Many college students across the United States face a significant challenge: food insecurity. Reports indicate that nearly half of all college students struggle to afford enough food and other basic necessities. Specifically, about 39% of students at two-year colleges and 29% at four-year universities experience food insecurity. In California, for instance, half of all college students surveyed reported food insecurity, with this figure rising to over 70% at community colleges. This widespread issue means that access to nutritious food is not just a matter of well-being; it directly influences academic success.
Students who are unsure where their next meal will come from are more likely to have lower grades, consider dropping out, or reduce their course load, which can delay graduation. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often known as food stamps or EBT, stands as a crucial resource designed to help individuals and families with low incomes purchase the food they need.
Can College Students Get Food Stamps?
The direct answer is yes, college students can indeed receive food stamps. However, gaining access to these benefits is not always straightforward for students. Federal law includes specific rules that generally make students enrolled more than half-time in higher education ineligible for SNAP unless they meet certain exemptions.
This historical context, dating back to the 1970s when Congress adopted rules to exclude many college students, has created a complex system. This complexity often leads to a “college SNAP gap,” where a significant number of eligible students do not receive benefits due to confusion or perceived barriers. Understanding these specific exemptions and the overall application process is therefore essential for students to navigate a system that was not originally designed to broadly include them.
While SNAP is a federal program, it is important to remember that state agencies are responsible for administering the program, processing applications, and determining eligibility.
Understanding SNAP: The Basics
SNAP is a federal program that provides food benefits to individuals and families with low incomes, helping them to supplement their grocery budgets and afford nutritious food. These benefits are delivered monthly on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which functions much like a debit card and can be used at participating grocery stores and farmers markets.
General Eligibility: Income and Resource Limits
To qualify for SNAP, a household must meet specific income and resource limits. Most households are required to meet both gross monthly income (income before any deductions) and net monthly income (income after allowable deductions) limits. These limits are updated annually and vary based on the size of the household and the state where the application is made. For example, a household of one person might have a gross monthly income limit of $1,632 and a net monthly income limit of $1,255.
Table 1: General SNAP Income Limits (Example for Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025)
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit (130% of Poverty) | Net Monthly Income Limit (100% of Poverty) |
| 1 | $1,632 | $1,255 |
| 2 | $2,215 | $1,704 |
| 3 | $2,798 | $2,152 |
| 4 | $3,380 | $2,600 |
| 5 | $3,963 | $3,049 |
| 6 | $4,546 | $3,497 |
| 7 | $5,129 | $3,945 |
| 8 | $5,712 | $4,394 |
| Each Add. Member | +$583 | +$449 |
Note: These are federal guidelines. Actual income limits can vary by state and are updated annually. Always check with your state’s SNAP agency for the most current figures.
Allowable Deductions
Certain expenses can be deducted from a household’s gross income to determine their net income, which can help them qualify for benefits. Common deductions include housing costs, such as rent or mortgage payments, and utilities like electricity, water, and fuel for heating and cooking. Other deductions may include child-support payments and child or dependent care expenses. For household members aged 60 or older, or those receiving disability payments, out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35 per month can also be deducted.
Who Counts in Your Household?
A SNAP household generally includes everyone who lives together and purchases and prepares meals together. However, there are specific rules for certain family members. For example, spouses and most children under the age of 22 who live together are typically included in the same SNAP household, even if they buy and prepare their meals separately. This particular rule can create a significant hurdle for college students. A student might be considered financially independent for college financial aid purposes, but if they are under 22 and live with their parents, their parents’ income and resources are often included in the SNAP household calculation. This difference in how “dependency” is defined between financial aid and SNAP can lead to unexpected ineligibility for students, even if their personal income is very low, because their parents’ income pushes the entire household over the SNAP limit.
Special Rules for College Students: Are You Exempt?
Students attending an “institution of higher education” at least half-time generally face specific restrictions on SNAP eligibility and must meet an exemption to qualify. An institution of higher education is defined as a college or university offering degrees, or a business, technical, trade, or vocational school that typically requires a high school diploma or GED. If a student is enrolled less than half-time, these student-specific rules do not apply, and they may be eligible if they meet all other general SNAP requirements.
