Who Is Eligible for Financial Aid

Basic Requirements

While each aid program has special requirements, the following are basic. In order to be eligible to receive financial aid, students must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-U.S. citizen (federal regulations and University policy severely limit the types of financial assistance available to non-U.S. citizens--see Information for International Students for more information)
  • Have a valid Social Security Number (unless the student is from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau).
  • Register with Selective Service if the student is male and 18 to 25 years of age (go to www.sss.gov for more information).
  • Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate or pass an exam approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program at a school that participates in the federal student aid programs.
  • Not have a drug conviction for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid (such as grants, loans, or work-study)

  • Also, students:
  • Must not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on a federal student loan.
  • Must demonstrate financial need (except for unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans or private alternative loans).
  • Other requirements may apply. See the section in this site on how to maintain your eligibility.