Unfortunately, I have a felony on my record from a few years ago. I'm trying to turn my life around and go to college, but I'm worried this will affect my chances of receiving financial aid. Is it possible to get financial aid with a felony, or will I have to find other ways to pay for college? Any advice would be appreciated.
First of all, it's great that you're looking to turn your life around and pursue higher education! I commend you for your determination.
Although having a felony on your record can indeed affect your eligibility for certain types of financial aid, it doesn't necessarily mean you're out of options. The main federal financial aid program that you may be ineligible for is the Pell Grant if your felony is drug-related and occurred while you were receiving federal student aid. However, even in that case, you may regain eligibility after completing an approved drug rehabilitation program.
Other federal, state, and institutional financial aid options may still be available to you. It's important to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine your eligibility for these programs. Additionally, you may want to consider private scholarships, as some may be specifically targeted at individuals with a criminal background who are pursuing higher education. Keep your head up, and best of luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.