How to Get Financial Aid for College if a Convicted Felon

If you're a convicted felon looking to set your life straight and get a college degree, there is a way to get financial aid to help you achieve those goals. As long as you have not been convicted of a drug-related felony, federal grants and loans are still available you.

Instructions

1. Pick up a FAFSA, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, in the registration office of a local college, or find the forms online.

2. Fill out the FAFSA and observe the deadlines listed both on the sheet and on the FAFSA website. Be sure to indicate your dependency status as well as your financial situation to ensure maximum financial aide.

3. Re-read your FAFSA forms to make sure all of the entries are complete and correct.

4. Submit the forms back to the address listed on the forms or submit through the FAFSA website.

5. Wait for FAFSA to review your forms and mail you financial aid status information. The information will also be mailed to your school of choice to ensure your education is at least partially paid for.

Tips & Warnings

• If you were convicted of a drug felony, you might still be able to get financial aid provided that you are out on parole or probation and have been drug tested for one year without incident. This is not guaranteed. It's best to speak with a financial adviser at the school you wish to attend for further information.

• You can save time by filing your FAFSA online via the FAFSA website. It also allows you to check the status of your FAFSA and has answers to most questions you might have.

• When you receive your financial aid notification, call your school of choice and make sure it also received the information. In most cases, the financial aide office will cut you a check for the amount not used on tuition, books, fees and other direct expenses.

• Do not miss your FAFSA deadline. Missing the deadline might delay your education for a semester or quarter and hurt your long-term goals. Observe the deadline on the paperwork.

Resources

• The FAFSA website for free student financial aid.