Satisfactory Academic Progress
Try the SAP Calculators!
These Satisfactory Academic Progress calculators will help you develop a plan to improve
or regain SAP standing.
To receive financial aid, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress toward the attainment of a degree. Our office evaluates student academic records annually in June. Students enrolled in summer classes will be evaluated in August. This evaluation will include all prior terms of attendance, including periods in which the student did not receive financial aid. Additionally, the completion ratio test (PACE) includes accepted transfer credits.
At the time of each evaluation, a student who has not achieved the required GPA, or
who is not successfully completing his or her educational program at the required
pace, is no longer eligible to receive financial aid. However, students who have experienced
extenuating circumstances beyond their control may appeal to be reinstated.
The SAP Evaluation Process
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is evaluated annually at the close of the Spring semester. Students who have been granted financial aid based on an approved appeal and academic plan will be evaluated at the end of each semester of enrollment.
The financial aid office reviews academic records for the following three measures.
You must meet both GPA and PACE measures so that you will complete your degree program
without exceeding the Maximum Timeframe allowed for your degree program.
1. GPA: Undergraduate students must maintain a cumulative (overall) grade point average of at least 2.0 (a C average). Graduate students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0.
Grades of A, B, C, D, and F affect your GPA (including +/- variations). Grades of AU, W, WI, I, IP, or X, P, NC and transfer credits do not affect your GPA.
2. PACE: Students must successfully complete 67% of their attempted courses to maintain eligibility. This measure is the rate at which you are progressing through your program of study toward earning your degree. Pace is determined by dividing the number of credits you have earned by the number of credits you have attempted. Transfer credits count as both attempted and earned credits in the equation.
All courses that the student registers for and remains in beyond the drop/add period count as attempted credits. Only the courses that the student successfully completes with a grade of A, B, C, D, (including +/- variations), and P count as earned credits. Courses graded with F, AU, W, WI, I, IP, or X, or NC will count as attempted but not earned.
Both undergraduate and graduate students must maintain a PACE of 67% to meet SAP. This ensures that the student will complete their degree program before exceeding the Maximum Timeframe measure.
PACE is Calculated Using the Formula Below:
Successfully Completed Credits at Stockton + Accepted Transfer Credits
PACE = _________________________________________________________________________
All Attempted Credits at Stockton + All Accepted Transfer Credits
3. Maximum Timeframe: Satisfactory Academic Progress also establishes a maximum time frame in which students must complete their program of study in order to remain eligible to receive financial aid. This requirement limits the number of credit hours students may attempt before earning their degree.
Both undergraduate and graduate students must maintain a PACE of 67% to meet SAP. This ensures that the student will complete their degree program before exceeding the Maximum Timeframe measure.
The maximum timeframe for degree completion is 150% of the program's published length of academic program, measured in credit hours. All attempted credits count toward this limit, even if the student did not receive financial aid or had extenuating reasons for not completing the credits. Transferred credits are included in the maximum timeframe.
The chart below provides the maximum number of credits a student may attempt for each
degree type. The maximum is 150% of the required credits for degree completion.
|
Degree |
Credits Needed to Complete Degree |
Maximum Credits Attempted |
|
Bachelor |
128 |
192
|
|
Master |
36 |
54 |
| DPT | 111 | 167 |
SAP Status
Continuing students are suspended from receiving financial aid if they do not meet all of the SAP components at the time of SAP evaluation or if their enrollment exceeds the Maximum Timeframe. Students on financial aid suspension will not receive any form of federal, state, or University financial aid (grants, scholarships, federal/state loans, federal workstudy employment). Financial aid eligibility may be reinstated when all requirements of SAP are met, or the student successfully appeals the suspension.
Students suspended from receiving financial aid are not eligible for a financial aid deferment of tuition billing. This suspension pertains only to financial aid and does not prevent you from enrolling and paying for classes on your own.
