In accordance with the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005, students who have been convicted under federal or state law for possession or sale of a controlled substance will be suspended from Title IV aid eligibility if the offense occurred while the student was receiving Title IV aid.

If a student is convicted for possession, the ineligibility period begins as of the date of the conviction and is:

  • first offense = one year
  • second offense = two years
  • third offense = indefinite

If a student is convicted for sale of an illegal substance, the ineligibility period begins as of the date of the conviction and is:

  • first offense = two years
  • second offense = indefinite

A student may regain eligibility by successfully completing a drug rehabilitation program that complies with criteria established by the Department of Education. More information is available by calling the U.S. Department of Education at 1-800-433-3243.