Additional Financial Aid Information
Financial Aid Web Sites
Federal Student Financial Aid Penalties for Drug Law Violations
A federal or state drug conviction can disqualify a student for FSA funds. The conviction must have occurred during the period of enrollment for which the student was receiving Title IV aid. Also, a conviction that was reversed, set aside, or removed from the student’s record does not count, nor does one received when he/she was a juvenile, unless they were tried as an adult.
The chart below illustrates the period of ineligibility for FSA funds, depending on whether the conviction was for sale or possession and whether the student had previous offenses.
| | Possession of illegal drugs | Sale of illegal drugs |
| 1st offense | 1 year from date of conviction | 2 years from date of conviction |
| 2nd offense | 2 years from date of conviction | Indefinite period |
| 3+ offense | Indefinite period | Indefinite period |
Students denied eligibility for an indefinite period can regain it only after successfully completing a rehabilitation program. It is the student’s responsibility to certify that he/she has successfully completed the rehabilitation program. Please contact the Financial Aid Office if you have questions about the criteria for a qualified drug rehabilitation program.