By understanding and meeting the eligibility requirements, you can unlock access to federal student aid, state programs, scholarships, and other funding that make earning your degree more affordable than you imagined. Financial aid can help you focus on what really matters: gaining the skills, knowledge, and connections to launch your career. Here’s what you need to do to stay eligible and keep your education moving forward.
To establish and maintain eligibility for federal student aid and certain other student aid programs, you must:
- Be a regularly admitted student enrolled in a degree program – Your journey starts with official admission to NSU in a qualifying program.
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or completed a State-approved homeschool program – The foundation of your academic success begins here.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen – Learn more about eligibility from Federal Student Aid.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) – Keep your grades and progress on track to continue receiving aid.
- Not owe a refund or repayment on an educational grant – Clear standing with past aid is essential.
- Not be in default on an educational loan – Stay current on any previous student loans.
- Agree to use federal student aid funds solely for educational purposes – Funding must directly support your studies.
- Not have borrowed in excess of annual or aggregate limits on a Title IV student loan – Stay within federal borrowing limits.
- Apply every year by the May 1 priority deadline – Don’t miss out! Submitting your application on time maximizes your aid opportunities.
- Understand that coursework completed prior to classes beginning cannot count towards Federal Aid Eligibility – Only eligible coursework taken during official class dates applies.
Why Meeting These Requirements Matters
Meeting these eligibility requirements isn’t just a checklist — it’s your key to unlocking resources that make your degree affordable, your goals achievable, and your future brighter. Missing even one requirement could mean losing access to funding, so stay informed, stay proactive, and stay on track.