Basic Eligibility

1. Demonstrate financial need;

2. Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen;

3. Have a valid Social Security number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau);

4. Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program;

5. Be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for Direct Loan Program funds;

6. Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress

7. Sign the certification statement on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form stating that

• you are not in default on a federal student loan (check the NSLDS site to make sure),
• you do not owe money on a federal student grant, and
• you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes; and

8. Show you’re qualified to obtain a college or career school education by

• having a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate;
• completing a high school education in a homeschool setting approved under state law (or—if state law does not require a homeschooled student to obtain a completion credential—completing a high school education in a homeschool setting that qualifies as an exemption from compulsory attendance requirements under state law); or
• enrolling in an eligible career pathway program and meeting one of the "ability-to-benefit" alternatives.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students who receive financial aid must be enrolled in an eligible program and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by their academic program.

The Financial Aid Office, in consultation with the Registrar and the Office of Student Affairs, assesses students’ academic progress every term. Students whose cumulative GPA or/and pace does not meet the SAP standards set forth by their program will receive written notice when they are in danger of being placed on financial aid probation. 

Students placed on financial aid probation may become eligible for aid again once they have improved their academic performance to meet their program’s SAP standards. Students with extenuating circumstances may file a SAP appeal with their academic advisor, and if approved will become eligible for federal aid again.

Social Security Number

Student must provide a correct Social Security Number (SSN).

Selective Service

Male students have to be registered with Selective Service to receive federal financial aid. Registration should be completed between the ages of 18 and 25.

Selective Service can be reached at (847) 688-6888 for enrollment verification.