In order to qualify for federal student aid you must meet the following criteria:
U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Have a valid Social Security Number
Be registered with Selective Services if you're a male of 18 to 25 years of age
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Be enrolled in college or graduate school
Not have a drug conviction while previously receiving federal aid
These are just general requirements. It is necessary to check with your specific program for further details.
The amount that you can receive depends on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as well as your year in school and enrollment costs. You will generally receive an amount that gaps the difference between your EFC and costs of enrollment.
The amount of money that your family can contribute toward your studies is a significant determinant in how much federal aid you will receive. Aid is determined through a formula set by Congress.