Question
Do I need to be a full-time student to request financial aid?
Answer
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)® is the application you need to complete in order to be awarded federal financial aid funds, like a Federal Pell Grant or a Federal Direct Loan. Schools and states may also use the information on your FAFSA to award you state and institutional financial aid funds. In order to complete the FAFSA application, you do not need to meet any enrollment criteria (e.g., part-time, half-time, full-time).However, to be awarded federal financial aid, you do need to meet some basic eligibility criteria. And for each type of aid (federal loans and grants), there are eligibility requirements, such as enrollment status.
Your enrollment status will be determined by your school. If you would like to borrow Federal Student Loans, you will need to be enrolled at least half-time. If you are awarded a Federal Pell Grant, your school based your award on your financial need, your cost of attendance, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and the length of your program. In other words, if you aren’t enrolled full-time, your school adjusted (prorated) your award based on your enrollment status. I would suggest reviewing some of the information in these pages to see the specific enrollment requirements for each type of federal financial aid.
If you have any additional questions about your specific financial aid award, it would be best to make some time to meet with your financial aid office.