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General Eligibility Requirements

To receive federal student aid, you must meet certain requirements. Basic eligibility requirements are listed below. Additional eligibility requirements can apply in certain situations. For more information, please visit studentaid.gov.

 

  • Student must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
  • Student must be enrolled as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
  • Student must show demonstrated financial need (for most programs)
  • Student must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for Direct Loan Program funds
  • Student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Student may not exceed allowable loan limits under any program
  • Student must complete the verification process if required to do so
  • Student must provide a valid social security number
  • Student must not have had federal benefits suspended or terminated as a result of a drug conviction
  • Student must be credit worthy if applying for GRAD PLUS or alternative loans
  • Student must sign the certification statement on the FAFSA form stating that
    • you are not in default on a federal student loan,
    • you do not owe money on a federal student grant, and
    • you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes; and
  • Student must show you're qualified to obtain a college or career school education by
    • having a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate;
    • completing a high school education in a homeschool setting approved under state law (or-if state law does not require a homeschooled student to obtain a completion credential-completing a high school education in a homeschool setting that qualifies as an exemption from compulsory attendance requirements under state law); or
    • enrolling in an eligible career pathway program and meeting one of the "ability-to-benefit" alternatives.