Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the federally mandated requirement to fulfill a specified educational objective within a specific time frame to be eligible for federal financial aid. All students are evaluated twice a year to determine if they have met these requirements, even if they have not previously received financial aid.
In accordance with federal regulations, Nova Southeastern University has established the following SAP standards that must be met annually to maintain eligibility for federal and state financial aid. For more information, view our FAQ.
1. Qualitative Measure (Grade Point Average)
2. Maximum Timeframe Measurement (Total Allowable Credits)
The published length of the program is the number of credits needed to complete degree requirements. For example, a program requiring 120 credits to graduate will be limited to 180 credits of financial aid eligibility.
3. Pace (Overall Credits Completed)
Pace formula:
Cumulative successfully completed credits
Cumulative attempted credits
Important - All Coursework is Counted in the SAP Calculation
When SAP is evaluated, all coursework is counted as attempted credits including, but not limited to, repeat and incomplete coursework, transfer credits, and coursework completed for a prior degree or major for which a degree or certificate was not conferred. The only time a student may start over is after a degree is conferred.
SAP for State Aid
Students interested in receiving state aid (such as the Effective Access to Student Education [EASE] Grant, Florida Student Assistance Grant, or Florida Bright Futures Scholarship) must also meet the state SAP standards established for each aid program.
Program | Min. Cumulative GPA/Percent |
---|---|
Anesthesiologist Assistant | 2.00 or 75 percent |
Occupational Therapy | 2.00 or 75 percent |
Pharmaceutical Affairs | 2.00 or 75 percent |
Physician Assistant Minimum |
2.00 or 75 percent |
Dental Minimum | 70 percent or passing grades in all Pass/Fail coursework. Students with a combination of grade types must meet both criteria. |
Program | Min. Cumulative GPA/Percent |
---|---|
Dental Predoctoral, Optometry, Osteopathic Medicine, Pharmacy | 2.00 or 70 percent |
Occupational Therapy - Hybrid in Tampa, Physical Therapy—Hybrid Entry Level and Entry Level | 2.00 or 75 percent |
Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Nursing | 3.00 or 80 percent |
Allopathic Medicine, Health Science | Passing grade in all coursework |
Dental Postdoctoral | 70 percent or passing grade in all pass/fail coursework Students with a combination of grade types must meet both criteria. |
SAP is evaluated for all students at the end of the final semester of their current academic year to determine financial aid eligibility for the next academic year.
In addition, academic progress is reviewed mid-year to alert students who may be in danger of failing SAP. The mid-year review is for informational purposes only and does not impact a student's eligibility for the remainder of the current year.
Academic Year | Mid-Year Review | SAP Evaluation |
---|---|---|
three semester programs (Fall/Winter/Summer) |
January | end of the final semester of a student’s enrollment in the academic year |
three-semester programs (Summer/Fall/Winter) |
August/September | end of the final semester of a student’s enrollment in the academic year |
four-term programs (Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring) |
January | end of the final semester of a student’s enrollment in the academic year |
two-semester programs | January | end of the final semester of a student’s enrollment in the academic year |
Students who are not meeting SAP at the mid-year evaluation will receive an email to their NSU email addresses to alert them of their lack of progress so that they may work with their academic advisor toward meeting SAP before the end of the semester. Students who have failed to meet SAP at the end-of-year evaluation will be notified by NSU email address and can view their SAP status at anytime in SharkLink/Self-Service Banner (SSB) as follows:
A student with extenuating circumstances may appeal the denial of student financial assistance by submitting a SAP Appeal Form within 60 days from the date the failure notice was sent. The appeal must be made in writing and include the following:
A student's appeal may be approved on a probationary basis for one semester if it is feasible for the student to meet all SAP requirements within one semester. If not, an academic plan must also be included with the appeal.
Late appeals will not be accepted. Generally, a student can only receive financial aid on one approved appeal per academic degree. Students may not have more than one appeal in an award year.
If a student is unable to feasibly meet all SAP requirements within one semester, an academic plan must be developed with the student's academic adviser. The academic plan will outline grade and credit requirements that will allow the student to successfully meet SAP. If necessary, the academic plan may extend beyond the current academic year.
If SAP failure was based on the maximum timeframe measure, the student must complete all credits required for degree completion by the end of the last semester of the academic plan, and the degree or certificate must be conferred before the student can establish financial aid eligibility for the next period.
Under an academic plan, a student's progress will be monitored at the end of each semester to ensure that the student is progressing according to the requirements of the plan. As long as the student is progressing accordingly, the student will remain eligible for financial aid. If the student is not meeting the requirements of the plan, the student will become ineligible to receive financial aid in the future until all components of SAP have been met.
Designated SAP Service Line: (954) 262-2427 | 866-775-3575
Horvitz Admin. Bldg
3300 S. University Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
(954) 262-3380 | 800-806-3680