Financial Aid Eligibility for People with Felonies

There is a misconception that no ex-offenders are eligible for financial aid. In fact, many people with felony convictions can receive financial aid but don’t apply. They miss their chance to go to college based on wrong information.

The first step to getting federal financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA helps determine if you can get financial aid. It also determines how much aid you are eligible to receive.

To be eligible to receive federal student aid, you must meet these requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Have a valid Social Security Number (unless you’re from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau)
  • Comply with Selective Service registration, if required
  • Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate or pass an approved ability-to-benefit (ATB) test
  • 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

Talk with your Parole Officer or health care provider to help you find an acceptable program.

Next Steps:

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