Know the qualifications to get federal financial aid.
Almost anyone can win a scholarship. But to get federal financial aid, you must meet specific criteria.
You must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen.
You must 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 registered with Selective Service if you are a male and 18 to 25 years old.
You must have a high school diploma or General Education Diploma or pass an exam approved by the US Department of Education.
You must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree in an eligible program at an institution that participates in the federal student aid program.
You must not have been convicted of a drug offense that occurred while receiving federal financial aid.
You must not be in default on a federal student loan.
You must not owe a refund on a federal grant.
You must demonstrate outstanding financial need (except for an unsubsidized Stafford loan).
