Satisfactory Progress Policy

The appeal must be submitted to Grad School Assistantship Fellowship Office by the following deadline:

For purposes of convenience, the following is a summary of the policies and procedures for Satisfactory Academic Progress in order for graduate students to receive federally funded financial aid.

Full Policies and Procedures (PDF)

Graduate students who do not meet the standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) are ineligible to receive federally funded financial aid. SAP is measured at the end of each semester, unless conditional eligibility was previously provided. For those graduate students previously provided conditional eligibility, SAP will be checked at the end of each semester.

To receive federal financial aid funds, graduate students must meet 3 minimum requirements:

1. Minimum Required Credit Hour Completion Rate (“Pass Rate Rule” – completed at least 67% of cumulative attempted credit hours attempted at SIU)
2. Minimum Required Grade Point Average (“GPA Rule” – minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 by end of Spring Semester)
3. Maximum Credit Hours Attempted (“Max Hours Rule” – students must complete their degree program before reaching 150% of the number of credits needed to complete their degree program)

Graduate students unable to receive federal financial aid funds due to not meeting any one of the 3 minimum requirements can appeal to explain “mitigating circumstances”. The appeals process can be found at:

Graduate Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Process (PDF)

Graduate Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Form (PDF)

For more information regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress, visit the Financial Aid Office’s webpage.