Maintaining Title IV Eligibility
The U.S. Department of Education has established certain basic eligibility requirements for all federal financial aid. Scholarship, Work-Study, and/or other loan programs may have different eligibility requirements.
FEDERAL STUDENT AID ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
- Be admitted to a degree program
- Selective Service registration
- Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe a refund on a federal grant program
- Make satisfactory academic progress towards the completion of your degree or certificate
- Be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program
- Have a high school diploma, a General Education Development (GED) or its equivalent
- No unresolved drug convictions
Loss of Eligibility Due to a Drug Conviction
Students should be aware that a conviction for any offense during a period of enrollment for which you are receiving Title IV, Higher Education Assistance program funds, under any federal or state law involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs will result in the loss of eligibility for any Title IV, Higher Education Assistance grant, loan or work-study assistance.
(HEA Sec. 484(r)(1)); (20 U.S.C. 1091(r)(1))
A student who is convicted of a drug-related offense that occurred while enrolled in school and receiving Title IV aid loses Title IV eligibility as follows:
| Period of Ineligibility for Title IV Federal Aid | ||
| Possession of Illegal Drugs | Sale of Illegal Drugs | |
| 1st Offense | 1 year from date of conviction | 2 years from date of conviction |
| 2nd Offense | 2 years from date of 2nd conviction | Indefinite Period |
| 3+ Offenses | Indefinite Period | |
Student Responsibilities if Convicted During Period of Enrollment.
According to the US Department of Education, if a student is convicted of a drug offense while receiving Federal aid, they must notify Valparaiso University’s Office of Financial Aid office immediately. The student will be immediately become ineligible for further aid and will be required to pay back all aid received after the loss of eligibility.
Students are required to self-certify their eligibility for Federal aid with regard to drug convictions on the FAFSA. If a student has been convicted of a drug offense while receiving Title IV Federal financial aid, they are required to report the conviction on item number 23 of the FAFSA. For additional information on the requirement, call a Federal representative at 1-800-433-3243.
Regaining Eligibility
A student regains eligibility the day after the period of ineligibility ends, the date their conviction is overturned, or the date they complete a qualified drug rehabilitation program, whichever occurs first.
A student whose eligibility has been suspended indefinitely may only regain it by successfully completing a qualified drug rehabilitation program.
A qualified drug rehabilitation program must include at least two unannounced drug tests and satisfy at least one of the following requirements.
- Be qualified to receive funds directly or indirectly from a Federal, State, or local government program.
- Be qualified to receive payment directly or indirectly from a Federally- or State-licensed insurance company.
- Be administered or recognized by a Federal, State, or local government agency or court.
- Be administered or recognized by a Federally- or State-licensed hospital, health clinic, or medical doctor.
It is the student’s responsibility to certify to Valparaiso University’s Office of Financial Aid office that they have successfully completed a rehabilitation program.