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7. Whether you’re selected for verification or not, make sure the financial aid office at the school has all the information needed to determine your eligibility.
8. Contact the financial aid office if you have any questions about the aid being offered to you.
Who Receives Federal Student Aid?
Eligibility for most Federal Student Aid programs is based on financial need and other factors. Your eligibility is determined by the informa- tion you provide on the FAFSA.
Basic eligibility requirements:
• Demonstrate financial need (except for certain loans, see pages 9 and 10). The majority of students qualify in this category. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you won’t qualify. Apply and see.
• U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (for most programs) with a valid Social Security number (SSN).
• Be working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program.
• Show, by ONE of the following means, that you’re qualified to obtain a postsecondary education:
• Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate.
• Pass an approved ability-to-benefit (ATB) test (if you don’t have a diploma or GED, a school can administer a test
to determine whether you can benefit from the education offered at that school).
• Meet other standards your state establishes that have been approved by Federal Student Aid
• Complete a high school education in a home school setting approved under state law.
Student Loans and the Cost of a Good Education 65