Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)/ Withdrawal FAQ
Are you meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards (SAP)?
What happens to my financial aid if I have to withdraw from the university?
Do I have to start repaying my loans if I withdraw?
Will a withdrawal affect my Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?
What if I plan to attend another school after I withdraw from UNCW?
Are you meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards (SAP)?
In order to remain eligible for federal financial aid, continuing students must meet SAP standards. SAP is measured at the end of spring semester to determine whether students remain eligible for financial aid. Visit the financial aid website to review the SAP policy.
What happens to my financial aid if I have to withdraw from the university?
If you need to withdraw from the university during a semester, you must go to the Dean of Students Office. That Office is the central withdrawal point and will notify all other offices on campus.
- Adjustments to your financial aid may have to be made, depending upon the date of your withdrawal. The Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid (OSFA) is required by federal law to pro-rate financial aid, based on the number of days a student was in attendance each semester.
- The OSFA performs a Return to Title IV Funds calculation to determine if adjustments to a student's financial aid award are required.
- If adjustments are required, aid is reduced resulting to charges to the student’s account.
- A letter is sent, informing the student of the adjustment and the amount now owed to the university.
Not always. If a federal student loan reduction is required based on the above calculation, the student's loan is reduced and the amount of the reduction is returned to the lender. That amount is charged to the student’s account. For example, if a student’s loan had to be reduced by $1,000 that amount would be returned to the lender, reducing the student’s overall loan debt. However, the student would owe the $1,000 to UNCW, immediately.
Do I have to start repaying my loans if I withdraw?
If you are out of school for at least 6 months, you need to begin repaying your loans. Your lender will contact you when repayment begins. If you return to school within 6 months, your loans will remain in deferment, but it is your responsibility to ensure the lender is aware you have re-enrolled.
Will a withdrawal affect my Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?
It may. If you owe funds to the university, a copy of the SAP Policy will be included in the letter you receive from OSFA. The SAP Policy is also available on our Forms site. Based on your SAP standing, you may not be eligible for future financial aid.
If you are not meeting SAP standards, and had to withdraw due to mitigating circumstances, you may appeal, using the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal form also found on our Forms site. Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals are reviewed by a committee made up of representatives from several offices. The SAP Appeal process may take several weeks to complete.
What if I plan to attend another school after I withdraw from UNCW?
Your SAP standing at UNCW is not transferred to the other school; however, your academic transcript cannot be released if you have any unpaid charges at UNCW.
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