Financial Aid
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Office of Enrollment Services
100 Admissions Center
Morehead, KY 40351
Phone- (606).783.2000
Fax- (606).783.5038

Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Recipients (SAP)

 

The Higher Education Act mandates institutions of higher education to establish minimum standards of "satisfactory academic progress" for students receiving financial assistance. This means that a student must make progress toward obtainment of an appropriate degree of certificate during each term that the student is enrolled. These standards are applicable to all federal, state, and institutional aid programs administered by Morehead State University.

At Morehead State University, in order to continue to receive financial aid, a student must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress by completing a minimum number of the total hours attempted, and also by maintaining a minimum grade point average. MSU's satisfactory academic progress policy is as follows:

Undergraduates

Undergraduate students will be considered to be making satisfactory academic progress for financial aid purposes as long as the following requirements are met:

  1. A student must successfully complete a minimum of 75% of the credit hours attempted during the last period of enrollment. Successful completion for this purpose is defined as receiving a grade of "D" or better.
  2. If 1-16 hours have been attempted, a student must have at least a 1.6 cumulative SAP GPA.
    If 17-32 hours have been attempted, a student must have at least a 1.7 cumulative SAP GPA.
    If 33-48 hours have been attempted, a student must have at least a 1.8 cumulative SAP GPA.
    If 49-67 hours have been attempted, a student must have at least a 1.9 cumulative SAP GPA.
    If 68 or more hours have been attempted, a student must have at least a 2.0 cumulative SAP GPA.
  3. A student has attempted no more than 150% of the hours required for their current academic program.

Graduates

Graduate students will be considered to be making satisfactory academic progress for financial aid purposes as long as all of the following requirements are met:

  1. A student must successfully complete a minimum of 75% of the credit hours attempted during the last semester of enrollment. Successful completion for the purpose is defined as receiving a grade of "C" or better.
  2. A student must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative SAP grade point average.
  3. A student has attempted no more than 150% of the hours required for their current graduate program.

Policies and Procedures

The specific policies and procedures to be used in applying at the satisfactory progress standards are outlined below.

  1. Satisfactory progress will be evaluated at the end of each Spring Semester.
  2. Hours attempted for purposes of this policy will be defined as those for which a student receives a grade of A, B, C, D, E, F, I, IP, R, U, N, W, WP, or WF.
  3. For undergraduate students, grades of E, F, I, IP, R, U, N, W, WP, or WF will not qualify as successful completion of hours attempted. For graduate students, grades of D, E, F, I, IP, R, U, N, W, WP, or WF, will not qualify as successful completion of hours attempted.
  4. Cumulative SAP GPA will be calculated based on the attempted and completed policies above.
  5. Non-credit remedial courses, courses taken for audit, and courses in which grades of K or P are received are not figured in the calculation of a student's grade point average.
  6. If otherwise eligible, students will be awarded financial aid during a term in which they may be repeating a course.
  7. A student who failed to maintain satisfactory progress as defined will not be permitted to receive federal, state, or institutional financial aid.

Procedures For Appeal For Students Who Fail To Maintain Satisfactory Progress Standards

Students who fail to meet satisfactory progress standards as defined may appeal the ruling to the Office of Enrollment Services if they believe extenuating circumstances led to their failure to maintain satisfactory progress. Those desiring to appeal must do so in writing on the Satisfactory Progress Appeal Form and must attach a copy of their complete unofficial transcript and supporting documentation.  The appeal form may be obtained in the Office of Enrollment Services. Students will be notified, in writing, of the action taken on their appeal.

Reinstatement of Financial Aid Eligibility

Should a student's financial aid eligibility be terminated for failure to maintain satisfactory progress as defined, the eligibility for financial aid will not be reinstated until the student enrolls for a subsequent academic term (fall, spring, or summer term) at his or her own expense and completes the term satisfying the satisfactory progress definition. The student should then file an appeal with the Office of Enrollment Services, explaining that they have completed a subsequent term at their own expense.

Financial aid eligibility will be reinstated immediately for all students whose appeals are approved.

Scholarship and Award Renewal

Scholarships and awards may and often do require higher standards for renewal. Please consult your award information and the university's renewal guidelines regarding your particular scholarship award.