Part of the SAP appeal process is to complete the SAP Academic Plan. Students whose appeals are approved are eligible to receive financial aid if they continue to meet the terms of the academic plan each semester. The academic plan will remain in effect and the student will retain eligibility for aid as long as the terms of the plan are met, or the student meets the minimum SAP standards or completes their degree requirements. Students who continually improve their academic performance can work their way out of this status. Students who do not meet the terms of the SAP academic plan when evaluated at the end of each semester will become ineligible for financial aid and be placed in Financial Aid Denied status.
Continuing students placed in financial aid denied status did not meet the requirements of the SAP academic plan. Students in this status may be able to register and attend the University; however, they are ineligible for financial aid until they have met the minimum SAP standards. Private education loans and the tuition payment plans are options to assist with paying your balance. Students who experienced new circumstances beyond their control during the semester they were on academic plan status may be eligible for a second and final appeal opportunity.
How Coursework is Evaluated for Satisfactory Academic Progress
Grades of Incomplete (I) are not earned credits. Students have one term immediately following the term in which an (I) grade was received to complete the course or it will be converted to an F grade. It is the student's responsibility to notify the Financial Aid Office when the incomplete course has been graded.
Courses graded P (Pass) or NC (No Credit) will be recorded on the student’s official transcript. Such courses will not be factored into calculation of the student’s GPA but will be included in the credits attempted and earned. Pass will count as both attempted and earned; No Credit will count as attempted and will not count as earned.
Your academic GPA is used for the SAP GPA evaluation. Repeated coursework counts once as earned, and all attempts are counted in the calculation of PACE. All attempted credits count towards the maximum timeframe, regardless of the grade earned.
Stockton offers only one remedial course that does not count towards the degree. This course will be included in the count of attempted credits. When a passing grade is received, the course will be included in the number of credits earned. These grades are not used in the calculation of the GPA.
Transfer credits accepted by Stockton will be counted in the PACE as both attempted and earned credits; and will count toward the credits allowed in the Maximum Timeframe evaluation. Grades do not transfer with the credit and so transfer credits do not affect the student’s GPA.
Notifications – SAP Evaluation Status
Students are notified whenever the result of an SAP evaluation impacts their eligibility for financial aid. A notification of Financial Aid Suspension is emailed to the student.
If the student submits an appeal, and that appeal is approved, the student will be notified of the outcome and financial aid processing will resume. Students will also be notified of appeal denials. Notifications of appeal denial will describe how the student may reestablish his or her eligibility to receive financial aid, including assistance under the title IV, HEA programs.
How to Regain Eligibility
Nothing in these rules prevents you from enrolling and paying for classes on your own. In fact, one way to resolve your financial aid suspension is to continue your enrollment and improve your academic standing until the SAP standards are met. Otherwise, to immediately resolve your financial aid suspension and regain financial aid eligibility, you may submit an appeal to our office.
How to Appeal:
Step 1: Complete the SAP Academic Plan
Schedule an appointment with the Academic Advising Office (CC-242). The Academic Advising Office assists students in achieving their own educational, personal, and career goals. You and the advisor will review your academic records and create a plan for improving your academic progress. The academic plan will require you to achieve a minimum GPA and to limit withdrawals so that your completion rate for each term is at least 75% of all courses attempted.
To schedule an appointment with Academic Advising, please click the button below.
Then, click the “More Information” link under the advisor’s name at the bottom of the
page.
Schedule an Appointment with Academic Advising
Step 2: Submit your appeal online
The online appeal system requires you to write a personal statement and upload your academic plan and documentation supporting your extenuating circumstance(s).
Personal Statement:
Your personal statement must address the following two questions:
Q1: Explain the circumstances that prevented you from meeting SAP requirements. It is your responsibility to explain how your circumstances were of sufficient duration and intensity to affect the entire semester.
Examples are: The death of a relative, an injury or illness of the student, or other special circumstances. The following reasons do not qualify as extenuating circumstances:
- The level of difficulty in a course
- The teaching method or dislike of an instructor
- The length of time that has passed since you last attended Stockton
Q2: Describe in detail the changes that you have made to ensure your academic success going forward.
If you will not complete your degree or meet GPA and/or minimum completion (PACE) standards before reaching your program’s Max Timeframe, your appeal cannot be approved according to federal regulations.
