Aid and your conviction

The short answer is: yes. 

Any federal financial aid eligibility limitations are eliminated once a person is released from incarceration. 

If you are currently confined or incarcerated: 

• You may be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant if you are enrolled in an approved prison education program.
• You can get a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant and Federal Work Study if you qualify, although work study jobs are difficult to perform while incarcerated.
• You cannot get federal student loans.
• Drug convictions no longer affect federal aid eligibility. And as of July 1, 2023, you may still qualify for a Pell Grant if you've been incarcerated for a sex offense. 

Once you're released, including if you are on parole or probation, the eligibility limitations related to your incarceration are removed. You may apply for financial aid before release so you have funds in time to start school. 

The best way to find out what you qualify for is by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used by federal, state, and private financial aid sources. You'll find a link in the Resources box below.