Title IV Student Eligility Requirements and Verification Policy 

Title IV Student Eligibility Requirements

To receive federal student aid under Title IV programs, a student must meet all federal eligibility requirements as outlined in the 2025–2026 Federal Student Aid (FSA) Handbook.

At River Parishes Community College (RPCC), a student must:

• Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
   
• Demonstrate financial need as determined by the federal Student Aid Index (SAI), when applicable.
   
• Meet one of the following academic qualifications:
   
  • Hold a high school diploma (including foreign diplomas evaluated as equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma).
     
  • Hold a recognized equivalent credential, such as a GED or state-approved equivalency certificate.
     
  • Complete secondary education through homeschooling in accordance with state law.
     
  • Meet Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) criteria if enrolled in an eligible career pathway program, as permitted under federal regulations:
     
    • Pass a U.S. Department of Education–approved ATB test; or
       
    • Successfully complete six semester hours (or equivalent) of credit-bearing coursework applicable to a Title IV eligible program (remedial/developmental courses do not count; students may not receive aid while completing these hours).
       
• Be enrolled as a regular, degree- or certificate-seeking student in an eligible program of study.
   
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
   
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in accordance with RPCC and federal standards.
   
• Register for Selective Service, if required.
   
• Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe a repayment on any federal grant, or have made satisfactory repayment arrangements.
   
• Comply with all federal regulations regarding drug convictions or other eligibility restrictions.

Verification Policy

After submitting the FAFSA®, a student’s application may be selected for verification to confirm the accuracy of information reported. Verification ensures compliance with federal requirements and may be selected by the U.S. Department of Education or by RPCC in cases of conflicting information.

Students selected for verification will receive notification from RPCC or from our verification partner, Inceptia, with instructions to complete the required documentation.

Failure to complete verification may result in delayed or canceled disbursement of Title IV funds.