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.