Notice of Federal Student Financial Aid Penalties for Drug Law Violations
Suspension of Eligibility for Drug Convictions
As prescribed in section 484(r) of the Higher Education Act, a student who, during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving any Federal grant, loan, or work assistance, is convicted of any offense under any Federal or State law involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance shall not be eligible to receive any additional grant, loan, or work assistance from the date of that conviction for the period of time specified in the following table:
Period of Ineligibility for Title IV Federal Aid
| Offense | Sale of Illegal Drugs | Possession of Illegal Drugs |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Offense | 1 year from date of conviction | 2 years from date of conviction |
| 2nd Offense | 2 years from date of conviction | Indefinite Period |
| 3+ Offenses | Indefinite Period |
For individuals convicted of both possession and sale of illegal drugs, the overlapping
periods of ineligibility will run concurrently, resulting in the longer period of
ineligibility prevailing. Only convictions for an offense occurring during a period
of enrollment for which the student was receiving Federal aid will impact eligibility.
Convictions that are reversed, set aside, or removed from the student s record will
not impact eligibility, nor will convictions occurring when the student was a juvenile,
unless tried as an adult.
A written notice will be provided to each student who has lost eligibility for Title
IV Federal financial aid funds due to a drug conviction and will include the methods
by which a student can regain eligibility.
Student Responsibilities if Convicted During Period of Enrollment
According to the U.S. Department of Education,
If a student is convicted of a drug offense after receiving Federal aid, they must notify the Office of Financial Aid immediately.
That student will
- Be immediately ineligible for further aid and will be required to pay back all aid received after the loss of eligibility.
- Be 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 applying to receive Title
IV Federal financial aid, they are required to report the conviction on item number
23 of the FAFSA.
For additional information on this requirement, call a Federal representative at (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 Federal-or State-licensed hospital, health clinic, or medical doctor
It is the student s responsibility to certify to the Office of Financial Aid that
they have successfully completed a rehabilitation program.
