Federal Requirements

To receive federal student aid, you must meet certain requirements. You must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
2. 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).
3. Be registered with Selective Service if you are male and between the ages of 18 to 25 years of age (click here for more information on Selective Service).
4. Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate or pass an exam approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
5. 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.
6. 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: You must not owe a refund on a federal grant, be in default on a federal student loan and you must demonstrate financial need (except for unsubsidized loans).