Not all campus violations lead to losing aid, but drug convictions, sexual or violent offenses, and academic misconduct can put scholarships and federal aid at risk. Consequences vary, and while eligibility can sometimes be restored, legal guidance is often key to protecting both education and financial support.
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A campus violation can be overwhelming, especially when you’re left wondering whether your education and future are at risk. At DC Student Defense, we work with college students in Washington, D.C. who are navigating complex disciplinary processes and are concerned about how those cases could impact their financial aid or scholarships.
In this blog, we explain how different types of campus violations may affect your ability to receive or maintain financial aid, the difference between university sanctions and criminal convictions, and what you can do to protect your education.
If you are currently facing an investigation or disciplinary hearing, visit our pages on student violations and drug offenses to learn how we can help.
Types of Violations and Their Impact on Financial Aid
Most universities do not revoke financial aid or scholarships solely based on violations of the student code of conduct. In general, a university violation on its own does not automatically result in financial aid loss.
However, the consequences can vary depending on:
- Whether the violation leads to a criminal conviction. Learn more in our blog on how criminal accusations impact scholarships
- Whether it involves drug-related charges
- Whether it affects your academic standing, such as suspension or expulsion
Academic penalties can sometimes result in the loss of eligibility for certain scholarships or future aid, especially if they impact your GPA or enrollment status.
Drug Convictions and Federal Aid
According to Federal Student Aid, a conviction for the possession or sale of illegal drugs may affect your eligibility for federal aid if it occurred while you were receiving that aid.
Typical consequences include:
- First possession conviction: Ineligible for one year
- Second possession conviction: Ineligible for two years
- Third possession or second sale conviction: Ineligible for an indefinite period
Students may regain eligibility by:
- Completing an approved drug rehabilitation program, or
- Passing two unannounced drug tests through a qualified program
You can read more about these consequences in our blog on how drug convictions affect college students.
Sexual or Violent Offenses and Financial Aid
Offenses involving sexual misconduct or violence may also affect federal aid eligibility. These are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In many situations, a conviction for a sexual offense makes a student ineligible for a Pell Grant.
This information is provided when you complete the FAFSA. You will receive a worksheet to help you determine how any conviction may affect your aid. If you have been accused of or charged with an offense in this category, explore our insights on Title IX sanctions and discipline.
Academic Misconduct and Loss of Scholarships
Even if you are not charged with a criminal offense, academic violations such as plagiarism or cheating can still affect your financial aid. Some universities charge students for the full semester, even if they are dismissed partway through. This can use up financial aid or scholarship money, making it unavailable for future terms.
You may also lose merit-based scholarships that require a minimum GPA or full-time enrollment. Learn more by visiting our resources page or our blog on college scholarship risks.
Protect Your Education and Financial Aid
Disciplinary and criminal allegations can quickly derail your college experience. At DC Student Defense, we represent students nationwide who are facing school investigations, code of conduct hearings, or criminal charges related to campus conduct.
We understand how these issues intersect with your ability to maintain financial aid and scholarships and remain enrolled in your program. Our team works closely with students to ensure they understand their rights and avoid unnecessary financial or academic consequences.
Speak to a Student Defense Attorney Today
If you are facing a campus violation or criminal charge that could affect your financial aid, do not wait. The team at DC Student Defense can help protect your education, financial aid, and future.
Visit our contact page to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced student defense attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do all campus violations affect financial aid?
No, most student conduct violations do not automatically cause loss of aid, but criminal convictions, especially drug-related, can have serious consequences. - How do drug convictions impact federal student aid?
Drug-related convictions may suspend your eligibility for federal aid for one year, two years, or indefinitely, depending on the number and type of offenses. - Can sexual misconduct or violent offenses affect scholarships?
Yes. Federal aid programs such as Pell Grants may become unavailable if you are convicted of a sexual or violent crime. - Does academic misconduct like cheating impact financial aid?
It can. Academic violations may lead to dismissal, loss of GPA-based scholarships, or loss of full-time enrollment status, all of which affect aid eligibility. - Can I regain financial aid eligibility after losing it?
In some cases, yes. Completing an approved rehabilitation program or meeting university requirements can restore eligibility. - Should I get legal help if I face a campus violation?
Yes. An experienced student defense attorney can help protect your rights, education, and financial aid when disciplinary or criminal charges are involved.
