Financial Aid Eligibility Guidelines

Nearly every student in the United States is eligible for some type of Financial Aid but it is important to recognize that each family situation is different. Broadly speaking, institutions want to help make higher education affordable to families by offering Federal Pell Grants, Federal Stafford and/or parent PLUS loans, regardless of income circumstances.

Eligibility requires that:

• are a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or an eligible non-citizen
• have a valid Social Security Number
• have a high school diploma or GED
• are registered with the U.S. Selective Service (for males age 18 - 25)
• complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Financial Aid) by October 1 for the prior year
• do not owe refunds on any federal student grants
• are not in default on any student loans
• have not been found guilty of the sale or possession of illegal drugs during a period when you received federal student aid