To receive aid from the federal student aid programs, you must meet all the following criteria:
- have financial need, except for some loan programs
- be enrolled at least half-time or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree
- be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- have a valid Social Security Number. If you don't have a Social Security Number, you can find out more about applying for one at www.ssa.gov
- maintain satisfactory academic progress
- sign a statement on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) certifying that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes
- sign a statement on the FAFSA certifying that you are not in default on a federal student loan and that you do not owe money back on a federal student grant
- register with the Selective Service, if required
- If you are a male 18 through 25 years of age and you have not yet registered with Selective Service, you can give the Selective Service permission to register you by checking a box on the FAFSA. You can also register through the Internet at www.sss.gov
