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: I have a question that you might be able to help me with, can I apply for financial student aid if I am a non-US citizen?

assistant: I will share a link with you from the website that will cover off all eventualities in this regard

assistant: If you are a non-US citizen, do you have a green card?

user: Yes, I do

assistant: With a green card, you are considered an eligible noncitizen and will qualify for financial aid if you meet the eligibility requirements

user: Are there wat=ys to remain eligible for financial aid?

assistant: I will direct you to the section of the website entitled "Learn How to Stay Eligible"

user: Are there special financial packages for those who were, or are in, foster care?

assistant: There is not a unique financial package for these students but if they meet the eligibility requirements, then they will qualify for financial aid

user: Is there an income level cut-off point from which you cannot qualify for financial aid?

assistant: There is no income cut-off point with federal student aid. A lot of factors are taken into account, like the size of your family are taken into account 

user: Who qualifies for financial aid?

assistant: Most US citizens or eligible noncitizens are eligible for financial aid. Our best advice is to stay up to date with all the criteria and eligibility requirements