeal a Financial Aid Disqualification may be placed on a Plan of Study.

Requirements can include, but are not limited to:

  • 2.0 semester GPA
  • No withdrawals
  • Compliance with all POS conditions

Failure to meet the POS conditions results in immediate Disqualification.

6. Appeals

6.1 Grounds for Appeal

If placed on Financial Aid Disqualification, an Appeal for Reinstatement of Financial Aid form is available at the Financial Aid Office or by printing from the NDSCS website. To be considered, appeals must be submitted by the end of the 8th day of classes in the semester the student is seeking reinstatement.

Students may appeal based on:

  • Documented medical or mental health circumstances
  • Death of an immediate family member
  • Program change or transfer credits affecting maximum timeframe
  • Other significant extenuating circumstances

6.2 Appeal Requirements

Appeals must include:

  • Completed appeal form
  • Supporting documentation
  • Explanation of what has changed to support future success

6.3 Appeal Decisions

  • Reviewed by Financial Aid Director or designee
  • Decisions are final
  • Approved appeals may result in POS status outlining stipulations on the reinstatement of the student’s financial aid
  • Denied appeals maintain Disqualification status

7. Criteria for Re-Establishing Eligibility

Students may regain financial aid eligibility by submitting an appeal to the Financial Aid Office if they meet one of the following conditions:

  • Successfully complete at least 6 credits without financial aid, earn a minimum 2.0 GPA, and achieve 100% completion rate
  • Resolve any incomplete grades
  • Return after an absence of three years or more

8. Automatic Financial Aid Disqualification

Automatic Financial Aid Disqualification occurs when:

  • Term GPA = 0.00
  • Student withdraws from all courses
  • Student fails to meet both semester and cumulative 2.0 GPA after fourth semester
  • Student fails POS requirements

9. Notifications

Students are notified via NDSCS email when placed on:

  • Warning
  • Disqualification
  • Plan of Study
  • Appeal approval or denial

10. Policy Review

The Financial Aid Director or designee reviews this policy to ensure compliance with federal regulations and alignment with Academic Standing.