Who Gets Aid 
Most U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens are eligible for financial aid for college or career school. It s important to understand the criteria of the programs, how to stay eligible, and how to get your eligibility back if you lose it. Eligibility Requirements Students With a Parent Who Was Killed in Iraq or Afghanistan Non-U.S. Citizens Students with criminal convictions Students with intellectual disabilities Homeless Students who are or have been in foster care Students Staying Eligible Regaining Eligibility 

Eligibility Requirements 
share link Our general eligibility requirements include that you have financial need, are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, and are enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program at your college or career school. There are more eligibility requirements you must meet to qualify for federal student aid. 

For a quick glance at the basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid, check out this graphic. 


Eligibility for Federal Student AidGraphic 
View text - only version of Eligibility for Federal Student Aid infographic Did You Know? There is no income cut - off to qualify for federal student aid. Many factors such as the size of your family and your year in school are taken into account. LEARN ABOUT ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 

Students With a Parent Who Was Killed in Iraq or Afghanistan 
share link If your parent died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11 , you might be eligible for additional Federal Pell Grant funding or for an Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. 

Non-U.S. Citizens 
share link Generally , if you have a green card in other words, if you are a permanent resident alien , you will be considered an eligible noncitizen and will be able to get federal student aid if you meet the other basic eligibility criteria. Learn about which immigration statuses make you an eligible noncitizen. 

Students With Criminal Convictions 
share link Your eligibility 

user: Hi there, I am wondering if I am eligible for financial aid if I am a non-US citizen?

assistant: I will share a link with you which gives you further information in this regard

assistant: Are you a permanent resident alien, as in, do you have a green card?

user: No, I don't have a green card and am not permanently resident here

user: Can it happen that I am informed that I no longer qualify for federal student aid?

assistant: You can access the information about regaining your eligibility on the relevant section of the website

user: Are there any pointers that you can give me to staying eligible for federal student aid?

assistant: We have a section on the website entitled "Learn How to Stay Eligible", which will give you all the relevant information

user: Who is eligible to qualify for federal student aid?

assistant: Most US citizens or eligible noncitizens are eligible for financial aid. All applicant should keep up to date with the criteria involved, understand the different programs that are available, learn how to stay eligible for financial aid and also how to get eligibility back if it is lost

user: What are the criteria involved in non-US citizens becoming eligible for federal student aid?

assistant: In general, if you have a green card you will be considered to be an eligible noncitizen and may receive financial aid provided you meet other basic eligibility requirements. We have further information on this which tells you what immigration status makes you an eligible noncitizen