Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships

Eligibility for Federal Aid

Federal student aid programs provide more than $60 billion per year in grants, loans, and work-study assistance. To receive federal student aid, you need only meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrate financial need by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for each academic year. Priority deadline is March 1^st prior to the academic year you wish to attend. File the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The IU Northwest school code is 001815. You will be notified by the Office of Financial Aid if additional verification documents, such as income tax returns are needed to complete the determination of your eligibility for federal financial aid.
• Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate
• Be enrolled or accepted as a regular student (most scholarships and financial aid awards require at least half-time enrollment and good academic standing)
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Have a valid Social Security number (visit the Social Security Administration Web site for more information)
• Meet academic progress standards set by IU Northwest
• Not be in default or owe an overpayment on previous federal aid
• Men age 18 and older must register with the Selective Service (you can give the Selective Service permission to register you by checking the appropriate box on the FAFSA or you can register online).

The law suspends aid eligibility for students convicted of sale or possession of illegal drugs. The period of ineligibility for each student continues until the eligibility date arrives or the student completes an acceptable drug rehabilitation program. If you have a conviction or convictions for these offenses, call (800) 433-3243 to find out how, or if, this law applies to you.