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 me if a criminal conviction affects the eligibility for federal student aid?

assistant: Yes students with criminal convictions have limited eligibility for federal student aid. Before applying make sure you understand your status and don't assume you can't get aid.

user: What if the conviction is drug related does this affect my ability to get aid?

assistant: Yes this can affect your eligibility. 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.

user: Can you please tell me what other convictions can affect my eligibility for aid?

assistant: You cannot receive a Federal Pell Grant if you have been convicted of a forcible or non forcible sexual offense, and you are subject to an involuntary civil commitment upon completion of a period of incarceration for the said offense.

user: I have a conviction but am not sure if it falls under the conditions you described.

assistant: If your conviction is as I stated you will not be able to receive a Federal Pell Grant.

user: If I have a previous drug conviction how can I regain eligibility for federal student aid?

assistant: If you have had a drug conviction you can regain eligibility early by successfully completing an approved drug rehabilitation program or by passing two unannounced drug tests administered by an approved drug rehabilitation program.

user: I regained eligibility during my award year, what should I do now?

assistant: You should notify your financial aid office immediately so  you can get any aid you are eligible for.