Drug Violations Penalties and Financial Aid Eligibility

Under Section 485 and 484r of the Higher Education Act, students become ineligible for federal student aid upon conviction during any period of enrollment of any offense involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs. Federal aid includes Federal Pell Grants, Federal Work Study, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal ACG Grants, Federal Direct Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans, Federal SMART Grants, Federal TEACH Grants and Perkins Loans.

Penalties for Drug Convictions

Ineligibility period for possession of illegal drugs (controlled substance):

• First offense: One year from the date of conviction
• Second offense: Two years from the date of conviction
• Third offense: Indefinite ineligibility from the date of conviction

Ineligibility period for sale of illegal drugs (controlled substance):

• First offense: Two years from date of conviction
• Second offense: Indefinite ineligibility from the date of conviction

Regaining Eligibility

Upon successful completion of a drug rehabilitation program, aid eligibility can be reinstated as of the day the student completes the program successfully. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Office of Student Financial Aid Services that they have completed successfully the rehabilitation program.

To be sufficient to reinstate financial aid eligibility, the program must:

• Include at least two unannounced drug tests; and
• be recognized as a Federal, State, or local government agency program

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The FAFSA form asks if the student has ever been convicted of a drug-related offense. Failure to answer the question automatically will disqualify the student from receiving Federal aid. Answering this question falsely, if discovered, could result in fines up to $20,000, imprisonment, or both.

Financial Aid & Student Accounts

• Berea's Extraordinary Financial Plan
• Student Expenses
• Health Insurance
• Scholarships, Grants, Labor Earnings, and Loans
• Student Accounts, Term Bills, and Payment Plan
• Refund Policies
• Financial Aid Eligibility and Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Drug Violations Penalties and Financial Aid Eligibility