Definitions for "Ability to Benefit"
Keywords:  ged, diploma, demonstrate, atb, school
Students who apply for federal financial aid need to demonstrate an ability to study and learn at the college level. A high school diploma or a GED can be used to document the ability to benefit from college. "Ability to benefit" can also be established by obtaining appropriate scores in reading, writing and mathematics on the College's assessment test. For more detailed information, see an advisor or financial aid specialist.
Postsecondary institutions may not award federal aid to students without a high school or equivalency diploma unless the student has demonstrated that he or she can benefit from the education offered. This is accomplished by receiving a passing score on an independently administered test approved by the Department of Education.
A requirement for Federal aid that applies to students admitted to the College who have not yet earned a high school diploma or GED. If you are admitted to the College without a high school diploma or GED, you must take and pass an independently administered test approved by the U.S. Department of Education before receiving any Federal financial aid. The ability to benefit requirement does not affect your status as a matriculated student.