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Student Eligibility

The Department of Education uses the information provided on your FAFSA to determine your eligibility for aid from the Federal Student Aid (FSA) programs. Many states and schools also use the FAFSA to award aid from their programs. Some states and schools may require you to fill out additional forms. Some of the requirements to receive aid from FSA programs are that you must:

  • Be a citizen or eligible noncitizen of the United States with a valid Social Security Number;
  • Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate or pass an approved "ability to benefit" test;
  • Enroll in an eligible program as a regular student seeking a degree or certificate;
  • Register (or have registered) for Selective Service, if you are a male between the ages of 18-25; and
  • Have a result of Eligible or Partially Eligible on the Drug Conviction question (Question 31).
  • Note: answering 'No' to this question (having been convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs) does not mean your status will never change in the case of subsequent convictions. If your status changes, please notify the financial aid administrator at your school.