Who Can Qualify for Federal Student Financial Aid?

Did you know the biggest sponsor of scholarships and grants is actually the federal government? Or that they offer student loans with adaptable repayment plans? In fact, utilizing the government’s student aid is one of the best ways to help pay for college! Their student aid programs include grants, work-study funds, and student loans.

But who qualifies for these forms of financial aid? Are their restrictions? Take a look below at the qualifications!

  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Have a valid SSN (there are some exceptions)
  • Be enrolled / accepted as a regular student for an eligible degree / certificate program
  • Be enrolled at least half time in order to qualify for the Direct Loan program
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress in your college / career school
  • File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Having a high school diploma or GED
  • Be registered with Selective Service if you are male

For additional information, visit the Department of Education’s website!

Use College Raptor to discover personalized college matches, cost estimates, acceptance odds, and potential financial aid for schools around the US—for FREE!

 

Lender Rates (APR) Eligibility
Citizens logo.
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT CITIZENS
Sallie Mae logo.
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT SALLIE MAE
Credibe company logo.
5.00% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT CREDIBLE
Lendkey company logo.
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT LENDKEY
Ascent company logo.
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT ASCENT
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT ISL
Earnest company logo.
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT EARNEST
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT ELFI
College Raptor is not a loan lender and does not assume responsibility for suggesting a loan to a user who may not be eligible for it. Rates, terms, conditions, eligibility, approval, and other considerations are the decisions of the lenders and may vary depending on which lender or marketplace the user selects. We urge users to carefully consider and review all loan options and terms before committing to taking out a loan.

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