Is FAFSA For Everyone?

FAFSA, short for Free Application for Federal Student Aid was part of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Ensuring any American, regardless of financial status, has the opportunity to seek higher education. Almost 50 years later FAFSA is still playing a major roll in continued education.

Think you might be too old to receive financial aid? Think again! FASFA has no age limits when it comes to eligibility. Students over 30 make up more than half of the current student population in the United States. Once approved, you can use your grant money to help cover college and other living expenses. Filling out the FASFA form usually takes less time than it does to cook dinner for you or your family. So what are you waiting for? Don’t let your age deter you from applying.

Are you reluctant to apply for financial assistance because you think you or your family earn too much money? FAFSA isn’t specifically income based. There is not an income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. A lot of other contributing factors such as, the size of your family, years of school completed, and other “ability to benefit” criteria are also considered.

All you current or former bad boys & girls out there need not worry either, Uncle Sam hasn’t forgotten about you! Do you worry that being on Parole will effect your eligibility? Have you been scared to apply because you are on probation? Thinking your living situation at a half-way-house is preventing you from qualifying? THINK AGAIN! Start your new life with a new degree or trade because self improvement is never out of style.

Let’s get down to the basics, here’s what you must have to qualify for financial aid. One, you are required to be a US Citizen or an Eligible Non-US citizen. Two, you must have a valid social security number. Three, you must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at an eligible degree or certificate institution. Four, a High school diploma or GED is needed to show proof that you are qualified to obtain college or trade school education. And finally you need the drive to succeed! Don’t hesitate *$6495.00* of Pell grant money is waiting for you!

***If you have been convicted of a forcible or non-forcible sexual offense, and you are subject to an involuntary civil commitment upon completion of a period of incarceration for that offense, you cannot receive a Federal Pell Grant.