Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress
Note: Due to a change in federal regulations, LMU’s policy regarding maintaining satisfactory academic progress for financial aid has been revised. Please review this information carefully and contact the financial aid office at finaid@lmu.edu if you have any questions.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP):
To be eligible for federal, state, and University financial aid programs, students are required to make satisfactory academic progress. These standards are separate and distinct from the University’s Academic Degree Requirements and Policies as stated in the University Bulletin.
These guidelines are in accordance with those required by federal regulations for recipients of federal grant, work, and loan programs, including the Federal Direct Parent (PLUS) Loan. These standards also apply to state aid or state-funded financial aid programs in accordance with the State of California.
Recipients of LMU tuition benefits who are not receiving any other federal, state, or University funds are not bound by these guidelines.
Graduate students must:
- maintain a minimum semester and cumulative grade point average of 3.00
- if enrolled full-time, complete a minimum of three (3) units per semester.
- not exceed the maximum timeframe to complete a graduate degree, five (5) years
Grades
Grades of F, NC, AU, and W do not count in calculating the minimum grade point average. Grades of I (Incomplete) or IP temporarily will not be counted until the final grade is posted. Students must comply with the requirements to convert an incomplete to a permanent grade according to the requirements as stated in the University Bulletin.
Withdrawals
Students who withdraw from all coursework or take a leave of absence and later enroll in a subsequent term retain the SAP status held during their last term of enrollment.
Transfer Student Course Evaluation
Transfer students are evaluated based on the number of units accepted at admission to determine their maximum time frame to receive financial aid.
Repeat Coursework
Classes for failed courses that are repeated because they are required for graduation are eligible for financial aid. Repeated courses are included in the calculation of attempted and earned hours.
Maximum Time Frame to Complete Degree
Students must complete their degree within five (5) years of starting their program.
Important: The maximum time-frame to complete degree requirements does not override institutional, federal or state financial aid programs that have a maximum period of eligibility.
Students should refer to the Academic Degree Requirements and Policies section of University Bulletin for information on the recommended course load required to complete their degree requirements in five (5) years.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Review Process
All students receiving financial aid are reviewed for satisfactory academic progress at the end of each term of enrollment.
SAP Warning
Students enrolled for the summer are reviewed after the end of the second summer session. Students failing to meet these requirements for the first time receive a “SAP Warning” Notice. Students are eligible for financial aid for their next term of enrollment while on Warning status.
Financial Aid Probation
If the student does not meet the minimum requirements after their next term of enrollment they are not eligible to receive financial aid. Students may submit a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal to the Financial Aid Office. This appeal must detail why the student was unable to meet minimum satisfactory academic progress requirements and the steps being taken to meet the minimum requirements and regain eligibility. If the appeal is approved the student is placed on Financial Aid Probation for one term. Students who cannot meet the minimum requirements within one term are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to prepare an academic contract which outlines the terms and period that will allow the student to meet the minimum requirements.