Standards of Academic Progress

Full SAP Policy
To be eligible tor financial aid,  you must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards. For the purpose of determining eligibility to receive federal financial aid funds, San Bernardino Valley College requires students to meet the following standards for academic progress:

1. Qualitative Standard

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA Standard). If all classes taken are credit/non-credit courses, the GPA requirement does not apply. Courses with grades of A,B, C, D, F are used to calculate a student’s GPA.  

Use the calculator below to calculate your cumulative GPA.

2. Quantitative Standard

Students are required to complete a minimum of 67% of the number of units attempted (Completion Rate Standard). All Withdrawals (W), Incompletes (I), Failing (F), No Pass (NC or NP) and Report Delayed (RD) grades are considered units attempted. Repeated courses are also included in this standard.  

Use the calculator below to calculate your Completion Rate Standard.

3. Maximum Time Frame

Student must have attempted less than 150% of the maximum cumulative units required for completion of their selected program of study. Most degree programs at San Bernardino Valley College require 60 units for graduation. Thus, 90 attempted units is the maximum for which a student can receive financial assistance (60 attempted units x 150% = 90 attempted units).  

Use the calculator below to calculate your Maximum Time Frame.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Counseling

Students are encouraged to complete the online Satisfactory Academic Progress Counseling sessions to gain a better understanding of the requirements to maintain financial aid eligibility and avoid losing your financial aid. The following sessions are available:

  • The Essentials to Understanding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and What it Means to You for Associate's Degree Programs-For AA/AS/Transfer Programs
  • The Essentials to Understanding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and What it Means to You for Certificate Programs-For Certificate Programs
  • A Refresher on the Impact of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • The Key Components to the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Financial Aid Appeal Process
  • Understanding the Pell Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) and its Effects
  • Students on submitting a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal will need to complete a SAP Counseling Session upon submitting the appeal, and upon approval of an appeal.

Go to SAP Online Counseling

Appeals

Under certain conditions, student placed on SAP Termination status may file an appeal for consideration of reinstatement of financial aid eligibility if extenuating circumstances occurred that prevented the student from meeting the SAP standards.

The following are examples of reasons a student may file a SAP Appeal:

  • Death of an immediate family member
  • Unable to complete theirselected program ofstudy within the maximum timeframe because of a change in academic major
  • Documented serious injury, illness or medical condition requiring doctor’s care
  • Documented extenuating circumstances that were beyond a student’s control

Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information on appeals and how to file one.