General Eligibility
One of the most important things to know in Financial Aid is your eligibility. Make sure you know what you need to do to establish and maintain your eligibility along with what types of aid you qualify for. To be considered eligible for most financial aid programs a student must: be matriculated (accepted for and enrolled in a degree program, or certain certificate programs), be enrolled in at least six credits per semester, be making satisfactory academic progress, demonstrate financial need (for need-based aid), and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by November 15 (for priority consideration). There are very few exceptions to these basic eligibility criteria, and many financial aid programs have additional eligibility criteria. The basis of selection for most awards is ability and/or financial need.
| Eligibility Criteria | Pace University Aid Programs | Federal Student Aid Programs | New York State Aid Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. | Yes* | Yes | Yes |
| Must be admitted as a matriculated student in a degree or certificate program at Pace University. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Must be enrolled in at least 6 credits per semester (except for Pell Grants). | Yes | Yes | Yes** |
| Must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress toward degree. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Must demonstrate financial need (for need-based aid) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (permanent residents, certain refugees). | Yes* | Yes | Yes*** |
| Must be registered for the Selective Service (only applicable to males aged 18 and older). | No | Yes | No |
| Must not be in default of a federal student loan. | No | Yes | Yes |
| Must not owe a repayment on a Federal student grant. | No | Yes | Yes |
| Must have and provide a valid Social Security Number. | Yes* | Yes | Yes |
| Combination of Federal aid and all other aid received may not exceed the Cost of Attendance. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
***Indicates recipients must be a New York State resident for over one year.
**Indicates to refer to New York State Guidelines (most require 12 credits or more).
*Indicates not required to renew Pace University merit-based scholarships.
Additional Information
Pace University students can receive financial aid awards from Pace University, the federal government, New York state, and other organizations. Each entity establishes it's own eligibility criteria and specific renewal requirements.
Notice Of Federal Student Financial Aid Penalties For Drug Law Violations
A student convicted of a Federal or state drug offense that occurred during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving Title IV Federal financial aid is ineligible for Federal student aid.
The chart below illustrates the period of ineligibility for federal student aid funds.
| Number of Offenses | 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 |
| 3rd Offense and beyond | Indefinite period | Indefinite period |