You must meet certain requirements to qualify for federal student aid (grants, work-study, and loans). 
Let s go over the basic eligibility criteria. 

Basic Eligibility Criteria 
Our basic eligibility requirements are that you must demonstrate financial need for most programs ; be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen ; 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 ; be registered with Selective Service , if you re a male you must register between the ages of 18 and 25 ; be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program ; be enrolled at least half - time to be eligible for Direct Loan Program funds ; maintain satisfactory academic progress in college or career school ; 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 , you do not owe money on a federal student grant , and you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes ; and 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 described below. Additional eligibility requirements can apply in certain situations including for non - U.S. citizens, students with criminal convictions, and students with intellectual disabilities. Some federal student aid programs hav

user: Is there certain requirements I need to qualify for federal student aid?

assistant: Yes we can go over the basic eligibility criteria.

user: Is it necessary for me to register for Selective Service if I am a male to receive federal student aid?

assistant: Yes since you are a male you must register with Selective Service to receive federal student aid.

user: How many credits must I take to be eligible for Direct Loan Program funds?

assistant: You must be enrolled at the college for at least half-time to be eligible for Direct Loan Program funds.

user: What is another criteria beside being registered with Selective Service ?

assistant: Another criteria is to be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program.

user: Why must I register for Selective Service if I want federal student aid?

assistant: You must register with Selective Service if you are a male and want to receive federal student aid.

assistant: Are you a citizen of one of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau?

user: Yes, I am a citizen of one of those.

assistant: Then you are exempt from registering for Selective Service.