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Satisfactory Academic Progress & Appeal

A student who does not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is considered ineligible for financial aid. However, they may submit an appeal if they have documented extenuating circumstances that:

  • Were beyond their control;
  • Occurred during a period in which the student was enrolled; AND
  • Directly impacted their ability to be academically successful.

Examples of Extenuating Circumstances

Extenuating circumstances include, but are not limited to:

  • Serious illness or injury to you, the student, or an immediate family member
  • Death of an immediate family member
  • Significant trauma in your life

Important Information

  • Submitting an appeal does not guarantee additional financial aid.
  • Students cannot appeal the loss of Part-Time TAP.
  • The decision made by the Office of Student Records and Financial Services is final. It cannot be appealed to the U.S. Department of Education or the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC).
  • Completed appeals submitted with all necessary documentation are usually reviewed within 5 to 7 business days. 

Excelsior Scholarship Appeals

  • If you need to appeal the status of your Excelsior or Scholarship because of a break in attendance or failure to complete the requisite number of credits due to (a) the death or illness of a family member, (b) documented medical leave, (c) active military service, (d) parental leave, or (e) a disability as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, please complete the Excelsior Scholarship Eligibility Determination Form. Instructions on how to complete this form are provided below under How to Appeal.
  • If you need to appeal the status of your Excelsior Scholarship because your federal adjusted gross income (AGI) was adversely affected due to a disability, divorce or separation, or the death of a parent or spouse, please visit the HESC website and review the information for an Income Eligibility Review.

Documentation Required for an Appeal

All appeals must include both of the following:

  1. Student Statement
    A written explanation describing:
    1. The extenuating circumstances that affected academic performance, and
    2. The plan to improve academic success and meet SAP requirements moving forward.
  2. Third-Party Documentation
    Signed documentation from an official third party on official letterhead, such as:
    1. Physician or other health care provider
    2. Therapist or counselor
    3. Clergy member
    4. Law enforcement or court official

Examples of Acceptable Documentation

Documentation must directly relate to the circumstances described in the appeal. Examples include:

  • Medical condition (student or immediate family member)
    • Signed statement from a health care provider on official letterhead OR
    • Medical documentation confirming dates of service
  • Death of an immediate family member
    • Death certificate (preferred) OR
    • Obituary showing the student’s relationship to the deceased
  • Personal, legal, or traumatic circumstances
    • Police or court reports
    • Documentation of significant trauma (ex: PTSD, etc.)

How to Appeal

  1. You will be notified via your Alfred State email that you can appeal your financial aid ineligibility.
  2. Gather third-party documentation that supports your extenuating circumstances.
  3. Visit alfredstate.studentforms.com to get started. You can also access the form through the portal by visiting my.AlfredState.edu/finances and selecting “Complete Financial Aid Tasks” on the Financial Aid & Costs card.
  4. Select Manage Request, then choose either:
    • Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal, or
    • Excelsior Appeal
      Click the green + to add the request for the appropriate aid year.
  5. Provide a brief explanation of your request (additional details will be submitted later).
  6. Complete all required tasks, including submitting your detailed statement and uploading documentation.
  7. Click Submit to send your appeal for review.
  8. Once all required documentation is received, you will be notified of the decision within 5–7 business days (processing times may be longer during peak periods).

Students are responsible for payment when their bill is due, regardless of appeal status. Alternative payment options include a Monthly Payment Plan or a private student loan that does not require SAP.

Appeal Deadlines

  • Fall Semester Appeals 
    Aug. 1; Priority deadline of July 1
  • Spring Semester Appeals
    Jan 15

After the Appeal if Approved:

  • You will be notified via your Alfred State email.
  • Financial aid will be reinstated on a one-semester probationary status.
  • You must meet SAP standards by the end of the probationary semester to remain eligible.

If Denied:

  • You will be notified via your Alfred State email.
  • You will need to consider other forms of funding, such as paying out-of-pocket, utilizing our Monthly Payment Plan, or pursuing loans from private lenders that do not require satisfactory academic progress.