Most students in America take advantage of financial aid for college. What you may not know, however, is how drug charges affect your eligibility for financial aid.
We understand how the law pertains to drug charges in Minnesota and have helped many clients with their defense.
Drug convictions can affect your financial aid eligibility
According to the Federal Student Aid website, your financial aid eligibility could cease to exist if you receive a drug charge while you are receiving financial aid. This includes any grants, loans, or work-study.
When you complete the FASFA form, there is a question that will ask you about receiving drug charges while you were receiving federal student aid. If you answer yes to this question, you will have the chance to complete a worksheet that will help you determine if your conviction renders you ineligible for federal student aid.
If a drug conviction causes your eligibility for financial aid has to end, you can complete an approved drug-rehabilitation program to regain eligibility. Additionally, you may pass two random drug tests by the approved program instead. It is important to note that if you lose eligibility for federal student aid, you may be responsible for returning part of that money.
Other convictions can also affect your eligibility
Other convictions may also affect your ability to receive financial aid. If you receive a conviction for a sexual offense and are subject to an involuntary civil commitment after you serve jail time, you are not eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant. More information about this topic is available on our web page.