Under the Higher Education Act, students become ineligible for federal student aid upon conviction during any period of enrollment of any offense involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs. Federal aid includes Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Stafford PLUS Loans, Federal Pell Grants, and Federal ACG Grants.
Penalties for Drug Convictions
Possession of Illegal Drugs:
• First Offense: 1 year from the date of conviction
• Second Offense: 2 years from the date of conviction
• Third and Subsequent Offenses: Indefinite ineligibility from the date of conviction
Sale of Illegal Drugs:
• First Offense: 2 years from the date of conviction
• Second and Subsequent Offenses: Indefinite ineligibility from the date of conviction
How to Regain Eligibility
If a student successfully completes a drug rehabilitation program, he or she can regain eligibility for federal student aid funds as of the day the student successfully completes the program.
To be sufficient to reinstate financial aid eligibility, the program must:
• include at least 2 unannounced drug tests
AND
• be recognized as a Federal, State, or local government agency program
Information regarding the College’s Substance Abuse Program may be obtained in Health Services and by clicking here.
