Qualifying for federal financial aid is not difficult as long as you and your parents have met certain qualifications. These include financial need, citizenship, registering with the Selective Service, possessing a social security number, graduating from high school, registering in a degree-seeking program and not having any drug convictions while in college.
Fill Out FAFSA
Even if you don't believe you will qualify for financial aid, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your eligibility will be determined with guidelines set by the Department of Education. One factor that determines your eligibility for financial aid is your Expected Family Contribution, or EFC. In general, the less your parents are able to help, the more aid you may qualify for.
Other factors affecting your eligibility will be your year in school (freshman through senior), the cost of attending the school you will be or are enrolled in and your enrollment status.
Citizenship or Legal Residency
In order to qualify for federal financial aid, you must be either a citizen of the United States or a legal resident. Students who are in the U.S. illegally will not be able to qualify for financial aid.
Social Security Number and Selective Service
You will be required to provide your Social Security number. This is necessary so the Department of Education can determine your eligibility based on your citizenship or legal residency.
If you are a male between the ages of 18 and 25, registration with the Selective Service is mandatory if you wish to obtain financial aid. This does not mean that you will be "drafted" into the military while you are in college.
High School Diploma and Enrolled in College
In order to qualify for federal financial aid, you must have earned your high school diploma or your GED. You may be asked to take and pass an approved examination that has been approved by the Department of Education to meet qualification requirements for financial aid.
Regular Student in Degree-Seeking Program
At the time you enroll at the college of your choice, you must be a regular student participating in a degree-seeking program. Students who are not working toward a degree are not eligible to apply for financial aid.
No Drug Conviction While Receiving Financial Aid
You must not have a drug conviction for a drug-related offense you received while you were receiving financial aid. This includes work-study, grants and loans. Taking part in an activity that could result in such a conviction is grounds for losing financial aid eligibility.
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