7 CFR § 273.2(b)(7)(i) & 7 CFR § 273.5 & 7 CFR 273.10(e)(2)(i)(D)and(E)


A student is an individual who is enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher learning. Students are ineligible for SNAP unless they meet one of the eligible student criteria.

Enrolled

7 CFR § 273.5(c)


Students are enrolled as of the first day of the school term through normal scheduled class periods, vacation, and recess unless they:

  • graduate;
  • are suspended, expelled, or drop out; or
  • don’t intend to register for the next school term (excluding summer school).

Half-Time Enrollment

7 CFR § 273.5(a)


The school defines the number of credit hours needed to qualify a student as at least half-time. 


Only students enrolled in institutions of higher education half-time or more are required to meet a student exemption to be eligible for SNAP. Individuals enrolled less than half-time do not have to meet a student exemption to be eligible for SNAP.

Institution of Higher Education

7 CFR § 273.5(a)


Business, technical, trade, or vocational schools:


An individual is considered enrolled in an institution of higher education if they are enrolled in a business, technical, trade, or vocational school and in a curriculum that normally requires a high school diploma or equivalent for enrollment.


Colleges and Universities: 


An individual is considered enrolled in an institution of higher education if they are enrolled in a regular curriculum at a college or university that offers degrees regardless of whether a high school diploma is required. 


However, individuals enrolled at least half-time at a college, but in a program outside of the regular curriculum, are not considered enrolled in an institution of higher education and, do not need to meet a student exemption. This means if they meet all other eligibility criteria, they are eligible for SNAP. 


Examples include remedial education, continuing or community education, professional development, English for Speakers of Other Languages, and workforce development/training programs.

Verification 

7 CFR § 273.2(f)(1)(ix) and (2) and (3)(i)


Verify the student’s:

  • enrollment in an institution of higher education,
  • exemption, if applicable, and
  • questionable information.


Resources

See Verification Requirements by Element and Action.

See Suggested Verification Sources.


Last Update

Source # 11

Effective Date: 2/1/2023