In accordance with U.S. Department of Education regulations, if a student is convicted of a drug offense after receiving federal student aid (FSA) money, he or she must notify their respective college’s financial aid office immediately.
A conviction for any offense under any federal or state law involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs, during a period of enrollment when receiving federal aid, will result in the loss of eligibility for any Title IV, HEA grant, loan, or work study assistance. A conviction that was reversed, set aside, or removed does not count, nor does one received as a juvenile, unless tried as an adult.
The chart below illustrates the period of ineligibility for FSA funds, depending on whether the conviction was for sale or possession and whether the student had previous offenses. (A conviction for sale of drugs includes convictions for conspiring to sell drugs.)
FSA Ineligibility for Drug Law Convictions
| Offense | 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 conviction | Indefinite period of ineligibility |
| 3rd Offense | Indefinite period of ineligibility | Indefinite period of ineligibility |