Several factors determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Legal Requirements Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen Have a valid social security number Be working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program Not be in default status on a federal student loan or owe the U.S. Department of Education for overpayment of FSA funds from a previous school year Education Requirements Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED®/HiSET®) or Completed a high school education in a home school setting approved by your district’s superintendent or Qualify through an approved “Ability-To-Benefit” pathway Who does not qualify to receive financial aid at GCC? Dual enrollment/high school students Students who are auditing classes Non-credit students taking Community Engagement or Workforce Development classes Students who are not enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program International students