Federal Student Aid Eligibility
Eligibility for federal student aid is based on financial need and on several other factors. The financial aid administrator at the college or career school you plan to attend will determine your eligibility.
To receive federal financial aid, you must
* demonstrate financial need (except for certain loans).
* have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate, pass an ability-to-benefit (ATB) test approved by the U.S. Department of Education, meet other standards your state establishes that the Department approves, complete a high school education in a home school setting that is treated as such under state law, or have satisfactorily completed six credit hours or the equivalent course work toward a degree or certificate.
* be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program. Note: You might be able to receive aid for distance education courses as long as they are part of a recognized certificate or degree program.
* be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
* have a valid Social Security Number.
* register with the Selective Service if required.
* maintain satisfactory academic progress once in school.
* certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a federal student grant.
* certify that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes.