Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the level of academic standing (as defined by the college or university) that a student must maintain to continue receiving federal student aid.

• SAP is sometimes calculated in terms of your grade point average (GPA) or other grading standard, or by attendance records.
• SAP also establishes a maximum time frame to complete your certificate, diploma or degree . The maximum time frame must not exceed 150 percent (or time and one-half) of the published program length.
• Check your college or university's website, financial aid materials or student handbook to determine the SAP standards you must meet at your college or university. Make sure that you understand what is expected of you when you accept the award. Don't wait until it is too late to ask questions and you've lost your aid.