While federal financial aid is almost always based
on need, there are federal programs that consider the classes you take in high
school, whether or not anyone else in your family has ever been to college, and
your future education and career plans.
To receive federal financial aid, you must be both eligible and qualified.
- Eligible means you meet the requirements to be considered for federal financial aid award. Those requirements include specifications for citizenship, a valid social security number and more (See the list on the next page.)
- Qualified means you meet the requirements to receive a specific financial aid award. While you may be eligible to receive federal financial aid, your income, family status, and other factors will determine whether or not you can actually receive, or are “qualified” to receive, a particular kind of financial aid award.
Even if you do not expect to qualify for need-based aid, your access to other financial aid may also depend upon the FAFSA. If your school or program accepts federal financial aid, and you are eligible, plan to complete the FAFSA.
