Who is eligible for financial aid?

While eligibility for financial aid varies somewhat between programs, the basic requirements for major student aid programs are as follows:

• have financial need, except for some scholarship and loan programs
• have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or pass an independently administered test approved by the U.S. Department of Education, or meet other standards your state establishes that are approved by the U.S. Department of Education
• be enrolled as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program at an eligible institution
• be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
• have a valid Social Security number
• make satisfactory academic progress
• sign a statement of educational purpose/certification statement on refunds and default (found on the Student Aid Report)
• register with the Selective Service System if you are a male between 18 and 25 years of age.