DRUG CONVICTIONS AND FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENTS

DRUG CONVICTIONS AND FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENTS

Is it true that drug convictions might affect a student's ability to get federal student aid?


Yes - Your eligibility might be suspended if the offense occurred while you were receiving federal student aid (grants, loans, or work-study). When you complete the FAFSA, you will be asked whether you had a drug conviction for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid. If the answer is yes, you will be provided a worksheet to help you determine whether your conviction affects your eligibility for federal student aid.

If your eligibility for federal student aid has been suspended due to a drug conviction, you can regain eligibility early by successfully completing an approved drug rehabilitation program or by passing two unannounced drug tests administered by an approved drug rehabilitation program.

If you are convicted of a drug-related offense after you submit the FAFSA, 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.

Find more information on this topic at How do drug-related convictions affect my student loan eligibility?