Drug Convictions and Eligibility
Beginning with the 2021-2022 award year, having a drug conviction will no longer impact a student’s federal financial aid eligibility. However, students who are awarded State aid are still required to certify annually, prior to the disbursement of funds, that they have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance.
The content below is referencing the policy prior to Fall 2021.
A student who is convicted of a drug offense while receiving Title IV funds will no longer be eligible for federal aid. This include grants such as Pell and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, it also includes Federal Work-Study and loans such as Direct Loans, PLUS and Grad PLUS.
Federal Aid includes:
- Federal Work Study
- Federal Direct Loan
- Federal Graduate Plus Loan
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) includes a question regarding conviction for possession or sale of illegal drugs. Depending on the answer, the Department of Education will send a worksheet to the student that will assist the student in determining if the conviction affects their eligibility for federal aid.
When our office receives notice that a student is convicted of sale or possession of illegal drugs while receiving federal aid, the students’ aid will be immediately suspended. If the conviction is reversed, or removed from the students’ record, the student will maintain eligibility for all Title IV aid. Convictions that occur while not receiving federal aid or as a juvenile are not included in this federal regulation.
The period of ineligibility depends on the type of conviction (sale or possession) and if there are previous offenses.
Possession of Illegal Drugs
1st offense- 1 year from date of conviction
2nd offense- 2 years from date of conviction
3+ offenses- Indefinite Period
Sale of Illegal Drugs
1st offense- 2 years from date of conviction
2nd offense- Indefinite period
If the student was convicted of both selling and possessing illegal drugs, they will be ineligible for the longer period.
The student may regain eligibility:
- The day after the period of ineligibility ends,
- Successful completion of a qualified drug rehabilitation program and passes at least two unannounced drug tests
If a conviction is reversed, set aside, or removed from the student's record so that fewer than two convictions for sale or three convictions for possession remain on the record. In such cases, the dates and types of offenses of the remaining convictions will determine when the student regains eligibility for federal aid.
Qualified Drug Rehabilitation Program
A qualified drug rehabilitation program must include at least two unannounced drug tests and must satisfy at least one of the following requirements:
- Qualified to receive funds directly or indirectly under a federal, state or local government program
- Administered or recognized by federal, state or local government agency or court
- Qualified to receive payment directly or indirectly from a federally or state-licensed insurance company or is administered or recognized by a federally or state-licensed hospital, health clinic or medical doctor
The Beauchamp Addiction Recovery Center is designed to support students in recovery from substance and behavioral addictions through all-encompassing levels of support. We believe in supporting students academically and in all areas of wellness: socially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Through well rounded programs and support and by encouraging academic excellence, we aim to reach our goal of increasing positive recovery outcomes for every one of our students.
View Baylor University policy information regarding substance abuse.