College costs a lot, and that means that students have to come up with money to afford those costs. The federal government is the largest source of financial aid for college students. Therefore, many college students end up taking out federal aid in some form.
However, there are rules and eligibility requirements students must follow to qualify for federal financial aid. This means there are some things that can make you ineligible for federal aid. These include:
1. Not Filing the FAFSA
To receive federal financial aid, you must fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can determine your Student Aid Index (SAI) and how much additional funding you’d require to help make your education more affordable.
The FAFSA is used by more than just the government. Many private scholarships and loan programs also use the information to calculate student need and how much aid they are willing to give that student.
2. Certain Criminal Convictions
It may come as no surprise that having a criminal record may impede one’s ability to get federal aid. Incarceration, misdemeanors, arrests, and serious crimes could all affect a student’s aid. Smaller offenses may not necessarily cut off a student from all aid, but they could limit the programs they qualify for as well as the amount of aid they could receive. Larger offenses could disqualify a student entirely.
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3. Not a US Citizen or Eligible Noncitizen
While certain non-citizens can qualify for federal aid programs, most will require citizenship or a green card. Make sure you research to see the citizenship requirements for the various federal aid programs out there.
4. No Diploma or GED
To qualify for federal financial aid for college, a student must prove that they are capable of pursuing higher education. Without a high school diploma, GED, completion of a state-approved homeschooling program, or enrollment in an eligible career pathway program, you will not receive federal aid.
Who Is Eligible for Federal Financial Aid?
To be eligible for federal financial aid in the United States, you must generally be a U.S. citizen, national, or eligible non-citizens, possess a valid Social Security Number, and have either a high school diploma or GED. Enrollment in an eligible degree or certificate program, and maintenance of satisfactory academic progress are also essential criteria.
Applicants should not be in default on federal student loans, should not have convictions for certain drug offenses, and must demonstrate financial need for need-based programs.
To apply for federal financial aid, prospective students and their families must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually. The FAFSA collects information on the applicant’s financial situation and is used to determine eligibility for various federal aid programs, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
We strongly encourage everyone to file the FAFSA, and we mean everyone. It doesn’t matter if you think you don’t qualify, do it anyway! There’s no harm, and filing the FAFSA opens you up to federal aid and merit-based aid from colleges and could lead to getting more scholarships and grants.
You can also browse the College Raptor resources to discover personalized college matches, cost estimates, acceptance odds, and potential financial aid for schools around the U.S.—for FREE!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility |
|---|
| 5.99%-16.59%* Variable 3.99%-15.59%* Fixed | Undergraduate and Graduate | VISIT CITIZENS |
| 5.54% - 15.70% Variable 3.99% - 15.49% Fixed | Undergraduate and Graduate | VISIT SALLIE MAE |
| 5.13% - 17.99% Variable 3.69% - 17.99% Fixed | Undergraduate and Graduate | VISIT CREDIBLE |
| 6.00% - 13.75% Variable 3.99% - 13.75% Fixed | Undergraduate and Graduate | VISIT LENDKEY |
| 6.01% - 15.47% Variable 3.69% - 14.71% Fixed | Undergraduate and Graduate | VISIT ASCENT |
| 3.70% - 8.75% Fixed | Undergraduate and Graduate | VISIT ISL |
| 5.62% - 16.85% Variable 3.69% - 16.49% Fixed | Undergraduate and Graduate | VISIT EARNEST |
| 6.00% - 14.22% Variable 3.69% - 14.22% Fixed | Undergraduate and Graduate | VISIT ELFI |
College Raptor is not a loan lender and does not assume responsibility for suggesting a loan to a user who may not be eligible for it. Rates, terms, conditions, eligibility, approval, and other considerations are the decisions of the lenders and may vary depending on which lender or marketplace the user selects. We urge users to carefully consider and review all loan options and terms before committing to taking out a loan.
