The penalties for driving while impaired by alcohol can throw anyone’s life off track, but when you rely on student loans or scholarships to pay for your tuition, you have additional concerns.
Here is what you need to know about how a DUI conviction can impact your student aid.
Federal student aid eligibility
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will not ask you about DUI convictions, and you will not lose your eligibility to obtain federal student assistance. If you must serve a jail sentence, you will need to wait until your release to receive your student loans. However, you can fill out the FAFSA while still incarcerated to ensure that your aid is ready after your release.
Private loans and scholarships
Institutions and organizations that provide private financial aid may check your criminal history and choose not to award funds because of your conviction. Additionally, you can have a scholarship revoked if you fail to meet the standards of conduct you agreed to when you accepted it.
If you have trouble finding private financing following a DUI, you might want to look into local credit unions, which may be more flexible than other financial institutions. Additionally, there may be scholarships available specifically for people with convictions on their record.
Though you still have options regarding financial aid, a DUI comes with other penalties that could make it difficult for you to finish your degree. In addition to any disciplinary action your school may impose, you could face jail time, license revocation and hefty fines. Make sure you understand the implications of these consequences before your drive while impaired.