If you are convicted of a drug-related offense after you submit the FAFSA form, you might lose eligibility for federal student aid, and you might be liable for returning any financial aid you received during a period of ineligibility.

Does a possession charge affect financial aid?

Yes; your eligibility might be suspended if the offense occurred while you were receiving federal student aid (grants, loans, or work-study). If you regain eligibility during the award year, notify your financial aid office immediately so you can get any aid you’re eligible for.

Why did financial aid send me a check?

It is the excess money left over from your financial aid package after your tuition and fees have been paid. Schools use “gift aid” first to pay your tuition and fees, so grants and scholarships are exhausted first. So for most students, that means a refund check is leftover student loan money…

Why do I have to pay back a Pell Grant?

But as is often the case with federal programs, there are some instances where students who received Pell Grants must repay some or all of the grant money received. The most common reason for having to pay back a Pell Grant is that you received a check for more money than you were actually awarded.

Is it better to file as independent for financial aid?

As a college-bound high school graduate or the parent of a student applying to colleges, you may wonder if independent students get more financial aid than dependent students. Overall, the answer is no, although some Department of Education (DOE) programs provide more money to independent students than dependent ones.

What happens to your financial aid if you get a drug charge?

Eligibility can be reinstated if the student completes a substance abuse program. As in the case of possession, students are only prohibited from aid if their sales charge was incurred while they were enrolled in college and using federal financial aid. Disqualification due to drug convictions only applies to federal aid.

Can you get federal student aid if you have a drug conviction?

Answer: Yes, eligibility might be suspended if the offense occurred while the person was receiving federal student aid (grants, loans or work-study). When you complete the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) you will be asked: Have you had a drug conviction for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid?

Can you get financial aid if you are convicted of a felony?

Those convicted of other felonies, including murder, robbery and embezzlement, are eligible for financial aid as long as they meet the criteria to qualify. Those with one drug conviction, including a misdemeanor conviction, will be temporarily barred from receiving financial aid.

How does criminal charges affect student financial aid?

The restrictions apply only to students attending school on federal financial aid when the charge was incurred. A first conviction prohibits the student from getting federal financial aid for one year from the conviction date. A second conviction increases the restriction to two years.