In the past, it was difficult for some felons to find financial assistance for college. Rules have loosened over the years, though, and it is easier than ever for felons to find college grants. Even people with felony drug convictions can be eligible for federal grants as long as they are willing to work with an assigned campus official to finish a rehabilitation program independent of prison oversight. The program includes checking in with the administrator and taking drug tests.
Application
All colleges accept applications from felons. Fill out the application, and after you've submitted it to the admissions office, speak to a financial aid representative about college-sponsored grants. Applications are available to all students, no matter what crimes may be in their past -- funds are not guaranteed for anyone, though. Ask for grant requirements and details. Read the section about eligibility to make sure you aren't barred from receiving funds as a felon.
FAFSA
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid as soon as you have your W-2s or tax forms for the year before you intend to start school. Indicate in the appropriate place that you were convicted of a felony. If it was drug-related, acknowledge it on the FAFSA. Submit the application online and direct it to the colleges you want to attend. You can send it to more than one school. Before you can receive aid, if you've been convicted of a drug-related felony, you have to fill out additional paperwork. It will be sent to you after your FAFSA is processed. Once that is complete, you must meet with a financial aid officer to discuss your eligibility.
After your income information is reviewed by the school, you should be offered an aid package. Any state or federal grants you qualify for will be listed. You are not disqualified from most state and federal aid because of felony convictions, according to Education Grant.com.
Professional Grants
Certain professions -- teaching, social work and nursing, for example -- offer grants to students who agree to work in those fields or in certain locations after graduation. The National Association of Social Workers, for example, offers a grant to students completing classes that will lead to a degree in social work. Speak to an adviser in your intended major at the college to find out if grants are offered in your chosen field. You can also contact national professional development organizations to ask if you qualify for any grants for students majoring in a related field. The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners runs a scholarship and grant program to help future nurse practitioners fund their education.
Online Grant Searches
Many websites offer grant searches, including Fast Web.com, College Scholarships.org and Careers and Colleges.com. When you find a grant that appeals to you, contact the organization offering the grant for eligibility information. Most grants do not exclude felons. Take the time to apply for grants, even if you have a felony conviction on your record. Help is sometimes available to dedicated students.
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