“Strict or Stricter” Makes Bad SAP (Policy): A Critical Assessment of Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policies

• In Event: Design Matters: Implications of Instituitonal Enactment of State and Federal Policies

Abstract

Sparse work has investigated the written text of institutional SAP policies to explore whether these policies are equitable or are consistent from institution to institution. Filling a gap in the literature, this study assessed all 146 institutional SAP policies from every public institution of higher education in California for the 2025-2026 academic year. Results suggest many institutions at every level (2- and 4-year) administer SAP policies that exceed federal minimum standards, placing additional stress on college students. Moreover, many institutions have different SAP policies even though they are members of the same community college district or system of higher education, suggesting transfer students may be doubly marginalized and confused by inconsistent SAP policies. Implications for research, policy, and practice are addressed.

Authors

• Zach Taylor, John Burton Advocates for Youth

• Sarah Pauter, John Burton Advocates for Youth

• Karla A. Weber Wandel, University of Wisconsin - Madison