To be eligible to participate in Federal Student Aid (FSA) programs, students must:
- be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible program of study for the purpose of obtaining a degree;
- be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen (verification of eligible non-citizen status may be required);
- be a high school graduate, have a recognized equivalent (i.e. GED certificate) or College transcripts reflecting an associate degree or higher with equivalent earned credits (at least 60 semester credit hours or 72 quarter credit hours) is required for all undergraduates students.
- not have borrowed in excess of the annual or aggregate loan limits for FSA;
- be registered with the Selective Service (if required);
- be satisfying Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards;
- not be enrolled solely in remedial coursework;
- not be currently enrolled in secondary school;
- have a valid Social Security number (with the exception of students who are from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau);
- not have been convicted of an illegal drug-related offense committed while receiving financial aid. If convicted, the student must visit the FAFSA website to complete the FAFSA. The student will be asked about their drug conviction status and provided a “Drug Worksheet” to complete in order to determine eligibility. Additional help is available by calling 800-4FED-AID (800-433-3243);
- be enrolled at least half-time if applying to receive Federal Direct Loan program funding;
- not be incarcerated in a federal or state institution;
- sign the certification statement on the FAFSA form which states you certify you are not in default on a federal student loan, you do not owe an over payment on a federal student grant, and you will only use federal student aid for educational purposes;
- and demonstrate financial need for the Pell program or subsidized loans.