XIX. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy for Federal Financial Aid

Law students who are receiving Title IV aid (federal student loans) must meet the University of Iowa Office of Student Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards to remain eligible for federal financial aid under Title IV regulations. These standards include:

• GPA - Maintaining a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA,
• Pace - Successfully completing at least 67% of attempted coursework, and
• Duration - completing the degree within 150% of the program requirements. Determined by degree program:
  • JD - 132 hours
  • LLM - 36 hours
  • SJD - 36 hours

SAP is evaluated annually at the end of each spring term for GPA and Pace, and at the end of every term for duration. Students who do not meet these requirements will be ineligible to receive Title IV aid until an appeal is filed and approved. Affected students will be emailed after the spring review is completed. Students are not dismissed academically if falling below these requirements as this policy only relates to those receiving Title IV aid. Scholarships awarded through Iowa Law are not considered Title IV aid and are not affected by this policy.

Students whose SAP appeal is approved will be placed on financial aid probation for one term. During this probationary period, students must meet the required GPA and pace standards by the end of the term to continue receiving aid. Students can also regain eligibility by meeting the overall SAP requirements without the assistance of federal financial aid. Contact the College of Law's Office of Financial Aid for questions or concerns.