Financial Aid Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements

Our general eligibility requirements include that you have financial need for need-based aid, are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, and are enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program at an eligible college or career/trade school. There are more eligibility requirements you must meet to qualify for federal student aid.

Try This Resource

Eligibility for Federal Student Aid graphic—Helps students determine their eligibility for federal student aid.

Did You Know?

There is no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. Many factors—such as the size of your family and your year in school—are considered.

Students Who Are Children of Deceased Service Members and Public Safety Officers

You may be eligible for Federal Pell Grant funding if your parent or guardian died in the line of duty while either

serving on active duty as a member of the U.S. armed forces on or after Sept. 11, 2001; or
actively serving as and performing the duties of a public safety officer.

Non-U.S. Citizens

Generally, if you have a “green card” (in other words, if you are a lawful permanent resident), you will be considered an “eligible noncitizen” and will be able to get federal student aid if you meet the other basic eligibility criteria. Learn about which immigration statuses make you an eligible noncitizen.

Students With Criminal Convictions

Your eligibility for federal student aid can be affected by incarceration.

Students With Intellectual Disabilities

Students with intellectual disabilities who are enrolled in a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program may receive funding from the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Federal Work-Study programs in certain circumstances.

Unaccompanied Homeless Students

We don’t offer a financial aid program specifically for students who are homeless. However, homeless students can receive money for college or career school if they meet the eligibility requirements for federal student aid and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) form.

Here are some resources for students who are homeless:

“FAFSA^® Tips for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth”
FAFSA dependency status information  (certain homeless students may not have to report parent information on the FAFSA form)
“Identifying and Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness from Pre-School to Post-Secondary Ages”—this page is aimed at professionals assisting homeless students, but students may be interested in a few of the links that provide information about services or offices that can help

Students Who Are (or Have Been) in Foster Care

We don’t offer a financial aid program specifically for students who are (or have been) in foster care. However, such students can receive money for college or career school if they meet the eligibility requirements for federal student aid and complete the FAFSA form.

Here are some resources for students who are (or have been) in foster care:

Educational and Training Vouchers for Current and Former Foster Care Youth
FAFSA dependency status information (certain students who are or have been in foster care may not have to report parent information on the FAFSA form)

Staying Eligible

Find out how to stay eligible for federal student aid.

Regaining Eligibility

Find out how to get your eligibility back if you’ve been told you no longer qualify for federal student aid.