• qualify for financial need (except for certain 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 use the paper or electronic FAFSA to register, you can register at www.sss.gov, or you can call 1-847-688-6888. (TTY users can call 1-847-688-2567.)
• 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 only for educational purposes.

Even if you are ineligible for federal aid, you should complete the FAFSA (Free Application For Federal Student Aid) because you may be eligible for nonfederal aid from states and private institutions. If you regain eligibility during the award year, notify your financial aid administrator immediately. 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.