Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

The Higher Education Amendments of 2010 mandate institutions of higher education to establish standards of “satisfactory progress” for all students receiving financial aid. The University of Valley Forge (UVF) will make the following standards applicable to all federal funds awarded to students.

Student Aid Progams Affected

  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
  • Federal TEACH Grant
  • Federal Perkins Loan
  • Federal Direct Stafford Loan
  • Federal Direct PLUS Loan

Note: The Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standard does not affect the PHEAA State Grant Program. Pennsylvania has established its own SAP standards. The award notices sent from PHEAA describe the SAP requirements. This SAP policy and appeal process does not apply to UVF scholarships. UVF students must maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA for all UVF scholarships.

THINGS TO KNOW

Requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress

SAP for both full-time and part-time students has two components – Pace and GPA.

Requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progres
Pace
The student must complete 67% of cumulative credits attempted (including repeated credits and transfer credits). The student may attempt, including transfer credits, a maximum of 150% of published length of the academic program before financial aid will be terminated. Students who change majors or are pursuing a double major will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for an extension of maximum credits.
Associate Degree Program
Hours Earned
Cumulative
GPA
0-29.5
1.6
30 and above
2.0
Bachelor's Degree Program
Hours Earned
Cumulative
GPA
0-29.5
1.6
30-59.5
1.8
60 and above
2.0
Graduate
Hours Earned
Cumulative
GPA
0-36
3.0

Satisfactory Academic Policies

Academic Amnesty: UVF does not practice academic amnesty.

Evaluation of Academic Progress:Matriculating student’s academic progress will be evaluated at the end of each semester. The total (cumulative) academic record at UVF is considered when academic progress is evaluated (not just terms when financial aid was received). Students who are not successfully completing courses at the minimum Pace and GPA levels as outlined are placed on financial aid warning for the following semester.

Academic Plan: Students will be required to meet with the Associate Director of Student Success Center, to receive their academic plan as established by the Financial Aid/Academic Advisory Committee and must be signed by the student’s Academic Advisor. The academic plan will outline the student’s semester GPA or pace requirements to regain satisfactory academic progress. The student is also required to meet with the Student Success Center to monitor their Academic Plan.

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Admissions FAQs

Yes, most colleges and universities accept homeschool transcripts. You’ll need to create a transcript that lists all courses taken, grades earned, and a brief description of each subject. Many colleges may ask for additional documentation to verify the curriculum or learning outcomes. 

A homeschool transcript should include the following:   

  • Student’s name and contact information   
  • A list of courses by grade level (9th-12th)   
  • The grades and credits earned for each course   
  • GPA  

You can use online tools or templates to help structure your transcript.

Transcript Template (Right-click and “Save Link As” to download)

No, colleges understand that homeschool students may follow a non-traditional curriculum. You are not required to use a specific homeschooling program, but the courses should be rigorous and meet the academic standards of the college. 

UVF is test-optional, . It’s best to check each college’s specific testing policy. If you submit them, we will use those test scores for placement into math and English coursesIf you don’t submit test scores, we have placement tests that we designed that you will take instead. 

Homeschool students are encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, volunteering, internships, etc.). For letters of recommendation, you can ask mentors, tutors, employers, or community leaders who are familiar with your work and character. We understand that your experiences may look different from those of traditional students. 

Homeschool students typically don’t have a GPA or class rank based on a standardized grading system. You may be asked to provide your grading scale (e.g., A = 90-100, B = 80-89, etc.) and explain how you evaluate coursework. . 

If your grading was pass/fail, a work sample does help us evaluate the rigor of your coursework. 

Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for the same federal and state financial aid (e.g., FAFSA) as other students. You are also eligible for institutional scholarships. 

You may be asked to provide documentation showing that your homeschooling complies with the laws of your state (e.g., notice of intent to homeschool, records of testing or assessments). We are familiar with most states’ homeschool laws. 

Yes, you can still apply as a homeschooled student if you were homeschooled for any portion of high school. You’ll need to explain the structure of your education and provide transcripts for both your public/private school and homeschool years, if applicable. 

A GED is not required if you have completed your high school education through homeschooling, provided you can submit a detailed transcript and meet the other application requirements. However, if you took the GED, you may submit those scores as part of your application if they are beneficial. 

We value the self-motivation and discipline that often come with homeschoolingOur homeschooled students typically excel in academic curiosity, resilience, and ability to work independently. 

We always encourage students to come for an on-campus visitIt can be a great opportunity to showcase your personality and explain your homeschooling background in person. It’s also a chance to ask questions about the college and demonstrate your interest in the school. 

Homeschooling allows you to tailor your education to your interests and strengths. We appreciate the diversity of perspectives that homeschool students bring, so don’t be afraid to highlight how your education has been non-traditional but still rigorous and meaningful. 

If you’ve taken college-level courses during high school (dual enrollment), make sure to include those credits on your application. You’ll need to request official transcripts from the college(s) where you took courses and submit them to your prospective schools. 

Some scholarships are specifically for homeschool graduates. These may be offered by homeschool associations, local foundations, or certain colleges. It’s a good idea to research scholarships in your area or inquire about opportunities at the colleges you’re applying to.