Satisfactory Academic Progress & Course Program of Study

Federal regulations require Bethel to monitor each financial aid recipient's academic standing. To remain eligible for aid, you must meet three standards: a qualitative measure (GPA), a quantitative measure (pace), and a maximum timeframe for completion.

How SAP Is Reviewed

SAP is evaluated at the end of each term (fall, spring, and summer). All terms of enrollment count, whether or not you received financial aid during that term. Courses graded W (Withdrawal) or I (Incomplete) count as hours attempted but not earned in the pace calculation. Transfer credits accepted by Bethel are included in the maximum timeframe calculation.

Warning and Termination

Financial Aid Warning: If you fall below SAP standards, you will be placed on Warning status for one term. You may continue to receive aid during the Warning term. If you meet SAP by the end of that term, you return to good standing.

Financial Aid Termination: If you still do not meet SAP after the Warning term, your financial aid eligibility will be terminated. You will be notified via your Bethel student email.

Appeals

If mitigating circumstances affected your academic performance, you may appeal for reinstatement of financial aid eligibility. Allowable circumstances include personal illness or injury, death of a family member, personal crisis, or other unexpected situations beyond your control.

To appeal, complete an appeal form. You must provide a written explanation and a plan of action for returning to good standing. Supporting documentation may be required.

Reinstatement without appeal: Students who enroll without financial aid and subsequently meet SAP standards will have eligibility restored for future terms.

Federal regulations require that only courses within your declared major, minor, or degree program count toward your enrollment status for financial aid purposes. Courses outside your program may not be covered by federal or state aid.

To receive full-time financial aid, you must be enrolled in at least 12 in-program credit hours per semester (undergraduate). If you register for out-of-program courses, your enrollment status and aid may be reduced.