Appeal My Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Hold

SAP Holds

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) holds are the result of failing to meet one or more of CCC’s federally guided minimum academic standards for GPA, Timeframe and Pace​. Academic standards include grades, as well as course and program completion rates. If you have a SAP hold, you may submit an appeal and, if approved, may regain eligibility to use financial aid. For more questions, please review the information below. 

Tips for Writing a Strong SAP Appeal

  • A well-written appeal should:
    • Clearly identify the semesters in question
    • Include a timeline of events relevant to your situation
    • Provide specific details about the mitigating circumstances
    • Explain how these circumstances impacted your academic performance during the affected semesters

Being thorough and honest in your explanation will help the committee better understand your situation.

How Can I Submit My SAP Appeal?

Meet with your Financial Aid Advisor or Academic Advisor to determine the semesters you need to discuss in your appeal, which are the semesters in which you failed to meet minimum academic standards. Using your CCC username and password login to your student portal to complete your appeal online (online appeal for Summer 2026 will open on April 6, 2026). Please allow 1 to 10 business days for the review of your appeal. Incomplete appeals can delay the process or be denied.

 
What is a Mitigating Circumstance? 
Mitigating circumstances are unforeseen situations or events beyond your control that directly impacted your academic performance.  Examples of mitigating circumstances can be found here.

Is There a Deadline to Submit My Appeal? 

 Appeals must be received by the deadline below:

  • Fall – 3rd Friday of September
  • Spring – 3rd Friday of February
  • Summer – 3rd Friday of June

What Happens if My SAP Appeal is Denied?

If your appeal is denied, you are ineligible to receive financial aid. You can reappeal the decision within 21 days from the denial date.

What Should I Do if My Appeal is Approved?

Work to gain or remain in good academic standing by meeting with your academic advisor to create a success plan and checking in with them throughout the semester. You should also take advantage of CCC’s success resources including tutoring, wellness, disability services and more.

Can I Still Enroll in Classes if I am Denied?
You can still proceed with registering for courses and utilize self-pay methods to secure your enrollment. 
What Does SAP Measure?
 
  • GPA:  Grade point average that measure academic performance.
  • PACE:  Measures credit hours earned versus credit hours attempted.
  • TIMEFRAME:  Measures the length of time to complete your program.  You cannot exceed 150% of the credit hours required for completion of your program.

                            

Grade Point Average (GPA) 

Total Number of Credits Attempted GPA Requirement
1-15 1.5
16-30 1.75
31 or more 2.0

 

PACE

Total Number of Credits Attempted PACE Requirement
1-15 50%
16-30 60%
31 or more 67%
 
Maximum Timeframe 

A student must stay on track to complete his/her program of study within 150% of the program’s credit-hour length, or timeframe. A student loses financial aid eligibility when it becomes mathematically impossible to complete the academic program within 150% of the program’s required credit hours.