Will A Drug Charge Prevent Me From Getting Financial Aid?

Most students in Pennsylvania need some type of financial assistance to go to college due to the high costs of getting an education. Eligibility for financial aid depends on several factors. It is possible that if you face drug charges or get a conviction for a drug crime that you could lose your financial aid. If this may have an impact on your ability to attend college, then it is something you must understand. 

Studentaid.gov explains that on the FASFA form you will find a question that asks about drug convictions. This question is there because if a court convicts you of a drug-related crime while you receive federal financial aid, you may no longer qualify for aid. 

You will have to fill out a form that lets the government assess the situation. In general, it will suspend any aid you receive if you have a drug charge during a time when you were the recipient of federal financial aid. If you receive aid at the time of your conviction, you may have to pay it back. 

A charge will not disqualify you from receiving aid forever. It is a limited disqualification. You may even be able to end your suspension period early by going through a drug rehabilitation program. Another option is passing random drug tests. Once you are eligible again, you may begin receiving any aid for which you qualify. 

You should note that these rules apply for federal financial aid. Scholarship money or other sources of money you receive may not follow the same rules. This information is for education and is not legal advice.