Eligibility criteria for federal aid programs require that a student
- be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular (not conditional) student pursuing a degree or certificate in an eligible program
- not be simultaneously enrolled in an elementary or secondary school while enrolled in postsecondary school
- provide a valid social security number
- have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent (GED), or demonstrate the ability to benefit by passing an independently administered test approved by the U.S. Department of Education
- be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- sign a statement of educational purpose/certification statement on refunds and default
- for Title IV loans, have eligibility determined by completing a FAFSA
- demonstrate need for financial assistance (not required for PLUS and Unsubsidized loans)
- maintain satisfactory progress as identified by the institution
- not have borrowed in excess of annual or aggregate levels on any Title IV loans
- be enrolled at least half-time (except for the Federal Pell Grant, which allows less-than-half-time enrollment.
