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, I would like to find out if I am eligible for federal student aid, could you please tell me who is eligible to get aid?

assistant: Well most U.S. citizens or eligible non citizens are eligible for financial aid for college or career school. It is however important to understand the criteria of the programs, how to stay eligible, and how to get your eligibility back if for some reason you lose it.


assistant: Are you enrolled at a college or career school and do you have a financial need?

user: Yes I am enrolled at a college and I am battling to pay my tuition fees.

assistant: Seeing as you have a financial need and are enrolled at a college and if you are a U.S. citizen or eligible non citizen you should be eligible to apply for assistance.

user: Are there any other requirements that have to be met before applying?

assistant: Yes there are other requirements.

user: I am eligible for further assistance because one of my parents was filled in Iraq?

assistant: Yes if one of your parents was filled in Iraq you might be eligible for additional Federal Pell Grant funding or for an Iraq Service Grant.

user: What do I have to do to stay eligible for federal funding?

assistant: I will share a link with  you so that you can see what is required to stay eligible for funding.

user: I have been in foster care for most of my life and am wondering how this affect the Federal Student Aid program.

assistant: There aren;t financial aid programs specifically for students who are or have been in foster care. However, you can still receive funding for college is you meet the eligibility requirements.