Federal and Penn State Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements

To receive and retain student financial aid, including all types of federal loans, undergraduate, graduate and professional students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) yearly
• Comply with Penn State's Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
• Remain in good standing on educational loans and grants per the National Student Loan Database System (NSLDS)
• In general, remain enrolled for at least six credits if you are an undergraduate student* with the exception of the Federal Pell Grant, which is awarded based on the number of credits (1 credit minimum) and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
• In general, remain enrolled for five credits; at the 400 level or higher if you are a graduate student
• Be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program
• Be a citizen or eligible non-citizen with a valid Social Security Number
• Have a high school diploma
• Be registered for the Selective Service if you are male and 18-25 years of age
• Comply with any and all requests for information
  

We will monitor your Award Summary throughout each semester to ensure your student aid does not exceed your financial need.

*Some grant programs require full-time enrollment, which is indicated in each grant's eligibility section.