From the University of Colorado at Boulder to the Colorado School of Mines, the Centennial State has some excellent places to pursue a four-year degree. While tuition and fees for public institutions in Colorado tend to be lower than the national average, you can expect to pay thousands of dollars to achieve your educational goals.
If you do not have the means to pay for your bachelor’s degree, you may qualify for government-backed financial aid. Regrettably, a conviction for a drug-related offense may trigger a suspension of your federal educational grants, loans and work-study funds.
Completing the FAFSA
When you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, you must disclose any convictions you have for possessing or selling controlled substances during your award period. A conviction for either offense may result in a one-year, two-year or indefinite suspension of your financial aid. This is likely true regardless of whether the prosecution occurs in state or federal court.
Restoring financial aid
If a drug-related conviction causes you to lose your government-backed financial aid, you have the option of waiting until the suspension lapses on its own. Alternatively, you may be able to restore your financial aid eligibility early by completing a rehab program or passing some unannounced drug tests. Either way, you should not use funds during your suspension period, as you may have to repay them.
While you may be itching to try some new experiences during college, possessing or selling drugs may make college unaffordable for you and your family. Ultimately, mounting a smart defense may be the most effective way to stop a financial aid suspension before it occurs.
