Satisfactory Academic Progress

For financial aid purposes, good academic standing consists of two elements: satisfactory academic progress and pursuit of program. Satisfactory progress is a measure of the student’s achievement, of earning credits toward a degree or certificate with a specified grade point average. Pursuit of program is a measure of the student’s effort to complete a program.

In accordance with section 145-2.2 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, each institution participating in State student financial aid programs must determine whether a student is in good academic standing based on a standard of satisfactory academic progress comprising a minimum number of credits to be accrued (earned) with a minimum cumulative grade point average in each term an award payment is received. The progress standard is most clearly presented in chart format (see below). 

Initially, the regulation provided that each institution establish and submit for the Commissioner’s approval its proposed standard of progress. However, for the 1995-96 academic year and thereafter, new legislation mandated a minimum cumulative C average after a student has received four full-time semester award payments or the equivalent (24 payment points). 

Effective for the 2010-11 academic year and thereafter, New York State Education Law requires a non-remedial student, whose first award year is in 2010--11 and thereafter, must meet new standards of satisfactory academic progress (SAP). Non-remedial students whose first year is 2007-08 through 2009-10 must meet the SAP requirements enacted in 2006. Those meeting the definition of "remedial student" are not subject to the new SAP standards, but will use the requirements established in 2006. The law enacted in 2006 mandated minimum standards of satisfactory academic progress for students receiving their first State award in academic year 2006-07 year. 

Standard of Satisfactory Academic Progress
for the Purpose of Determining Eligibility for State Student Aid

Effective 2010-11 for non-remedial students receiving first NYS award payment in 2010-11 and thereafter. Remedial students and students enrolled in an approved certificate program will use the 2006 SAP charts.

Note: The 2011-12 enacted NYS budget mandates the following standards of progress, enacted in 2006-07, shall be used for non-remedial students who first receive State aid in 2007-08 through 2009-10 and for students who meet the definition of "remedial student" in 2010-11 and thereafter. The enacted budget defines remedial for purposes of SAP. 

Standard of Satisfactory Academic Progress
for the Purpose of Determining Eligibility for State Student Aid

Effective 2006-07

Students who received their first award prior to the 2006-07 academic year continue to be subject to the standards of satisfactory academic progress approved by the Commissioner of Education. However, institutions may choose to adopt for all students standards mandated in Education Law by requesting State Education Department approval.