Academic Plan & Supporting Documentation:
After completing your personal statement, you must submit your academic plan and documentation supporting your extenuating circumstance(s).
Examples of supporting documentation include:
- Death certificate/obituary
- Doctors note/medical documentation
- Police/accident reports (in the instance of a car accident)
Ready to Submit your Appeal? Click the button below to get started!
Submit your Appeal Here!
Your personal statement must address the following two items:
Q1: Explain why you have not yet completed your degree program.
Q2: Describe in detail your plan to complete the degree program.
You must upload a copy of your Degree Works evaluation that details the remaining courses required for your degree program. This will serve as your supporting documentation in the appeal system. Additional supporting documentation includes major/minor change documentation, etc.
Ready to Submit your Appeal? Click the button below to get started!
Submit your Appeal Here!
Step 1: Complete the SAP Academic Plan
Schedule an appointment with the Academic Advising Office (CC-242). The Academic Advising Office assists students in achieving their own educational, personal, and career goals. You and the advisor will review your academic records and create a plan for improving your academic progress. The academic plan will require you to achieve a minimum GPA and to limit withdrawals so that your completion rate for each term is at least 75% of all courses attempted.
To schedule an appointment with Academic Advising, please click the button below.
Then, click the “Schedule an Appointment” link under the advisor’s name at the bottom
of the page.
Schedule an Appointment with Academic Advising
In addition to meeting with representatives from the above offices, you must also meet with a representative from the Military & Veteran Success Center. Once you have met with a representative from the Military & Veteran Success Center, they will sign your academic plan.
To schedule an appointment with the Military & Veteran Success Center, please click the button below.
Schedule an Appointment with the Military & Veteran Success Center
Step 2: Submit your appeal online
The online appeal system requires you to write a personal statement and upload your academic plan and documentation supporting your extenuating circumstance(s).
Personal Statement:
Your personal statement must address the following two questions:
Q1: Explain the circumstances that prevented you from meeting SAP requirements. It is your responsibility to explain how your circumstances were of sufficient duration and intensity to affect the entire semester.
Examples are: The death of a relative, an injury or illness of the student, or other special circumstances. The following reasons do not qualify as extenuating circumstances:
- The level of difficulty in a course
- The teaching method or dislike of an instructor
- The length of time that has passed since you last attended Stockton
Q2: Describe in detail the changes that you have made to ensure your academic success going forward.
If you will not complete your degree or meet GPA and/or minimum completion (PACE) standards before reaching your program’s Max Timeframe, your appeal cannot be approved according to federal regulations.
Academic Plan & Supporting Documentation:
After completing your personal statement, you must submit your academic plan and documentation supporting your extenuating circumstance(s).
Examples of supporting documentation include:
- Death certificate/obituary
- Doctors note/medical documentation
- Police/accident reports (in the instance of a car accident)
Ready to Submit your Appeal? Click the button below to get started!
Submit your Appeal Here!
Your personal statement must address the following two items:
Q1: Explain why you have not yet completed your degree program.
Q2: Describe in detail your plan to complete the degree program.
You must upload a copy of your Academic Plan and your Degree Works evaluation that details the remaining courses required for your degree program. This will serve as your supporting documentation in the appeal system. Additional supporting documentation includes major/minor change documentation, etc.
Ready to Submit your Appeal? Click the button below to get started!
Submit your Appeal Here!
Step 1: Complete the SAP Academic Plan
Schedule an appointment with the Academic Advising Office (CC-242). The Academic Advising Office assists students in achieving their own educational, personal, and career goals. You and the advisor will review your academic records and create a plan for improving your academic progress. The academic plan will require you to achieve a minimum GPA and to limit withdrawals so that your completion rate for each term is at least 75% of all courses attempted.
To schedule an appointment with Academic Advising, please click the button below.
Then, click the “Schedule an Appointment” link under the advisor’s name at the bottom
of the page.
Schedule an Appointment with Academic Advising
As an EOF student, you must also meet with an EOF Student Success Coach or member
of the EOF staff (F-109). During this meeting, you will develop an Academic Action
Plan. Developing an academic action plan will assist you by helping you navigate and
maximize the benefits of various academic and student life resources available to
you at Stockton.
