Students with criminal convictions have limited eligibility for federal student aid. 
Make sure you understand your status, and don t assume you can t get aid. Your eligibility for federal student aid can be affected by incarceration and/or the type of conviction you have. Try This Resource Federal Student Aid Eligibility for Students Confined in Adult Correctional or Juvenile Justice Facilities Provides information for incarcerated individuals on federal student aid eligibility. 

If I m incarcerated, can I get federal student aid? 
You have limited eligibility for federal student aid. Once you re released , most eligibility limitations will be removed. In fact , you may apply for aid before you re released so your aid is processed in time for you to start school. However , if your incarceration was for a drug - related offense or if you are subject to an involuntary civil commitment for a sexual offense , your eligibility may be limited. 

If I m on probation or parole, can I get federal student aid? 
Yes ; if you are on probation or parole or living in a halfway house, you may be eligible for federal student aid. But remember , if you were convicted of a drug - related offense or if you are subject to an involuntary civil commitment for a sexual offense, your eligibility may be limited. 

Is it true that drug convictions might affect my ability to get federal student aid? 
Yes ; your eligibility might be suspended if the offense occurred while you were receiving federal student aid grants, loans, or work - study. When you complete the FAFSA form , you will be asked whether you had a drug conviction for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid. If the answer is yes , you will be provided a worksheet to help you determine whether your conviction affects your eligibility for federal student aid. If your eligibility for federal student aid has been suspended due to a drug conviction , you can regain eligibility early by successfully com

user: My question concerns students that have a criminal conviction, do they have limited eligibility for federal student aid?

assistant: We would advise all applicant to make sure that they understand their own status and not to assume that they cannot access federal aid

user: Is it possible for me to get federal student aid if I'm on probation or parole?

assistant: Yes, it is possible

user: If my ability to access federal student aid is affected due to a drug conviction, what do I do if I regain eligibility during the award year?

assistant: In this instance, you need to notify your financial aid office immediately. This will result in you being able to get any aid that you are eligible for

user: Are there any convictions, apart from a drug conviction, that will affect my eligibility to access federal student aid?

assistant: You will not be able to receive a Federal Pall Grant if you have been convicted of a sexual offense, or if you are subject to an involuntary civil commitment after completing a period of incarceration for an offense of that nature

user: If I am looking to apply for federal student aid but am on probation or parole, will my application be affected?

assistant: Yes you will

assistant: Is it a case that you are on probation or parole, or are you living in a halfway house?

user: Yes, I am currently in that situation

assistant: You must remember that any conviction that you have either now or in the past may well affect your eligibility for federal student aid