Eligible program

The institution applies for or updates program eligibility through the Department’s electronic application, listing CIP code, credential level, length, and delivery mode. Once approved, students in the program may be packaged for Title IV aid if they meet individual eligibility rules. Changes in length, credential, or a substantial increase in distance education may require an update. The institution tracks which of its programs are eligible and awards aid only for those.

Example: a 12-credit online certificate is shorter than the minimum for Title IV eligibility. Students in that certificate cannot receive Pell Grants or Direct Loans for those courses. A 30-credit certificate that meets length and gainful-employment requirements is approved, and its students may receive aid.

Institutional eligibility allows the school to participate in Title IV. Program eligibility is required for each program whose students will receive aid. Gainful employment is an additional accountability overlay for certain eligible programs. Accreditation of the institution does not automatically make every program eligible.

Disbursing aid to students in programs that have not been approved. Assuming a new online program is eligible simply because the institution is eligible. Ignoring minimum-length rules for short certificates.