Satisfactory Academic Progress

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Your academic success is important. To be eligible for federal aid, federal regulations require students to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) while working towards an approved degree or certificate program at NWACC. Students are required to submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges. All hours attempted at or transferred into NWACC will be counted as part of a student’s SAP. NWACC does not transfer in GPA from previously attended colleges. SAP will be reviewed prior to a student’s initial enrollment period and at the end of each academic year and after the summer semester.

Please take time to read our SAP policy. It can vary from one academic year to another. 

View 2025-2026 SAP Policy

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeals

When a student loses federal student aid eligibility because they failed to make satisfactory academic progress, he or she may appeal that result on the basis of: his injury or illness, the death of a relative, or other special circumstances. The appeal must explain why they failed to make satisfactory progress and what has changed in their situation that will allow them to make satisfactory progress at the next evaluation. 

If you have lost federal aid eligibility and have a special circumstance that you can document, you may request to appeal your Failed SAP status. The appeal process for the fall semester after grades are posted for the spring semester and typically runs through the middle of July. Appeals for the spring semester begin shortly after fall grades are posted and typically is open through the middle of January. 

There are several steps to the appeal process:

1. You must be a current student
   
   
   • Admitted to the college - you must have an application for admission with NWACC and be accepted for admission
     
     
   • Enrolled in classes - you must be enrolled in classes to be considered a student
     
     

2. If you are placed on Failed SAP, you will receive notification to your Workday inbox with the option to appeal. You will also have a To-Do in the middle of your Workday screen. Follow the instructions to complete the process. 

3. If you missed the appeal process, there are a couple of options for you to still attend classes. You may qualify for a Private Education Loan. For more information, visit  www.elmselect.com. If you need to take developmental classes, you may take advantage of our Adult Education Center. They offer a number of classes free of charge. For more information visit the NWACC Adult Education website.