Eligibility Requirements
General Requirements
Eligibility for federal student aid is based on financial need and on several other factors.
To receive aid from federal programs, you must:
Demonstrate financial need (except for certain loans).- Demonstrate the ability to benefit (a HS diploma, GED, have completed six credit hours or the equivalent course work toward a degree or certificate, etc.).
- Be enrolled/ accepted as a regular student in a degree or certificate program.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
- Have a valid Social Security Number.
- Be registered with Selective Service (www.sss.gov) if required.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress once in school.
- Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe a refund on a federal grant.
- Not have a conviction for certain offenses.
- Enroll as half time status. (Undergraduate students must enroll for at least 6 credit hours.Graduate/Professional students must enroll for at least 3 credit hours during the summer semester and at least 5 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters.)
For more information please visit Student Aid on the Web.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Federal regulations require schools to monitor the academic progress of financial aid recipients and certify the applicant is making satisfactory academic progress toward earning his/her degree. This evaluation process is comprised by three standards; qualitative, quantitative, maximum time frame. This determination must be made at least once per year. The HSC has chosen to perform the evaluation at the end of each payment period (the combined summer terms equal a single term) in an effort to provide an advanced warning and additional opportunities for students in jeopardy of losing financial aid eligibility.
Please view our Satisfactory Academic Progress policy in its entirety.