Maintaining Your Aid

You academic success matters - staying in good standing helps ensure your keep your financial aid. Federal regulations require the University of Northern Colorado to monitor the academic progress of all students who apply for or receive federal, state, or institutional financial aid. To remain eligible for aid, you must make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward completing your degree.

How Financial Aid Works

Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress

All students should review UNC’s Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) carefully each year, as policies may change. These standards outline the minimum GPA, completion rate, and timeframe requirements you must meet to continue receiving financial aid.

View SAP Policy and Appeal Process

If you’d like help understanding your SAP status or need guidance on submitting an appeal, our Financial Aid team is here to help. You can schedule an appointment to meet with a Financial Aid Counselor, visit us in Bear Central on the second floor of Campus Commons, email us at ofa@unco.edu, or call 970-351-4862.

Note: Academic Suspension appeals policy expectations differ from the Financial Aid Ineligibility Appeal Policy and have a separate application process. View instructions for academic appeal through SOAR.

SAP Appeal Deadlines

If you're notified that you did not meet SAP standards, you may submit a Financial Aid Appeal to request reinstatement of eligibility. Appeals are reviewed each semester, and deadlines are set to allow time for processing.

Fall Semester: November 12, 2025
Spring Semester: April 17, 2026
Summer Semester: July 15, 2026

Appeals received after the deadline may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Appeals, Special and Unusual Circumstances

Ineligible for Aid

If you become ineligible for financial aid, you are no longer eligible to receive assistance from any federal or state programs administered by UNC.

This status does not prevent you from enrolling in classes, but you will be responsible for paying all university charges on your own until eligibility is reinstated.

Your ineligibility will remain in effect until it is removed through a successful Financial Aid Appeal or by meeting SAP standards again through continued enrolment at your own expense. If you are academically suspended and later readmitted, you must still submit a financial aid appeal separately to regain eligibility.

If you receive financial aid funds but are later found to be ineligible, you’ll be required to repay those funds immediately upon notification.