Government student loan
Government student loans
A government student loan is granted based on a student’s eligibility as determined by the financial aid administrator at the school the student plans to attend. In order for a student to receive federal student aid, they must fall into the requirements set forth by the Higher Education Reconciliation Act (HEA). These requirements are as follows:
Demonstrate financial need (for certain government grant and student loan programs)
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Have a valid Social Security Number (not applicable for students from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, or the Republic of the Marshall Islands)
Have a General Education Development certificate (GED) or a high school diploma
Be registered with the Selective Service (if applicable)
Be a degree-seeking student and maintain satisfactory academic progress while in school
Verify you are not in default on a government student loan and do not owe the government money on a federal grant
Verify you will only use your federal student aid for educational purposes
The HEA prohibits students from receiving student aid if they have been convicted under federal or state law for the possession or sale of illicit drugs. Not all convictions count against the student, only ones that occur during the student’s enrollment while receiving federal student aid.
Even if a student is not eligible for a government student loan as outlined in this article, they should still fill out and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). While the FAFSA’s primary purpose is to facilitate federal student aid awards, many state grants and funding from private institutions are awarded based on the information from the FAFSA. Students ineligible for federal aid might also consider applying for a private student loan.
To learn more about government student loans, visit ED.gov
