Satisfactory
Academic Progress Policy for Undergraduate Students Receiving Financial Aid
All undergraduate students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements to receive financial aid at James Madison University. Federal regulations require each institution to have a SAP policy, which establishes the minimum standards that must be applied consistently to all students. You will be denied financial aid if you fail to meet SAP requirements. If extenuating circumstances led to your noncompliance, you may submit an appeal to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for consideration. Our policy is designed to encourage students to improve their academic performance.
Note: Some financial aid programs (e.g., Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program) have more stringent requirements than described in this policy. Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships if you have questions.
Explanation of Qualitative and Quantitative Components
SAP includes both qualitative and quantitative components. Qualitative refers to grade point average. Quantitative includes both earned credits and maximum time. See below for a detailed description.
- Earned Credits: You must earn at least 80% of your attempted hours. This calculation is performed by dividing the number of credit hours earned by the number of credit hours attempted.
- Maximum Time: You may not receive financial aid for more than 150 attempted hours. If your program requires more than 150 hours and you have reached the maximum time limit, please contact the financial aid office for guidance.
- Grade Point Average: The minimum GPA requirement is based on the number of credit hours attempted. (see table below)
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Credit Hours Attempted* (Includes transferred hours) |
Minimum GPA Requirement (Cumulative JMU GPA for financial aid) |
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1-27 |
1.500 |
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28-44 |
1.650 |
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45-59 |
1.750 |
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60-74 |
1.850 |
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75-89 |
1.900 |
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90-104 |
1.994 |
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105-119 |
1.999 |
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120 or above |
2.000 |
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*To determine the GPA requirement, start by calculating your total attempted hours. You will need to add: 1. All hours attempted at JMU. 2. Credit hours transferred to JMU. 3. Credit hours earned by departmental exam and AP credit. 4. Credit hours for courses taken on a credit (CR) /no credit (NC) basis (whether the final grade was CR or NC).
In the example below, a student has attempted 60 credit hours at JMU, received 30 credits for transfer work, and 2 hours of no credit work. The hours attempted at JMU plus the no credit and transfer hours place this student in the 92 credit hour category, even though the total number of hours earned is equal to 82. With a cumulative GPA of 1.991, the student does not meet SAP requirements.
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JMU Hrs Attempted |
Trans Hrs |
NC Hrs |
JMU Hrs Earned |
Cum Hrs Earned |
Total Hrs Attempted |
Cum Quality Pts Earned |
Cum GPA |
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60 |
30 |
2 |
52 |
82 |
92 |
119.5 |
1.991 |
Explanation of Attempted Hours
Attempted credits are calculated differently for each component of SAP. The financial aid office uses the university's academic suspension policy to evaluate your GPA. In compliance with federal regulations, financial aid developed procedures for evaluating earned credits and maximum time. The chart illustrates how we view attempted hours on your transcript.
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Type |
GPA |
Earned Credits |
Max Time |
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* If you have dual enrollment or AP credits and feel they may affect your SAP status, please notify us.
** For repeat forgiveness, your most recent grade and credit(s) count toward your GPA.
Review your transcript on eCampus to determine your academic progress.
It is your responsibility to be aware of SAP requirements.
Contact us if you have any questions.