Qualifying for Financial Aid

Student financial aid awards depend upon two major factors: financial need and the availability of funds. To determine need, an evaluation must be made of the financial circumstances of both the applicant and the applicant’s family.

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Student Eligibility

Student Eligibility for Financial Aid

To qualify for student financial aid, applicants must meet these requirements:

 

1. Enrollment: Must be enrolled as a regular student in an eligible degree program.

2. Citizenship: Must be one of the following:

   • U.S. Citizen or U.S. National (including American Samoa, Swains Island, and Northern Mariana Islands)
   • U.S. Permanent Resident (Form I-151 or I-551 may be required)
   • Citizen of the Freely Associated States (Federated States of Micronesia, Republics of Palau, and Marshall Islands)
   • Eligible Non-Citizen (documentation required)

3. Academic Progress: Must maintain satisfactory academic progress.

4. Educational Background:

   • Effective July 1, 2012: Must have a High School Diploma, GED, or home school documentation to be eligible for Federal Financial Aid.
   • Before July 1, 2012: Students can show ability-to-benefit (ATB) by:
     • Passing the ACCUPLACER® Test
     • Completing at least six credit hours of postsecondary education toward a degree at OSU Institute of Technology
     • Documentation required: High school diploma, GED, or verification of six hours toward their degree.

5. ACCUPLACER® Scores for ATB:

   • Reading: 75
   • English: 80
   • Writeplacer: 5
   • Arithmetic: 70
   • Elementary Algebra: 74
   • Testing can be done up to three times (four with tutoring).

6. Social Security Number: Must have a valid SSN.

7. Statements and Signatures: Must sign a statement of educational purpose and certification statement of refunds and default.

8. Selective Service Registration: Required for males born on or after January 1, 1960, who are 18 years or older, unless exempt.

9. Financial Need: Must demonstrate financial need, except for PLUS and Federal Unsubsidized Stafford loans.

These requirements ensure eligibility for student financial aid and maintain adherence to federal guidelines.