Satisfactory Academic Progress
In accordance with regulations that govern federal and state financial aid programs, the University of California, Merced is required to establish, publish, and consistently apply reasonable standards for measuring a student's academic progress. Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for students must include a:
- Qualitative component: Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Quantitative component: Pace (completion rate)
- Maximum Time Frame: Total units allowed to complete a program
Each component must be cumulative in nature, and must be evaluated by the University at least once per year (at the end of spring term) to certify the student's SAP. Please be aware that these SAP standards are separate and distinct from UC Merced’s policy regarding academic progress set by the Office of the Registrar. For example, while a student may meet the minimum GPA requirement for academic progress with the Office of the Registrar, they may not meet the financial aid SAP standards below. Additionally, students who are academically dismissed and then reinstated by the Office of the Registrar, will not have their aid automatically reinstated. The student will need to submit an appeal to the Financial Aid Office to request a reinstatement of their aid eligibility.
Requirements
Beginning July 1, 2021, the Financial Aid SAP standards listed below apply to all aid applicants at UC Merced, whether or not they received aid for prior coursework. A student's eligibility for all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs is affected by this policy.
Note: More detailed information is available in the UC Merced Catalog SAP section .
| Program | Cumulative GPA | Pace | Maximum Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 2.00 | 66.7% | 180 units |
| Teacher Preparation Program | 3.00 | 66.7% | 62 units |
| Master’s | 3.00 | 66.7% | 72 units |
| Doctorate | 3.00 | 66.7% | 216 units |
GPA Requirement
Undergraduate financial aid applicants must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative University of California grade point average (i.e., average of all terms combined).
Pace Requirement
Students must complete at least 66.7% of all attempted units to remain eligible.
Pace calculation:
(Completed UC Merced Units + Accepted Transfer Units) ÷ (Attempted UC Merced Units + Accepted Transfer Units)
Maximum Time Frame Requirement
All undergraduate financial aid applicants are allowed up to 180 units of financial aid eligibility, including transfer units. Students exceeding the unit limits will be ineligible for financial aid.
180 units - Transfer Units = Remaining Eligibility for Bachelor Degree
Failure to meet SAP standards
If you fail to maintain SAP, you will be notified that you are no longer eligible for financial aid beginning with the term immediately following the term the SAP requirements were not met. SAP is monitored annually at the end of the spring term, and the first term of ineligibility will typically be the following summer or fall term.
Eligibility for continued financial aid will only be re-established if you subsequently meet the SAP requirements or successfully appeal your standing. Learn more about the SAP appeal process.
