In October, New York University dismissed long-time professor Maitland Jones Jr. after students signed a petition saying that he graded his organic chemistry class unfairly. Jones's class had always had a reputation for dashing students' medical school hopes because of its difficulty, but grades plummeted after the school transitioned to remote learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. Later, quarantine restrictions eased but grades in Jones' class did not improve. Students complained that there was not enough assistance available and that the low number of exams didn't give them a chance to improve their grades.

As Maitland Jones Jr.'s firing shows, even the colleges themselves sometimes understand college students are not at fault for their poor academic performance. However, even when the professor is to blame, students can still suffer the consequences. To continue receiving federal financial aid, students must meet certain academic standards. Students must understand their school's performance policies and what to do if they run afoul of them. If they don't, their academic and professional futures could be at risk.

The Effect of Satisfactory Academic Progress On Financial Aid

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a measure of academic performance that determines continued eligibility for scholarships, federal and state loans, grants, and work-study programs. Three factors typically decide SAP:

• Grade point average (GPA)
• Length of time it takes to finish a degree
• Speed at which the student fulfills requirements

Most schools evaluate SAP annually in winter, but their standards vary. For example, at the University of Michigan, the required minimum GPA for freshmen is 1.6. Michigan also mandates that students complete their degree in a timely fashion (no more than 150% of the average timeframe) and that they pass 67% of courses they took in the preceding year. UCLA and Harvard University have similar timeframe specifications, but Harvard's minimum GPA is higher at 2.7.

Most schools will issue a warning if they're about to revoke financial aid, but some will not. Students can appeal the school's decision if circumstances outside of their control affected their SAP. Examples include a serious medical crisis or a death in the family.

Tuition costs for higher education are rising, and without financial aid, most families cannot afford college outright. Although private loans are an option if a school revokes financial aid, no one wants to make rushed decisions at the last minute. Poor SAP can also negatively impact career prospects, as employers pay close attention to GPA upon graduation. If the student wants to transfer schools, SAP can affect the attractiveness of their application.

Finally, revoked financial aid does not equate to canceled debt–you will still be on the hook to repay the original loans, even if you cannot use federal financial aid to complete your degree.

How the Lento Law Firm Can Help

Struggles to maintain SAP does not have to mean your dreams are quashed. If your or your child's federal financial aid is revoked, attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento are the Lento Law Firm are on your side. With Attorney Lento's extensive experience working with college and university administrations, he and his expert team are well-equipped to navigate the appeal process, mitigate unfair punishments, and work with administrators efficiently and effectively. The Lento Law Firm's guidance can be the difference between a devastating financial loss and a blip on the radar. Call 888-535-3686 or visit us online to schedule a consultation today.