Federal Student Aid for Students with Criminal Convictions

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Federal Student Aid for Students with Criminal Convictions

Incarcerated individuals have very limited opportunities for federal student aid while confined in correctional facilities. Still, some students may qualify for specific types of aid depending on their status within the criminal justice system, so it's important to know the eligibility requirements. First, no incarcerated individual is eligible to receive federal student loans while confined in an adult correctional or juvenile justice center. Federal Pell Grants are also not available to any incarcerated individual in a federal or state institution. However, some who are confined to local facilities or juvenile justice centers may be eligible for Federal Pell Grants. Federal Work-Study and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are technically available to some incarcerated individuals, but it is very unlikely that these individuals can meet the criteria for service in these programs. Those on parole or probation are more likely to be eligible for federal student aid, but individuals with a conviction for forcible or nonforcible sexual offenses are likely ineligible. For more information, contact the Federal Student Aid office or visit their website.

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