Eligibility for Federal Aid The actual amount of your financial aid award will depend not only on your financial need, but also on your cost of attending school, enrollment status (full-time or part-time), and whether you attend school for a full academic year or less. To receive aid from these programs you must: Be an eligible citizen or permanent resident of the United States with a valid Social Security Number Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development certificate (or pass an approved ability to benefit test) Enroll in an eligible program as a regular student seeking a Degree or Certificate. (If you are a male, you must also have registered for Selective Service, if you are in the applicable age range for registration)