To schedule an appointment with an EOF Success Coach or staff member, please call 609.652.4647.
Step 2: Submit your appeal online
The online appeal system requires you to write a personal statement and upload your academic plan and documentation supporting your extenuating circumstance(s).
Personal Statement:
Your personal statement must address the following two questions:
Q1: Explain the circumstances that prevented you from meeting SAP requirements. It is your responsibility to explain how your circumstances were of sufficient duration and intensity to affect the entire semester.
Examples are: The death of a relative, an injury or illness of the student, or other special circumstances. The following reasons do not qualify as extenuating circumstances:
- The level of difficulty in a course
- The teaching method or dislike of an instructor
- The length of time that has passed since you last attended Stockton
Q2: Describe in detail the changes that you have made to ensure your academic success going forward.
If you will not complete your degree or meet GPA and/or minimum completion (PACE) standards before reaching your program’s Max Timeframe, your appeal cannot be approved according to federal regulations.
Academic Plan & Supporting Documentation:
After completing your personal statement, you must submit your academic plan and documentation supporting your extenuating circumstance(s).
Examples of supporting documentation include:
- Death certificate/obituary
- Doctors note/medical documentation
- Police/accident reports (in the instance of a car accident)
Ready to Submit your Appeal? Click the button below to get started!
Submit your Appeal Here!
Your personal statement must address the following two items:
Q1: Explain why you have not yet completed your degree program.
Q2: Describe in detail your plan to complete the degree program.
You must upload a copy of your Academic Plan and your Degree Works evaluation that details the remaining courses required for your degree program. This will serve as your supporting documentation in the appeal system. Additional supporting documentation includes major/minor change documentation, etc.
Ready to Submit your Appeal? Click the button below to get started!
Submit your Appeal Here!
What Happens Next?
Students awaiting an appeal decision will need to arrange payment for any classes in which they are enrolled. Anticipated financial aid credits will be removed from your account pending the outcome of the appeal.
If your appeal is approved: Your financial aid eligibility will be reinstated for one semester. At the end of each semester, the financial aid office will confirm your fulfillment of the academic plan requirements. If you fail to meet the outlined requirements you will be placed in SAP Denied Status. You will not qualify for future assistance until you meet SAP standards on your own. However, if you encountered new extenuating circumstance(s), not reported in prior appeals, an additional appeal would be appropriate and could receive consideration.
If your appeal is denied: Your eligibility to receive financial aid at Stockton University will remain suspended until you successfully complete enough classes to cumulatively meet SAP standards. Some students may need to register and pay for multiple credit hours over several terms on their own before they meet these standards.
Students are financially responsible for their course registration. You may need to enroll in the tuition payment plan, borrow a private loan, or drop your classes if necessary.
For Second Appeals:
If you have previously completed your first appeal and did not meet the outlined requirements, you may complete a second appeal if you feel there were extenuating circumstances that affected your progress. The second appeal will include a personal statement.
Your personal statement must address the following two questions:
- Q1: Explain the circumstances that prevented you from meeting your academic plan specifically during that semester.
- Q2: Describe in detail the changes that you have made to ensure your academic success going forward.
Appeals must be submitted online using our SAP Second Appeal Form here. A committee will review your appeal and you will be notified via email of the results.
No financial aid can be disbursed unless an appeal is approved. You are responsible for making payment arrangements with the Bursar’s Office and/or dropping your classes if necessary.
The second appeal will be your final appeal. No additional appeals will be granted in the future.
Student Resources
At Stockton, we care about the success and well-being of our students. There are several resources available to students to ensure their success! These include:
Organized by the Dean of Student's Office, the Stockton University Food Assistance Program supports Stockton students through access to its on-campus food pantries, dining dollars, and other community resources.
Food Pantries:
Through funding from the University and Student Senate, and our partnerships with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, the Stockton Sustainability Farm and various other community partners, we are able to offer our students access to our open choice pantries on the Galloway and Atlantic City campuses.
