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**Please note that each student only needs to complete the W-4 and I-9 forms once while working at Drew University.
FEDERAL STUDENT FINANCIAL AID PENALTIES FOR DRUG LAW VIOLATIONS
Drug Convictions and Financial Aid Eligibility
Under the Higher Education Act, a student may become ineligible for federal student aid upon conviction of any offense involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs while receiving Title IV federal financial aid.
Penalties for Drug Convictions
Possession of Illegal Drugs:
- First Offense: 1 year from the date of conviction
- Second Offense: 2 years from the date of conviction
- Third and Subsequent Offenses: Indefinite ineligibility from the date of conviction
Sale of Illegal Drugs:
* First Offense: 2 years from the date of conviction - Second and Subsequent Offenses: Indefinite ineligibility from the date of conviction

How to Regain Eligibility for Federal Financial Aid After a Drug Conviction
There is a way that you can regain eligibility for the federal programs. You must successfully complete an acceptable drug rehabilitation program that meets the standards set by Congress and the Department of Education. You will regain eligibility on the date you complete the program.
What is an Acceptable Drug Rehabilitation Program?
An acceptable drug rehabilitation program must require passing TWO unannounced drug tests AND it must be either:
- Be qualified to receive funds from a federal, state or local government agency or program, or from a state or federally licensed insurance company, or
- Be administered or recognized by a federal, state or local government agency or court, or by a state or federally licensed hospital, health clinic, or medical doctor.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Question 23 on the FAFSA form asks if the student has ever been convicted of a drug related offense. Failure to answer this question will automatically disqualify the student from receiving Federal aid. Falsely answering this question, if discovered, could result in fines up to $20,000, imprisonment, or both. If you are not sure how you should answer this question, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).
Convictions During Enrollment
According to the United States Department of Education, if a student is convicted of a drug offense after receiving Federal aid, he or she must notify the Financial Aid Office immediately and that student will be ineligible for further aid and required to pay back all aid received after the conviction.
Even if you are ineligible for federal aid, you should complete the FAFSA because you may be eligible for nonfederal aid from states and private institutions. If you regain eligibility during the award year, notify your financial aid administrator immediately. If you are convicted of a drug-related offense after you submit the FAFSA, you might lose eligibility for federal student aid, and you might be liable for returning any financial aid you received during a period of ineligibility.