Basic Financial Aid Requirements

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

  1. have financial need (except for some loan and some scholarship programs);
  2. be accepted for enrollment or be enrolled at least half-time as a students working toward a degree or certificate (however, you may apply for aid, even if you are not yet accepted or enrolled);
  3. be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or eligible non-U.S. citizen (federal regulations and University policy severely limit the types of financial assistance available to non-U.S. citizens);
  4. have a valid Social Security Number;
  5. be registered with the Selective Service (if required);
  6. be making satisfactory academic progress (continuing students only);
  7. use federal student aid only for educational purposes; and
  8. not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on any federal educational loan.
For more information on eligibility for specific financial aid programs, see Sources.