Eligibility for federal student aid (i.e., student loans) is based on financial need and on several other factors. The financial aid administrator at the college or career school you plan to attend will determine your eligibility.

To receive aid from federal student aid programs (including student loans), you must:

qualify for financial need (except for certain student loans).

have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate, pass a test approved by the U.S. Department of Education, meet other standards your state establishes that the Department approves, or complete a high school education in a home school setting that is treated as such under state law.

be working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program.

be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.

have a valid Social Security Number (unless you're from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau).

register with the Selective Service if required. You can register at www.sss.gov, or you can call 1-847-688-6888.

maintain satisfactory academic progress once in school.

certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a federal student grant.

certify that you will use federal student aid (i.e., student loan) only for educational purposes.

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