Stockton students who are currently enrolled at the University are eligible to participate in the Food Assistance Program. Upon completion of the enrollment form, students are able to visit both campus pantries:
Galloway Campus:
Location: TRLC Room 105
Hours of Operation: Monday & Thursday 12:30pm-7pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-5pm
AC Campus:
Location: Kesselman Hall 1st Floor
Hours of Operation: Monday 10am-6pm, Tuesday 10am-4pm, Wednesday 10am-2pm, Thursday 1:30pm-7pm, Friday CLOSED
If you have any questions, contact foodassistanceprogram@stockton.edu.
Learn more by visiting the Food Assistance Program.
Restricted Meal Funds:
The Program also offers assistance in the form of Restricted Meal Funds, intended to supplement students with access to meals and proper nutrition. Please note, not all students who apply will qualify. The meal funds are subject to available funding and can be revoked at any time. If you feel as though your situation warrants this additional assistance, please apply here.
If you have any questions, contact foodassistanceprogram@stockton.edu.
Learn more by visiting the Food Assistance Program.
Having difficulty with your coursework? Looking for academic assistance? The Tutoring Center at Stockton University is here to help!
The Tutoring Center is two centers in one: the Writing Center and the Math Center. Both are staffed largely by undergraduate peer tutors recruited from the University at large and trained by the Tutoring Center coordinators.
Tutors are here to help you succeed! Stop in to J-105 to take advantage of tutoring services!
Fall 2023 Math Center Hours
Location: Galloway Campus J-105
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 9am - 5pm and Friday 9am - 2pm
In-person tutoring in the TRLC (Meeting Room 1) and online tutoring available!
To go to the Math Center Zoom room during scheduled hours, click here. To see the tutoring schedule click here.
Fall 2023 Writing Center Hours
Location: Galloway Campus J-105 & Online
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm
Friday 9am-2pm
TRLC & Online: Sunday-Thursday 6pm-9pm
Click here to open the Writing Center Zoom
Learn more by visiting the Tutoring Center.
Stockton University Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is committed to providing services that do not discriminate based on stereotypes of behavior, values or roles related to age, gender, religion, race, ability, nationality or sexual orientation. Each student will be treated as a unique individual.
We are here to help. CAPS provides free, short-term confidential mental health counseling to Stockton students at the Galloway Campus, Atlantic City Campus, or via telehealth. If the needs of students require help from outside providers, appropriate referrals will be made.
Education, outreach, and counseling services are provided by clinically licensed (or license-eligible) social workers and professional counselors, as well as clinical supervised graduate level interns. Our services are provided in a confidential environment in which you may explore and resolve issues of concern.
Services include:
- Individual Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Psychiatric Services
- Education and Outreach Services
*In addition, a virtual platform, Uwill is available and for students and offers immediate access to teletherapy, direct crisis connection, and wellness programming through an easy to use online platform the is private, secure, and confidential.
Schedule an appointment or walk in to take advantage of Counseling & Psychological Services at Stockton.
Galloway Campus Counseling & Psychological Services
Atlantic City Campus Counseling & Psychological Services
(by appointment only)
Location: Atlantic City Campus Kesselman Hall Conference Room A102
Learn more at CAPS.
The Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Center (WGSC) empowers students who identify as women and all genders who identify as LGBTQIA+, victims of power-based personal violence, and community allies. The WGSC offers students a variety of resources, including emergency baby supplies (diapers, formula, clothing and other basic needs for children), workshops, groups, and programs.
There are so many ways to get involved! Stop by the brand new lounge between classes. Engage in some thoughtful discussion about the issues that matter to you. Attend a group discussion. Or, make a cup of your favorite coffee and relax with a good book from the lending library. The WGSC is a place where you can relax, unwind, and be yourself.
Women's, Gender and Sexuality Center
Location: Galloway Campus F-103
House of Operation: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Lounge Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-4:45pm
Learn more by visiting the Women's, Gender and Sexuality Center.
The Learning Access Program (LAP) is Stockton University's disability support services office. LAP engages in an interactive process with each student to determine appropriate accommodations on an individualized case-by-case, class-by-class basis.
