Satisfactory Academic Progress

Overview

In institutions of higher education, students must maintain “satisfactory academic progress” (SAP) to remain eligible for financial aid from federal, state, institutional, and some private sources. In addition, the UNT Dallas College of Law expects students to make satisfactory academic progress towards the J.D. degree.

Timing and Requirements

Students will be evaluated with respect to SAP at the end of each semester term. To maintain satisfactory academic progress at the College of Law, students must meet the following requirements. These requirements apply to all full-time and part-time students, whether or not the student is receiving financial aid.

  • Minimum Cumulative G.P.A.  Students must maintain a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 or higher. (Keep in mind the minimum 2.0 G.P.A. is for financial aid eligibility only. College of Law Students must maintain a minimum G.P.A. of 2.3 to avoid probation or suspension). 
  • Complete greater than ⅔ of cumulative attempted credits. Students must successfully complete greater than 66% of their cumulative attempted credits.
  • Maximum time for completion of program.  Students must complete their law degree requirements within 150% of normal time to completion.

Failure to Meet SAP; Appeal Process

A student who fails to meet satisfactory academic progress is placed on financial aid suspension.  A student on financial aid suspension is not eligible to receive financial aid unless the student successfully appeals the financial aid suspension. 

A student may appeal his or her financial aid suspension on any of the following grounds: personal illness or injury; death of a relative; or other circumstances that affected the student’s ability to meet the requirements of satisfactory academic progress.  To appeal the financial aid suspension, a student should obtain and complete the appeal form and materials, and submit them before June 1 (for summer terms) or before August 1 (for fall term).  The appeal form will be available on this website.

An appeal might be denied, granted, or granted upon the condition that the student will follow a specified academic plan.  If the appeal is granted or granted with an academic plan condition, the student will receive a probationary term.