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: Hi could you please tell if I have a criminal conviction if this will limit my eligibility for federal student aid?

assistant: Yes it can but make sure you understand your status and don't just assume that you can't get aid, you might well be able to.

user: What sort of convictions might affect the aid that I can receive?

assistant: Other than drug convictions, convictions for a forcible or non forcible sexual offense which are subject to an involuntary civil commitment upon completion of a period of incarceration for that offense your aid might be affected.

user: If I have been incarcerated for the said offense what aid can't I receive?

assistant: You will not be able to receive a Federal Pell Grant.

user: Can I regain eligibility for aid if I have had a drug related conviction?

assistant: You can regain eligibility and if you do regain eligibility during the award year you should notify your financial aid office immediately so you can get any aid that is due to you.

user: What if I have been incarcerated, will I be eligible for aid?

assistant: You can receive aid but it might be limited.

user: What happens after I have been released after a conviction?

assistant: Once you are released most eligibility limitation will be removed. In fact, you will be able to apply for aid before you are released so your aid is processed in time for you to start school.