Student eligibility

The student files the FAFSA, which screens for citizenship, default, and other flags. The institution verifies any required items, confirms enrollment in an eligible program, and checks SAP. If all conditions are met, the student is packaged. Flags such as default or overpayment must be resolved before aid is disbursed. Eligibility can be lost mid-year if SAP is failed or if the student drops below required enrollment intensity for certain programs.

Example: a student files the FAFSA, has no default, is enrolled half-time in an eligible online program, and meets SAP. The student is eligible and receives a Pell Grant and Direct Loan. Another student with an unresolved default is ineligible until the default is rehabilitated or consolidated.

Institutional eligibility concerns the school. Program eligibility concerns the academic offering. Student eligibility concerns the individual. A student can be ineligible even when both the institution and program are eligible, and vice versa.

Assuming a completed FAFSA guarantees eligibility. Ignoring an NSLDS default or overpayment flag. Disbursing aid before SAP status is confirmed for a student who was on warning or probation.