Satisfactory Academic Progress

Financial aid regulations require that students meet specific Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements to maintain eligibility for financial aid.

 

 

What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?

Your academic record will be evaluated after each academic year to determine if you are meeting the SAP requirements to maintain financial aid eligibility for the next academic year. Your SAP status at the end of the annual evaluation period determines your SAP status for the upcoming academic year. Changes to your academic record after the end of the official evaluation period will not impact your SAP status for the current academic year. The UC Berkeley SAP requirements fall into three areas:

  • Making progress toward your degree by completing a minimum percentage of attempted units.
  • Maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA).
  • Completing your degree within a maximum timeframe. This is measured in maximum units for Undergraduate students and maximum terms for Graduate students.

SAP is evaluated at the end of each Spring semester. Your SAP determination at this time will determine your eligibility for aid beginning in the Summer term, or whichever your first term will be in the upcoming year. Therefore, eligibility for Summer 2024 aid will be contingent on meeting SAP after the end of the Spring 2024 semester.

  • Students enrolling in Summer Sessions: Please note that Summer Session A begins before Spring grades are made available. Eligibility for Summer aid may change once Spring grades are posted, and SAP is reviewed.

 

Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal

While you are expected to meet minimum academic progress requirements to maintain your financial aid eligibility, we understand that extenuating circumstances sometimes prevent students from making satisfactory progress towards their degree. If you are ineligible for financial aid because you are not meeting SAP requirements before the beginning of the academic year, and extenuating circumstances have hindered your academic performance, you may submit a SAP Appeal to have your eligibility reconsidered.

The SAP Appeal priority deadlines are:

  • Summer 2024 sessions: June 21, 2024
  • Fall 2024 semester: September 13, 2024
  • Spring 2025 semester: February 7, 2025

​We’ll Help You Stay On Track

  • If your SAP Appeal is approved, you will be responsible for following specific conditions each term in order to maintain your financial aid eligibility during that academic year. We will notify you via email of the conditions you are required to meet to maintain eligibility, and we will review your progress before we disburse any additional aid to you each term.
  • If your SAP Appeal is denied, you will be responsible for all costs associated with your enrollment during the academic year. The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office will certify a private educational loan if you secure a loan and are approved by a private lender.
  • If you withdraw before your SAP Appeal is reviewed and an approval is received, you will be responsible for all costs associated with your enrollment. Be sure to submit your appeal early, before the start of the term, so you can receive a timely decision, allowing you to plan accordingly.

Submitting an appeal does not guarantee approval.

Be sure to submit your appeal early, before the start of the term, so you can receive a timely decision, allowing you to plan accordingly.

The SAP Appeal priority deadlines are:

  • Summer 2024 sessions: June 21, 2024
  • Fall 2024 semester: September 13, 2024
  • Spring 2025 semester: February 7, 2025

You are encouraged to submit your SAP Appeal before the priority deadline to ensure that your SAP Appeal is able to be reviewed in a timely manner. Complete the online form and submit your academic plan once you have met with your academic advisor(s) to ensure your appeal is promptly received.

If you do not submit your appeal in a timely manner, and your appeal is denied after the term has started, you will be responsible for any and all costs incurred, including any costs related to a decision to withdraw from the semester.

Questions? Contact Cal Student Central: 510.664.9181 or 120 Sproul Hall