The Learning Access Program reviews students' documentation and collaborates with students, faculty and staff to arrange reasonable accommodations that support students' individual needs.
Schedule an appointment or walk in to take advantage of LAP Services at Stockton.
Learning Access Program (LAP)
Location: Galloway Campus J-204
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday | 9am-5pm
Learn more by visiting LAP.
The Center for Academic Advising works with students to provide them with information about Stockton's degree programs and other academic policies. Advisors counsel students to ensure they are maintaining progress toward their degree(s) while helping students attain for themselves an education to serve them for a lifetime.
In addition, Academic Advising staff also meets with prospective students to discuss program curriculum and advises students at Stockton who have not yet chosen a major and those with transfer credit issues or on academic probation.
Schedule an appointment or walk in to take advantage of Academic Advising Services at Stockton.
Center for Academic Advising
Location: Galloway Campus CC-242
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
For more information, visit the Center for Academic Advising.
The Multicultural Center serves as a resource for the entire campus community while placing the experiences of diverse and historically marginalized groups at the center. The center will strive to cultivate counter-spaces to support the engagement, belonging, and development of African-American, Latinx, Asian, and Native American (ALANA) students. This space also serves as a dynamic learning environment that inspires scholarship and research-based best practices to support inclusive student success.
Stop in to the Multicultural Center to get involved!
The Multicultural Center
Location: Galloway Campus F-000
Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 8:30am-5pm
Tuesday 8:30am-8pm
Learn more by visiting the Multicultural Center.
Stockton Cares facilitates a culture that enables students to thrive personally and academically throughout their time at Stockton. By connecting students to resources on and off campus, they foster resilience and self-advocacy in students that allows them to navigate crisis, emergencies, personal difficulties, and unforeseen circumstances and to empower students to achieve their full potential through individualized assistance and tailored interventions.
Schedule an appointment or walk in to take advantage of Stockton Cares Services at Stockton.
Stockton Cares
Location: Galloway Campus F-107
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm
Learn more by visiting Stockton Cares.
The Student Relief Fund is designed as a one-time financial assistance program to assist undergraduate students experiencing an unexpected or unavoidable financial crisis which stands to impede their educational progress.
Examples of an unexpected or unavoidable financial crisis may include:
- Emergencies – (car repair/accidents, home fire, flood, family illness/death, etc.)
- Outstanding educational balances or educational-related expenses
The following criteria must be met to in order to receive assistance from the Student Relief Fund:
- Enrolled in the current semester at time of application with at least one full semester completed at Stockton University
- Earned a minimum of 64 credits toward an undergraduate degree
- Must be a matriculated student
- Have not yet earned a bachelors degree
- Be in good academic standing
- Be in good judicial standing
- Minimal to no financial aid options
To learn more, visit the Student Relief Fund.
For more information on how to apply for support from the Student Relief Fund, please contact:
Monica Viani
Full-time college students, can save an extra 25% on their NJ TRANSIT Monthly Pass. It's simple to enroll through the participating college's website for a discounted rail, bus, or light rail pass for unlimited travel during the month. Then conveniently purchase your Student Pass using the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App®.
To sign up for this special discounted monthly pass for Stockton students can go here to learn about the process. You will need to log in to access the pass registration links.
Eligibility Requirements
Please be aware that Student Pass accounts are reviewed by NJ TRANSIT to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Student discounts are only available for transportation between your home address and school address. Discounted Student Passes are not available for other origins or destinations.
Internship Policy
Student interns may purchase a student monthly pass as long as the internship is through the school as part of a program to obtain a degree, it is an unpaid internship, and the school is in NJ, NY or PA. The school must write a letter on school letterhead stating that the internship is a required part of the school program to obtain the student’s degree.
The full details are available here https://www.njtransit.com/studentpass.
Family members & guests play a critical role in supporting Stockton students’ success. We are here to help YOU through your students’ college career. Student Transition Programs serves as a resource to help enhance parents’ and family members’ understanding of the university experience in order to successfully and appropriately empower their students.
For more information, parents and family members can visit Student Transition Programs.
For more information and additional student resources, visit First Ospreys.
