Program Requirements

To qualify for most federal and state student aid programs, students generally must meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrate Financial Need: For need-based federal student aid programs, show financial need.
• Citizenship or Residency Status: Must be a U.S. Citizen or National, a U.S. Permanent Resident, a Citizen of the Freely Associated States (the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau), or another eligible non-citizen.
• Social Security Number: Have a valid Social Security Number (exceptions apply for students from the Freely Associated States mentioned above).
• Education Credentials: Possess a high school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED).
• Enrollment Status: Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program and be enrolled at least half-time to qualify for Direct Loan Program funds.
• FAFSA Certification: Sign the certification statement on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form which includes affirmations that you are not in default on a federal student loan, do not owe money on a federal student grant, and will use federal student aid for educational purposes only.
• Educational Qualifications: Show that you are qualified to obtain a college or career school education through your academic record.
• Loan Default and Academic Progress: Not be in default on a federal student loan and maintain satisfactory academic progress in college or career school.
• Additional Conditions: Additional eligibility criteria may apply for non-U.S. citizens and students with criminal convictions.

These guidelines ensure that aid is allocated to eligible students in a fair and equitable manner.