Stafford Student Loan Eligibility

Students intending to start higher education courses and are in need of financial aid can apply for Federal Stafford loans either subsidized or unsubsidized or in a combination. In order to receive these loans, you need to meet the following requirements:

  • Demonstrate financial need, except for some loan programs.
  • Have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
  • Submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. Go to the following link to begin this process FAFSA Worksheet
  • Be a U.S. citizen or a national, a U.S. permanent resident, or an eligible non-citizen.
  • Have a valid Social Security Number (unless you're from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau).
  • You must be enrolled or plan to enroll at least half time.
  • You must be accepted for enrollment or attend a school that participates in the Federal Family Education Loan Program or FFELP. Download the FFELP Form and complete the Master Promissory Note that is required.
  • Meet satisfactory academic progress standards that are set by the post secondary school you are or will be attending.
  • You must not be in default on any education loan or owe a refund on an education grant.
  • Be in compliance with the Selective Service Registration if required.

The law suspends aid eligibility for students who have been convicted under federal or state law of the sale or the possession of illegal drugs. This period of ineligibility varies and depends on if it is a first-time offense or if the applying student has had previous convictions. Generally, the student regains eligibility when either the period of suspension ends or when the student completes an acceptable drug rehabilitation program.

Should you not meet the above eligibility requirements, you are still encouraged to complete the FAFSA application form and answer Question 35. The school you're about to attend can use this information in awarding nonfederal aid.

When you apply for aid from the FSA programs, the U.S. Department of Education will use the following agencies to verify parts of your FAFSA application.

  • Social Security Administration for Social Security Number verification and U.S. citizenship status.
  • The Selective Service System for applicable Selective Service registration status.
  • U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service for verification of non citizens who are eligible.
  • U.S. Department of Justice to verify applicants are not in a period of suspension for drug-related convictions.

Nearly every student who meets the eligibility qualifies for a Stafford Loan. There are limits however, on the Stafford Loan amounts you can borrow.

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