US Federal Loans - Refund Policy and SAP

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy for Title IV Direct Loans

The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions of higher education to establish minimum standards of satisfactory academic progress for students receiving Federal Aid. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) means the student is proceeding in a positive manner toward fulfilling degree requirements. 

SAP is based on two components, Qualitative (grade-based) and Quantitative (time-based).  Each are measured together when a student’s eligibility is reviewed. 

This policy sets out the University’s procedures for monitoring the academic progression of those students that seek to access US Higher Education Act Title IV aid, and specifically the Federal Direct and PLUS loans. These guidelines apply to all students studying on a Falmouth University programme, including those undertaking undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and those studying on a full-time or part-time basis. 

Please note in addition to the following policy, all students will be subject to UK Visas and Immigration legislation and requirements. 

The following policy is as strict as the standard assessment at the university for students who do not receive Direct Loan Funds. 

This policy applies uniformly to students in a particular category equally, such as all undergraduate students. 

Satisfactory progression to retain Title IV Direct Loans however is entirely separate from the academic requirements to remain on your programme of study and does not guarantee the outcome of your programme.  

You should ensure you have read the relevant full policy on academic progression, which applies to all students and is available within the Regulations, Policies & Procedures for Students (falmouth.ac.uk) 

SAP is checked for each programme as follows.  New Undergraduate students are checked prior to the second disbursement.  Returning Undergraduate students are checked twice, prior to their return for their subsequent year and prior to the second disbursement for undergraduates. Postgraduate students are checked twice prior to the second and third disbursement.  This includes a check with academics, to confirm attendance and a check of marks/grades.