Determining your eligibility

To receive federal student aid, you must meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrate financial need (for need-based programs only).
• Have a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED)
certificate, or pass a test approved by the U.S. Department of Education (ED).
• Have a valid Social Security number (unless you are from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau).
• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
• Be enrolled in an eligible associate, bachelor, or graduate degree program.
• Certify that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes.
• Certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan and that you do not owe money on a federal student grant.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress while in school.
• Comply with the Selective Service registration, if required.

If you've been convicted under federal or state law of selling or possessing illegal drugs, you may not be able to receive federal student aid.
Incarcerated students are generally only eligible for a Pell Grant if they are not incarcerated in a federal or state penal institution.