Satisfactory Academic Progress

Tennessee Tech University Policy

The Office of Financial Aid evaluates student academic progress at the end of each Spring Semester.  Students are evaluated on the basis of three criteria: 1) grade point average (G.P.A.), 2) credit hour completion (PTERM), and 3) maximum time frame limitation (MAXHRS).

Please note that for SAP purposes, Tennessee Tech University uses only coursework completed at Tennessee Tech University – Institutional and remedial courses. Transfer hours/courses do NOT apply. Also, the Academic Fresh Start program is an institutional policy that is NOT considered for federal aid policy.

Criteria 1: Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)
 
To receive financial aid, a student must maintain a minimum qualitative measure of progress defined as cumulative G.P.A. as listed below:

1. Freshmen must have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 1.6

2. Sophomores must have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 1.8

3. Juniors must have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.0

4. Seniors must have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.0

5. Graduate Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.0

Criteria 2:  Credit Hour Completion (PTERM)

Students are also required to meet a measure of incremental progress. 

Students must successfully complete a minimum of 67% of all attempted hours.

For example: If you register for 30 credit hours over the first two years of your program you must successfully complete (withdrawals and failing grades are not defined as successfully completed) 20 credit hours (30 x 67%) to be maintaining SAP.

Criteria 3: Maximum Time Frame Limitation (MAXHRS)

Undergraduate students are also subject to a quantitative measure of progress. 

Students must complete their program of study within 150% of the total coursework required to complete their program. For example, if you are enrolled in a 120 credit hour program, you will no longer be maintaining SAP after you have attempted more than 180 hours (120 x 150%).

Institutional Procedures

Students are notified of the SAP policy in the TTU online catalog.

Denial of Financial Aid Eligibility

A student will be denied assistance if any of the following occurs:

1. The student's G.P.A. is below the minimum requirements as defined in Criteria 1.

2. The student does not make the incremental progress as described in Criteria 2.

3. The student reaches the maximum time frame for completion of his/her program of studies as defined in Criteria 3.

Appeal Process

Any student denied financial aid who can prove special circumstances pertaining the his/her case, may appeal the decision denying aid.  The fact that you “need” financial aid to continue your studies IS NOT an acceptable reason to approve your appeal.  Rather, you must explain what caused your lack of progress towards graduation and describe your plan to correct whatever problem you have encountered. ALL APPEALS MUST BE SUBMITTED LEGIBLY and include your T# and phone #.

Consequences of Denial

Students, who do not maintain satisfactory academic progress, lose eligibility for aid for the entire academic year.  Exceptions must be approved by The Director of Financial Aid.