Appeals for Financial Aid

What is SAP?

Appeal Form

You must successfully complete at least 67% of all the credit hours you attempt. Courses you withdraw from, fail, or do not complete still count as attempted hours. For example, if you attempt 30 credit hours, you must successfully complete at least 20.

 You must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, which is approximately a “C” average.

You must complete your degree or certificate before attempting more than 150% of the credit hours required for the program. For example, if your program requires 64 credit hours, you must complete it before attempting more than 96 credit hours. Withdrawn, failed, repeated, and transfer courses accepted toward your program may count toward this limit.

If you do not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements and are placed on financial aid suspension, you may lose eligibility for:

  • Federal Pell Grants
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
  • Federal Work-Study
  • Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
  • Federal Parent PLUS Loans borrowed on your behalf
  • Illinois MAP Grants and other aid programs that require satisfactory progress
  • SCC scholarships, waivers, or other assistance that requires students to meet SAP

You do not necessarily lose financial aid immediately after one unsuccessful semester. Depending on your SAP status, you may first receive a financial aid warning. If you are placed on suspension, you cannot receive affected aid unless you regain eligibility or submit an SAP appeal that is approved.

VA education benefits, private scholarships, and private student loans are not automatically canceled by federal SAP suspension, but they may have their own academic-progress requirements.

A SAP appeal gives you an opportunity to explain the circumstances that prevented you from meeting the required GPA, completion-rate, or maximum-timeframe standards. You must also explain what has changed and how you plan to make satisfactory progress moving forward.

If your appeal is approved, your financial aid eligibility may be temporarily restored, and you will be placed on financial aid probation. You must follow your approved Academic Plan and meet all stated requirements to continue receiving financial aid.

Submitting an appeal does not guarantee approval, erase previous grades, or automatically pay an existing balance. It allows the Appeals Committee to reconsider your eligibility based on your documented circumstances and plan for future success.

Your letter should be honest, specific, signed, and dated. Include:

  • Which SAP requirement you did not meet
  • What happened and when
  • How the circumstances affected your academic performance
  • What has changed or been resolved
  • Specific steps you will take to succeed
  • Supporting documentation, when applicable

  1. **Completion Rate—67% Rule**

I am appealing my financial aid suspension because I did not successfully complete at least 67% of the credit hours I attempted.

During [semester and year], I experienced [specific circumstance]. This occurred from approximately [dates] and caused me to [withdraw from, stop attending, or fail] several courses. As a result, my completion rate fell below the required 67%.

My circumstances have changed because [explain what has been resolved or is now different]. To improve my academic progress, I will follow the Academic Plan developed with my advisor, attend every class, communicate with my instructors, and use tutoring or other support services when needed. I will also contact my advisor before making any changes to my schedule.

I have attached [identify supporting documentation] to support my appeal. I respectfully request that my financial aid eligibility be reinstated so I can continue working toward my [degree or certificate].

  1. **Grade Point Average—2.0 GPA Rule**

I am appealing my financial aid suspension because my cumulative GPA is below the required 2.0.

During [semester and year], I experienced [specific circumstance]. This affected my ability to attend class, complete assignments, and prepare for exams. Consequently, I earned grades that lowered my cumulative GPA below 2.0.

Since that time, [explain what has changed or how the situation has been resolved]. I have met with my academic advisor and developed an Academic Plan. I will attend class regularly, complete assignments on time, meet with my instructors when I need help, and use tutoring or other student-support services. I will also [include another specific action, such as reducing work hours or following a treatment plan].

I have attached [identify supporting documentation] to support my appeal. I respectfully request that my financial aid eligibility be reinstated so I can continue working toward my [degree or certificate].

  1. **Maximum Timeframe—150% Rule**

I am appealing my financial aid suspension because I have reached the maximum number of attempted credit hours allowed for my program.

I have exceeded the maximum timeframe because [explain the reason, such as changing programs, completing required prerequisites, transferring credits, repeating courses, or experiencing circumstances that prevented program completion]. I originally pursued [former program], but I am now completing [current program]. Some of my previously attempted courses do not apply to my current program but still count toward my maximum timeframe.

I have met with my academic advisor and reviewed my remaining program requirements. I have approximately [number] credit hours remaining and expect to graduate in [semester and year]. I will take only the courses required by my Academic Plan and will not change programs. I understand that approval may be limited to the courses and semesters necessary to complete my current program.

I have attached my Academic Plan, degree evaluation, and [identify any other supporting documentation]. I respectfully request an extension of my financial aid eligibility so I can complete my [degree or certificate].

  1. Financial Aid reviews the packet for completeness.
    Financial Aid will confirm that the appeal form, student letter, supporting documentation, Academic Plan, and required signatures have been submitted. An incomplete appeal cannot be reviewed and may be returned for additional information.
  2. The Appeals Committee reviews the appeal.
    Committee members review your academic history, the circumstances described in your letter, supporting documentation, and Academic Plan. The committee considers what prevented you from meeting SAP and whether your circumstances have changed enough for you to make progress moving forward.
  3. A decision is made.
    Your appeal may be:

    • Approved;
    • Denied; or
    • Held until additional information or documentation is provided.
  4. You are notified of the decision.
    Financial Aid will notify you by email. Continue checking your SCC email and respond promptly if more information is requested.
  5. If approved, you are placed on financial aid probation.
    Your financial aid eligibility may be restored, provided you meet all other eligibility requirements. You must follow your approved Academic Plan and all conditions listed in the approval notice. Your progress will be reviewed after each semester.
  6. If denied, you remain ineligible for affected financial aid.
    You will be responsible for making other payment arrangements. You may regain eligibility by meeting SCC’s SAP requirements. The Appeals Committee’s decision is final.

Submitting an appeal does not guarantee approval, reserve your classes, stop billing deadlines, or guarantee payment of your account. Continue monitoring your student account and contact Financial Aid if you have questions.