Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Purposes (SAP) is checked in January and June as a part of the college’s participation in Federal Financial Aid programs. The office of Admissions and Financial Aid checks the following aspects of SAP:

• Satisfactory completion of semester contracts and the ISP.
• Satisfactory completion of at least 2/3 of all units attempted (cumulative, including transfer credit).
• Maximum time frame for federal aid: 46.5 units  (cumulative, including transfer credit).
• Maximum time frame for institutional aid: through the 8th contract (including contracts earned through transfer credit, unless the student enters NCF directly from high school)

Does a dropped course count as an attempt?

Yes.

What about Bright Futures?

Office staff check in June, after evaluations are due, to ensure that students who receive Bright Futures have satisfactory evaluations for both fall and spring semester contracts.

What are the most common complications with Financial Aid?

Perhaps the most common problem is that contract assessments that are “Incomplete” or “Unsatisfactory” will prevent renewal of Bright Futures, and prevent a student from meeting SAP requirements. In order to help avoid this, students should make sure to submit their work on time, and faculty to complete their evaluations by the deadline.

What happens if I have multiple “Unsatisfactory” contracts?

Students with multiple Unsatisfactory contracts should ask about appealing for financial aid; permission to enroll does not automatically guarantee eligibility for aid.