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 am not from the United States but I applying to colleges there. Will I be able to get any sort of financial aid to attend college there?

assistant: There are some circumstances in which you would be able to get some financial aid. Would you like more information about that?

assistant: Have you been living in the United States already? Do you have a green card?

user: No, I don't have a green card. I have only ever visited the United States. I have never lived there. 

user: Does that matter? Can I still qualify for financial aid?

assistant: You do have to be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen in order to qualify.

user: Am I an eligible noncitizen? Or does that mean that I won't qualify?

assistant: Have you been told that you do not qualify? You may be able to figure out how to get eligibility.

user: No, that's why I am asking you. I just really want to be able to go to college in the United States!

assistant: Are you experiencing homelessness? That would qualify you for financial aid. 

user: What? No? I just want to be able to come to the United States to study. I have intellectual disabilities and I heard that they schools there are helpful with that. 

assistant: You might want to consider looking into the Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, or Federal Work-Study programs.