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 Selective Service 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.)
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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.