Keeping Your Financial Aid
What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the academic progress students must maintain to remain eligible for financial aid. Piedmont Technical College reviews SAP after grades are posted at the end of each Fall, Spring, and Summer semester. The review considers cumulative academic progress, not just one semester.
Three Requirements to Maintain Financial Aid
1. Grade Point Average (GPA)
Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA (including your developmental coursework).
2. Completion Rate (PACE)
Successfully complete at least 67% of the cumulative credit hours attempted in your current program of study. Pace = earned hours ÷ attempted hours.
3. Maximum Timeframe
Complete your program within 150% of the credit hours required for that program. For example, a 60-credit program has a 90-credit maximum timeframe.
Completion-rate example: If you attempted 30 credit hours and earned 21, your completion rate is 70% (21 ÷ 30), which meets the 67% requirement.
What Happens If I Do Not Meet SAP?
Financial Aid Warning: Students who first fail to meet the cumulative GPA and/or 67% completion requirement may receive financial aid for one additional semester without an appeal. They must meet the applicable SAP standards at the end of that semester.
Financial Aid Suspension: Students who continue to fall below GPA or completion standards after Warning lose financial aid eligibility unless an appeal is approved or eligibility is regained by meeting SAP standards.
150% Suspension: Students who cannot complete their current program within the maximum timeframe are not eligible for a Warning semester for that issue. They may appeal under PTC’s SAP appeal procedures.
Can I Appeal?
Students on Financial Aid Suspension may request consideration through the SAP appeal process. A complete appeal must include the SAP Appeal Form, supporting documentation, and an Academic Plan developed with an academic advisor. Approval is not automatic.
PTC permits a maximum of two approved SAP appeals during enrollment. A second approved appeal requires new, documented extenuating circumstances occurring during the probationary period. Denied, incomplete, or withdrawn appeals do not count toward the two-approval limit.
Upcoming SAP Appeal Deadlines
Spring 2027: January 20, 2027. Summer 2027: May 19, 2027. All required documents must be received by the applicable deadline. Complete appeals submitted on time may be reviewed after the deadline; incomplete appeals at the deadline are denied. Appeals first submitted after the deadline are held for the next semester.
Appeal and Policy Links
Students should monitor their SAP status in PTC Pathway and contact the Financial Aid Office if they have questions.
Read the full SAP policy here.