The Student's Guide to Navigating a DUI Arrest
Financial Aid, Housing, and Career Impact
A non-legal resource for students, parents, and financial aid officers.
Federal
Financial Aid
Usually NOT affected
3+
Countries
May deny entry
Lower
Burden of Proof
Campus vs. Court
FAFSA & Financial Aid
The Myth-Buster
Federal Aid: Usually Safe
Alcohol-related DUI arrests do NOT affect:
- - Pell Grants
- - Federal Direct Loans
- - Federal Work-Study
The FAFSA drug conviction question only applies to drug offenses that occurred while receiving federal aid. An alcohol DUI does not trigger this.
Private Scholarships: The Hidden Trap
Many private scholarships and merit awards contain "Morality Clauses" or "Good Standing" requirements.
These can be triggered by an arrest—not just a conviction. Private donors have wide discretion to revoke funding for any conduct violation.
Action: Review your award letters for conduct clauses.
Scholarship Audit Checklist
Coming soon: A guide to reviewing your financial aid for conduct requirements.
Study Abroad: The "No-Go" Map
Countries That May Block Entry
Students planning semesters abroad should know: some countries treat DUI as a serious offense that can result in visa denial or border refusal. Planning ahead is critical.
Entry May Be Denied
Canada
DUI = "serious criminality"
Japan
Strict disclosure requirements
Requires Disclosure/Waiver
Australia
Character test may apply
New Zealand
Depends on sentence
UK
May need to declare
Generally No Issues
Most of EU
Schengen zone
Mexico
Typically no issue
The Canada Problem
Canada considers DUI a "serious criminality" under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Even a single DUI can result in being deemed "inadmissible" for 10 years or more. Students have had their Montreal and Toronto study abroad semesters cancelled at the border.
Career & Professional Licensing
"Will a DUI End My Career?"
Students in nursing, education, law, and other licensed professions face state board review upon application. Understanding disclosure requirements is essential.
Nursing
State Board of Nursing
Requires disclosure. Investigation likely. First offense usually does not bar licensure.
Teaching
State Department of Education
Background check required. May delay certification. Varies significantly by state.
Law (Bar Exam)
State Bar Character Committee
Must disclose on bar application. Candor is critical. Rehabilitation evidence helps.
State Licensing Board Directory
Coming soon: Searchable table of disclosure requirements by state and profession.
Campus Court vs. Criminal Court
Two Different Systems, Two Different Standards
Criminal Court
Campus Conduct Hearing
Why This Matters
A student can be found "not guilty" in criminal court but still be expelled by the university. The Office of Student Conduct operates independently and only needs to believe the incident "more likely than not" occurred. Many students are blindsided by this.
Student Conduct Hearing Checklist
Coming soon: What to know before your campus disciplinary hearing.
Common Myths About Student DUI
Dangerous misconceptions that could affect your academic future
"A DUI will cost me my Pell Grant"
Federal financial aid (Pell Grants, federal loans) is NOT affected by alcohol-related arrests. Only drug convictions while receiving aid may impact eligibility.
"The charges were dropped, so my school can't punish me"
Campus conduct hearings use "preponderance of evidence" (more likely than not), not "beyond reasonable doubt." You can be expelled even if acquitted.
"I'll just study abroad in Canada instead of Europe"
Canada treats DUI as "serious criminality" and may deny entry for 10+ years. Many students have had semester plans ruined at the border.
Sources & Additional Resources
This page provides general educational information. Always consult with appropriate professionals for advice specific to your situation.
- Federal Student Aid - Criminal Convictions & Eligibility
- Canada Immigration - Inadmissibility Information
Last updated: January 2026
Need More Information?
This guide provides educational information for students and families. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state.