2025-2026 Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP)

The State of New York also requires students to meet satisfactory academic progress to receive any state-funded student assistance. Student financial aid programs were created and funded to help students achieve access to higher education and accomplish academic goals. To receive funds administered by One-Stop Student Services Center, Financial Aid, students must complete a degree plan and be making measurable progress toward completion of an eligible degree or certification. Federal regulations require evaluation of both quantitative and qualitative progress.

What is SAP?

SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy) is a set of standards laid out by the federal government and Adelphi University by which we measure the progress you’re making toward attaining your degree. Federal aid eligibility depends on meeting these standards, so falling behind on SAP can cause your eligibility for aid to be jeopardized and may require some additional steps on your part to retain your aid.

To keep your federal financial aid at Adelphi University, you must stay on track with your academic progress. This means: 

• Completing enough courses in each academic year
• Maintaining a certain GPA (Grade Point Average). GPA requirements for Undergraduate and Graduate students differ

When is SAP Checked?

Your academic progress is reviewed at the end of every spring semester. If you meet the GPA and credit requirements, you are still eligible for financial aid.

What If You Don’t Meet SAP?

If you don’t meet the SAP standards, you will lose your federal and institutional financial aid eligibility  however, you can appeal the decision if you’ve experienced extenuating circumstances. A Plan of Study Contract/SAP Waiver can be completed via our website, through the Office of Academic Services and Retention if you have an extenuating circumstance  such as:

• Medical Issues either for you or a close family member
• Death in the family 
• Other extenuating  situations 

If your appeal is approved, you’ll be placed on Financial Aid Probation for one semester. During this time, you’ll follow an Academic Plan to improve your progress and regain federal and institutional financial aid eligibility.

Academic Plan

If you’re on probation, an advisor in the Office of Academic Services and Retention will help you create a plan to get back on track. If you follow the plan and show improvement, you may keep receiving financial aid for the following semester without needing an additional Plan of Study Contract/SAP Waiver.