Expungement and Student Loans

Current FAFSA Rules (2026)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) currently:

• Does NOT ask about drug convictions anymore (removed in 2020-2021)
• Does NOT ask about most criminal convictions
• DOES affect aid if you're currently incarcerated (limited to Pell Grants in some cases)
• DOES affect aid if you have certain federal or state drug-related convictions (in specific state programs)

How Expungement Still Helps With Education

• College applications: Many colleges ask about criminal history on applications. Expungement lets you answer "no."
• On-campus housing: Colleges may deny housing based on criminal records
• Scholarships: Many private scholarships have conduct requirements
• Study abroad: Some countries deny visas for people with criminal records
• Professional licensing after graduation: Your degree may be limited if you can't get licensed

Scholarships for People With Records

Several organizations offer scholarships specifically for people with criminal records or who have been justice-involved:

• Pell Grants: Now available to incarcerated students (restored December 2020)
• Education from the Inside Out Coalition
• The Last Mile — Tech education and reentry support
• Operation New Hope
• Many local reentry organizations offer scholarship programs

State Financial Aid Programs

While federal aid is largely available, some state-funded programs still have restrictions:

• Texas: Certain drug convictions may affect state aid eligibility
• Some states restrict aid for sex offense convictions
• State grant programs may have their own conduct requirements

Check with your state's higher education agency for specific rules.