Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Financial Aid
Graduate Students
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) ensures students are able to complete their academic program in a timely manner while achieving and maintaining compliance with minimum standards. Federal regulations mandate that all student are required to meet SAP standards as they work toward a degree in order for them to qualify for financial assistance. This policy pertain to both those students receiving Title IV funding and non-Title IV recipients. SAP is evaluated on a payment period basis (generally this will be at the end of fall, spring and summer semesters) after grades are posted and will affect the eligibility for the upcoming payment period.
Satisfactory Academic Progress is determined by the following criteria:
• Quantitative Measurement
o Pace of Progression (Credit Hours)
• Qualitative Measurement (GPA)
o Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average.
Students must complete attempted hours according to the following (Quantitative Measurement):
• Completion of 67 percent of cumulative hours attempted,
*i.e., 12 hours attempted, 8 hours must be completed (8/12 = 67 percent).
• Grades of “I,” “W,” or “F” are considered as attempted hours.
• Transfer credit hours accepted by Lindenwood University will count as both attempted and completed hours.
• Once a student completes coursework for an “I” grade, or a grade is changed, academic progress will be reviewed again by the Student Financial Services Office.
Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (Qualitative Measurement).