SAP Appeal

What is a SAP Appeal?

A SAP appeal is your opportunity to explain why you didn’t meet the required standards and show what steps you're taking to get back on track.

On your SAP Appeal Form, you must:

• Explain what happened that affected your academic performance.

• Provide supporting documentation backing your reason(s).

• Outline a clear plan for academic improvement. Resources for Academic Improvement can be found here. 

• Describe how you’ll maintain progress moving forward.

For guidance on submitting your SAP Appeal, check out our How to Write a SAP Appeal webpage.

Priority Dates & Appeal Deadlines

You should submit your appeal as early as possible to avoid delays in aid processing.

*Students who meet priority deadlines will receive decisions before key billing/disenrollment dates. Appeals after final deadlines will be reviewed for the next semester. Students facing challenges should contact our office directly.

When Will I Hear Back About My SAP Appeal?

Once you’ve submitted all required documents, your SAP appeal will be reviewed. You’ll receive a decision within 15 business days, sent to your Virginia Tech email address.

Be sure to check your VT email regularly — if anything is missing or unclear, our office may reach out to request additional information. Delays in responding could slow down your appeal process.

Appeal Decisions:

If Your Appeal is Approved

• You’ll be placed on a SAP Academic Plan.

• This plan outlines specific conditions you’ll need to meet each semester to stay eligible for financial aid.

• You must sign and return the plan before you can receive any aid.

The SAP plan may be stricter than the general SAP rules, depending on your situation. It’s designed to help you get back on track and graduate.

Other things to know:

• Your signed plan is an agreement between you and the Financial Aid Office.

• It may be shared with your academic advisor or department.

• Your progress will be reviewed at the end of every semester.

If you're still not meeting full SAP standards but are following the plan, it can be extended to the next term.
If you don’t meet the terms of your plan, you’ll lose financial aid again until you meet all SAP standards.

Please Note: The SAP Committee’s decision is final.

If Your Appeal is Denied

• You won’t be eligible for financial aid.

• You can still attend classes, but you’ll need to pay:

  • Out of pocket, or

  • Through the Budget Tuition Plan

You can regain financial aid eligibility once you meet all SAP standards on your own.

Think something major was missed in your appeal?

Contact our office if you believe you have extraordinary circumstances that weren’t considered.

Choosing Not to Appeal

• You can still attend Virginia Tech.

• You’ll be responsible for paying tuition and fees out of pocket or signing up for a Budget Tuition Plan.

• Aid eligibility can be restored once you meet SAP standards again.

Questions? We’re here to help you explore options. Contact us at finaid@vt.edu or 540-231-5179. 

Late Disbursements

If your appeal is approved after the bill is due or the semester has started, your financial aid will be disbursed late to your student account. This could affect:

• Your ability to pay tuition on time

• Potentical refunds

We recommend submitting your appeal before the priority date to avoid disruptions. We also encourage you to sign up for a Budget Tuition Plan, if you need help paying your bill.