Your Financial Aid Eligibility
To receive federal student aid, you must meet the following criteria:
If you need a Social Security Number, you can find out how to apply
for one at www.ssa.gov
If you need to register with the Selective Service, you can register
online at www.sss.gov
- Demonstrate financial need (except for some unsubsidized Stafford and PLUS loans);
- Have a high school diploma or a GED (General Education Development) certificate, or pass a standardized test approved by the US Department of Education;
- Be working toward a degree or certificate;
- Be enrolled in an eligible program;
- Be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen;
- Have a valid Social Security Number;
- Be registered with the Selective Service (if required);
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Notes:
- Eligibility for federal student aid is suspended for any student who has been convicted under federal or state law of selling or possessing drugs.
- Even if you are not eligible for federal student aid, you should complete the FAFSA because you might be eligible for nonfederal aid from states and private institutions.
- If you have a question regarding your citizenship status, contact the financial aid office of the school you plan to attend.
Financial Need
Financial aid from most of the federal programs is awarded on the basis of financial need. When your FAFSA is processed, a formula, established by law is applied to the information you provide. This formula is used to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). If your EFC is below a certain amount, you will be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant (assuming you meet all of the other eligibility criteria). The EFC is also used in the equation that determines your financial need. The financial aid administrator determines your financial aid package to meet (as close as possible) your financial need.
Notes:
- Because funds are limited, the total amount of your financial aid package might fall short of the amount for which you are eligible.
- The amount of federal student aid you receive takes into consideration other sources of aid you might be receiving: grants, scholarships, state aid and other forms of aid.
- Costs unrelated to completing your course of study are not included in calculating your cost of attendance.