Satisfactory Academic Progress
Federal regulations require students to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to remain eligible for federal aid (grants, loans, work-study) and Cal Grants. SAP is reviewed for all enrollment periods at Allan Hancock College (AHC) and transferable units from other colleges (as shown on official transcripts).
Financial Aid SAP standards apply only to financial aid applicants and differ from general academic policies.
Students with extenuating circumstances may submit a SAP Appeal Request to reinstate aid.
For academic policies, see the General Catalog or consult an academic counselor.
Maintaining SAP Eligibility
How to stay eligible for financial aid
SAP standards apply to the following programs:
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Federal Work-Study (FWS)
- Cal Grant (B & C)
- Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)
- State Chafee Grant
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
Pace of Unit Progression
Complete at least 67% of attempted units. Completion rate = completed units ÷ attempted units.
|
Attempted Units |
Minimum Completed Units (67%) |
|
12 |
8.5 |
|
9 |
6.5 |
|
6 |
4.5 |
Maximum Units Attempted
Students lose eligibility once they exceed 150% of program length. For example, an associate degree requires 60 units; aid is lost after 90 attempted units. Students may appeal (see below).
Changing majors or earning prior degrees does not extend the limit. ESL units are excluded, and up to 30 basic skills/remedial units are excluded.
Students must be enrolled in an eligible program: Certificate of Achievement, Associate Degree, or a transfer program leading to a Bachelor’s Degree. Students without an approved program cannot be evaluated for SAP.
Meet with a counselor to create a current Comprehensive Student Education Plan (CSEP).
Students with a Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) are not eligible for most aid, except the California College Promise Grant, Federal Work-Study, and federal student loans (if qualified).
Cancellation and Appeals
Students who fail SAP standards are cancelled from financial aid and notified by email. Cancelled students are ineligible for all aid except the California College Promise Grant (CCPG).
Follow these steps to appeal:
- Review the SAP Policy.
- Complete and submit the SAP Appeal Packet.
- Optional: Attend an online SAP Workshop if you need help. Workshop Schedule
- Monitor your myHancock email for updates or requests for more information.
Tips for Your Appeal Statement
- Explain the circumstances that prevented SAP (illness, family emergency, time management, etc.).
- Describe how you will improve (study skills, tutoring, counseling, etc.).
- Provide supporting documents (medical, legal, etc.).
- If re-appealing, explain what has changed since your last appeal.
Appeal Decision Timeline
Decisions are emailed within 2–3 weeks of submission. Incomplete packets take longer and remain pending until documentation is received.
If approved, your aid continues under probation status. You must meet SAP at the end of the probation term to keep receiving aid.
While on Probation
- Follow your Student Education Plan (SEP).
- Successfully complete all units.
- Avoid W’s, D’s, F’s, and NP’s.
- Raise your completion rate and GPA.
Review Cycle
Progress is reviewed each semester. If SAP is met, probation is extended automatically—no new appeal required.
If Conditions Are Not Met
Your aid reverts to cancelled status. You may submit another appeal (not automatic). Note: CCPG has different criteria and may still be available.
You will be notified by email with reasons for denial and next steps. Aid remains cancelled.
You may re-appeal in the same or future term, but must include new documentation.
If appeals are denied, students must use alternative payment methods such as out-of-pocket (Cashier’s Office), scholarships, or private loans.