Educated On A Budget: FAFSA Eligibility

Written & Editted by: Alyson Garcia

Applying to colleges and universities is a stressful time for teens and their parents, but sometimes, being able to pay for said education can be even more nerve racking. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or more commonly known as FAFSA, is a form that current and upcoming college students fill out to determine their eligibility for federal student financial aid. Not many students, or their guardians, are aware of how to apply or the requirements. Thankfully, we are here to enlighten you! Here are five requirements and/or things that may affect your eligibility for federal student financial aid.

1. Eligibility Requirements:

   1. You must have financial need for assistance.

   2. Be a US citizen OR eligible non-citizen.

   3. Are enrolled in an eligible college or career/trade school.

2. Criminal Convictions:

   1. Any students currently incarcerated or confined in any correctional facility will have limited eligibility for federal student aid. Upon release, the limitations will be removed. 

   2. Students under parole or living in a halfway house may be eligible for student financial assistance. 

3. Non-US citizens:

   1. As a non-US citizen, you may still be able to receive financial help. Any permanent resident, meaning you have a “green card”, is considered eligible. 

   2. Your current immigration status can also deem you eligible for financial assistance. Some include but are not limited to; refugee, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, Parolee (restrictions apply).

   3. Eligibility for Non-U.S. Citizens | Federal Student Aid for more information!

4. Disabilities:

   1. Students with “Intellectual Disabilities” and are enrolled in comprehensive transition and post-secondary program may be eligible for funding from the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Federal Work-Study programs in some cases.

5. Homeless/Foster Care Students:

   1. Students who are unaccompanied and homeless do not have a specific program for aid, however they can receive aid. Visit https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/homeless for more tips and help!

   2. Students who have been/are in Foster care do not have a specific program for aid, however they can still receive aid. Visit https://www.fc2sprograms.org/faqs/ and https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/dependency for more help on how to apply. 

Application season may have passed, but it is never too late to try an get help. More information available at https://studentaid.gov/.