FAQs
To qualify for federal financial aid for college, a student must prove that they are capable of pursuing higher education. Without a high school diploma, GED, completion of a state-approved homeschooling program, or enrollment in an eligible career pathway program, you will not receive federal aid.
What makes you not eligible for FAFSA? ›
Completion of a bachelor's or graduate degree
If you earned or completed a bachelor's or graduate degree, you're not eligible for any government grants.
What disqualifies you from getting financial aid? ›
Not maintaining satisfactory progress at your college or degree program. Not filling out the FAFSA each year you are enrolled in school. Defaulting on a student loan.
What prevents you from financial aid? ›
If you don't meet baseline eligibility requirements, or if you've previously defaulted on a loan, you may not be approved for a federal student loan. You must maintain "satisfactory progress" in school to be approved for student loans. You can take steps to regain or improve your eligibility for student loans.
Why am I not getting approved for financial aid? ›
According to the office of federal student aid, some applications can be denied because applicants did not meet the basic eligibility requirements. These include: Having demonstrated financial need for need-based federal student aid programs. Being a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
Why would FAFSA deny you? ›
There are a few common reasons why the Federal Processor will reject an application: Missing signatures, inconsistent marital status with income, taxes paid are equal to or higher than adjusted gross income, citizenship questions are blank, marital status and family members blank, etc.
What does FAFSA not look at? ›
(Note, however, that you may be able to qualify for a discount on computer equipment once you enroll in college.) Cars, computers, furniture, books, boats, appliances, clothing, and other personal property are not reported as assets on the FAFSA.
What income is too high for FAFSA? ›
What income is too high for FAFSA? There is no income that is too high to file a FAFSA. No matter how much you make, you can always submit a FAFSA. Eligibility for need-based financial aid increases as the cost of attendance increases, so even a wealthy student might qualify for financial aid at a higher-cost college.
What can affect your financial aid eligibility? ›
Your eligibility depends on your Student Aid Index (SAI), your year in school, your enrollment status, and the cost of attendance at the school you will be attending.
What disqualifies you from a Pell Grant? ›
Individuals who owe a refund on a grant made by a federal student aid program under Title IV of the Higher Education Act; Individuals in default on a Title IV loan; Individuals incarcerated in prison; and. Individuals convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs.
Students lose eligibility for federal student aid if they are no longer maintaining satisfactory academic progress, regardless of financial need. There are no special exceptions to the satisfactory academic progress requirements for low-income students.
Why won't it let me apply for FAFSA? ›
Try accessing the site late at night or early in the morning when it's not as busy. Contact the FSA Office. If you're still having trouble, ask the Federal Student Aid (FSA) Office for help. You can reach them at [email protected] or call the FAFSA phone number at 800-4-FED-AID.
How do you get accepted for financial aid? ›
Have a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a qualifying degree or certificate program. Maintain satisfactory academic progress while in school. Not be in default on federal student loans or owe money on a federal grant.
What income makes you ineligible for FAFSA? ›
What Are the FAFSA Income Limits for 2024? Both students and their parents often think their household income makes them ineligible for financial aid. However, there's no income limit for the FAFSA, and the U.S. Department of Education does not have an income cap for federal financial aid.
Why would someone not apply for FAFSA? ›
Among students who did not complete a FAFSA, larger percentages of students whose parents' highest education was a high school diploma or GED (26 percent) or less (43 percent) reported that they did not fill it out because they did not have enough information about how to complete it, compared to students whose parents ...
How much is too much to not qualify for FAFSA? ›
There is no set income limit for eligibility to qualify for financial aid through. You'll need to fill out the FAFSA every year to see what you qualify for at your college. It's important to make sure you fill out the FAFSA as quickly as possible once it opens for the following school year.
What affects FAFSA eligibility? ›
Student and parent income are big factors when colleges hand out financial aid. But only some income counts. Here's what you need to know about how your and your family's income can affect your financial aid eligibility.
