Financial aid for part-time students?

I know this is a very general question but Im hoping someone might have some information for me. I am 25 and I work full time so I want to go back to school part-time and Im wondering what the reqirements are for recieving financial aid. Someone told me they thought you had to be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours. Does anyone know if this is true? Oh maybe I should add that I live in Illinois. I welcome any help. I want to know before I actaully apply.

To answer your question quickly, yes, you need AT LEAST 6 units to be eligible for financial aid.

This is how it works:

Assume you get $1,000.00 in Financial aid. Assume the cost of your school is $100.00

If you are full time student, you will receive the rest: $900.00
This means 12+ units

If you are 3/4 time student, you will receive 3/4 of what is left: $600.00
This means 9-11 units

If you are part time, you will receive 1/2 of what is left (after tuition is paid): $450.00

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The first thing to do is file an application with FAFSA. They will send your information to your school.

Student Eligibility:

The Department of Education uses the information provided on your FAFSA to determine your eligibility for aid from the Federal Student Aid (FSA) programs. Many states and schools also use the FAFSA to award aid from their programs. Some states and schools may require you to fill out additional forms. Some of the requirements to receive aid from FSA programs are that you must:

Be a citizen or eligible noncitizen of the United States with a valid Social Security Number;
Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate or pass an approved "ability to benefit" test;
Enroll in an eligible program as a regular student seeking a degree or certificate;
Register (or have registered) for Selective Service, if you are a male between the ages of 18-25; and
Have a result of Eligible or Partially Eligible on the Drug Conviction question (Question 31).

Note: answering 'No' to this question (having been convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs) does not mean your status will never change in the case of subsequent convictions. If your status changes, please notify the financial aid administrator at your school.

The minimum credit load is 6 in order to receive Financial Aid. Most courses are based at 3 credits so you would have to carry a minimum of 2 classes to achieve this.

Financial aid is a federal program so it doesn't matter what state you live in.

Any student who takes less than 6 credits end up being a cash pay student.

You can usually get Aid (including Student Loans) if you are attending at least half-time. The individual institution determines what is "half time." Your aid package will be adjusted accordingly. Good luck in school!