Eligibility Requirements
General Requirements
Eligibility for federal student aid is based on financial need and on several other
factors.
To receive aid from federal programs, you must:
- Demonstrate financial need (except for certain loans).
- Demonstrate the ability to benefit (a HS diploma, GED, have completed six credit hours or the equivalent course work toward a degree or certificate, etc.).
- Be enrolled/accepted as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
- Have a valid Social Security Number.
- Be registered with if required.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress once in school.
- Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe a refund on a federal grant.
- Not have a conviction for certain offenses.
- Be enrolled at least half-time. (Undergraduate students must enroll for at least 6 credit hours. Graduate/Professional
students must enroll for at least 3 credit hours during the summer semester and at
least 5 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters.)
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Federal regulations require schools to monitor the academic progress of financial aid recipients and certify the applicant is making satisfactory academic progress toward earning his/her degree. This evaluation process is comprised by three standards; qualitative, quantitative, maximum time frame. This determination must be made at least once per year.