CURRENT STUDENTS

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

 

The measurement of grades and course completion requirements imposed by the federal government in order to determine federal financial aid eligibility is identified as Satisfactory Academic Progress. Federal requirements are found in 34 CFR Sections 668.16, 668.32, and 668.34. Louisiana Tech has defined the rules in the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (available in PDF format).

 

  • Federal financial aid cannot be paid while a student is ineligible due to unsatisfactory progress. In order to re-establish federal financial aid to a student’s account, an appeal or informal review must be approved.

 

As of Fall 2024-2025, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will be evaluated at the conclusion of each academic year (after Spring grades are live). Upon receipt of grades and course completion data, we will determine the cumulative GPA and we will also calculate the “Pace” at which the student is progressing. Pace is calculated by dividing the cumulative course hours completed/transferred to Louisiana Tech University by the cumulative course hours attempted /transferred to Louisiana Tech University. If it is determined that a student is not meeting  SAP qualifications at the end of the Spring quarter, they will have their financial aid funds for the upcoming and future quarters stopped. A student who has their financial aid funds stopped or placed in Hold has two options; first, they may appeal.  If their appeal is successful, they will be placed on Financial Aid Probation for one additional quarter of attendance. Appeal requirements are listed in the appeal form and in this policy and are very specific.  Secondly, they may attend at their own expense until they raise their cumulative GPA and / or cumulative Pace to the required levels. The second option for regaining eligibility if an official SAP review period has not occurred, the student may request an Informal Review of their eligibility to determine if they qualify to have their aid reestablished for upcoming quarters due to now meeting SAP requirements. If a student has met or exceeded their 150% limit of coursework toward their degree, the only action available is to appeal their limit.  This must be done according to the guidance furnished later in this policy. The topics below contain sections of the policy by topic:

 

 

Click here for a full policy affecting 2024-2025, or stop by the Financial Aid Office to obtain one.