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 want to go to college but I don't think I can afford it. I only have one parent because my dad died in the military when I was a baby. Do you know of anything that could help me?

assistant: Hello. I am sorry to hear about your father, and I would like to thank you and your family for his service and sacrifice. You may be eligible to get Federal Pell Grant funding or an Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant to assist you with your education.

assistant: Did your father serve in either Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11 in 2001?

user: I am not sure. I don't think those places sound familiar. 

user: Is there an income limit to qualify for help? I worry my mom might make too much but she can't afford to help me with college because she has to care for my brothers and sisters. 

assistant: You don't have to worry about that. There is no income cut-off to qualify. They take many factors into consideration such as the size of your family and your year in school. 

user: That's good. I don't want my mom to have to worry about me. I would leave so I didn't burden her, but I am afraid I would end up homeless. Unless that would help me get more financial aid. Would that help me?

assistant: I wouldn't recommend doing that! We can still help you get financial aid if you are homeless, but there is no special program just for homeless people. It would be better for you to stay in your house where you are safe.

user: OK. I do have another question though. We came here from Mexico when I was a toddler. I am not an official United States citizen. Does that matter?

assistant: If you have a green card, you are a permanent resident alien and as such you should still be eligible for some financial aid.