Eligibility Requirements

Basic Eligibility Criteria For Federal Financial Aid

Students must:

  • Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
  • Be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN); exceptions include residents of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau
  • Be enrolled as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress

  • Show they are qualified to obtain a college or career school education by either:

    • Having a high school diploma or a state-recognized equivalent, such as a GED
    • Completing a high school education in a homeschool setting

< Return to Financial Aid

  • Students Not Eligible for Federal Aid

    Students in the U.S. on:

    • F1 or F2 visa
    • J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa
    • G series visa
    • Students admitted as a “Visiting Student”
    • Students whose major is listed as “undeclared”
    • Students who are not in a federal-aid-eligible program

  • Conditions That May Prevent You From Receiving Federal Aid

    • Being in default on a loan made under any Title IV, HEA loan program.
    • Having received loans that exceed annual or aggregate limits under any Title IV or HEA program.
    • Having listed a defaulted Federal Student Aid loan or grant overpayment in an active bankruptcy claim.

  • Classes Ineligible For Financial Aid

    Some classes are not eligible for federal financial aid.

    • Audited classes
    • Classes added after FAD date in certain circumstances.
    • Classes not required for your degree program.
    • Repeated courses in certain circumstances.