Key Student Exemptions
If a student is enrolled at least half-time, they may still be eligible for SNAP if they meet one of the following exemptions:
- Age: The student is under age 18 or age 50 or older.
- Disability: The student is physically or mentally unable to work.
- Work: The student works at least 20 hours per week in paid employment. If self-employed, weekly earnings must be at least equal to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 20 hours.
- Work Study: The student participates in a state or federally financed work-study program during the regular school year.
- On-the-Job Training: The student participates in an on-the-job training program.
- Child Care: The student cares for a child under the age of 6. Alternatively, if they care for a child aged 6 to 11 and lack the necessary child care to attend school and work 20 hours a week or participate in work study.
- Single Parent: The student is a single parent enrolled full-time in college and is responsible for the care of a child under 12.
- TANF: The student receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) assistance.
- Employment and Training (E&T) Programs: The student is enrolled in college through certain employment and training programs, such as the SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program, programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), or Trade Adjustment Assistance programs. States have the flexibility to expand their SNAP E&T programs to include educational activities at colleges, especially community colleges, provided there is a direct link to employment.
Table 2: Key SNAP Student Exemptions
| Exemption Category | Specific Criteria |
| Age | Under age 18 or age 50 or older |
| Disability | Physically or mentally unfit for work |
| Work | Works at least 20 hours/week in paid employment (or equivalent self-employment earnings) |
| Work Study | Participates in a state or federally financed work-study program |
| On-the-Job Training | Participates in an on-the-job training program |
| Child Care | Cares for a child under 6, OR cares for a child 6-11 and lacks childcare for school/work |
| Parental Status | Single parent enrolled full-time and caring for a child under 12 |
| Other Benefits | Receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) |
| Program Enrollment | Enrolled in college through SNAP E&T, WIOA, or Trade Adjustment Assistance programs |
Important Update: End of Temporary Exemptions
It is crucial for students to be aware that temporary COVID-19 student exemptions, which had broadened SNAP eligibility for many (for example, by allowing eligibility based on a $0 Expected Family Contribution or simply being eligible for work-study without needing a placement), are no longer in effect. As of July 1, 2023, students applying or recertifying for SNAP must meet one of the regular exemptions listed above to be eligible. This policy change means that many students who previously qualified under these broader, temporary rules may now find themselves ineligible, potentially leading to increased food insecurity for this group if they are unaware of the change or cannot meet the stricter, regular criteria.
Campus Meal Plans: How They Affect Eligibility
If a student receives the majority of their meals through a campus meal plan, whether it’s mandatory or optional, they are generally ineligible for SNAP. The specific impact of a meal plan can vary, as state agencies will examine the structure of the plan to determine what portion of a student’s meals it covers. For instance, some states might consider a student ineligible if their meal plan provides more than 10 meals per week or covers more than 51% of their meals.
Financial Aid and SNAP: What Counts?
A common concern for college students is how their financial aid might affect their SNAP eligibility. The good news is that most federal financial aid is generally not counted as income for SNAP purposes. This includes widely used programs such as Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), federal work-study earnings, and educational loans where payment is deferred. This is a critical point, as many students mistakenly believe that receiving any financial aid will disqualify them from SNAP, which contributes to the lack of applications from eligible students.
However, the situation can be different for non-federal financial aid. Some types of non-federal aid, such as private scholarships or financial aid received through the Veterans Administration, can be counted as income if they are used for normal living expenses like room and board. States have some flexibility in how they treat these types of funds. To potentially prevent non-federal aid from counting towards SNAP income, students can speak with their college’s financial aid office. It may be possible to request that their state or private financial aid be prioritized or earmarked specifically for tuition and fees first. This strategic allocation can help protect a student’s SNAP eligibility.
Applying for SNAP: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process for applying for SNAP benefits involves several steps, and it is important to remember that while the general framework is federal, the specific application forms, required documents, and submission methods can vary significantly from state to state. This lack of uniformity can create bureaucratic hurdles and confusion for applicants , making it essential for students to seek out their specific state’s detailed instructions.
Where to Apply
Students must apply for SNAP benefits in the state where they currently live. The primary point of contact is the state or local SNAP office. Common ways to apply include submitting an application online, visiting a local SNAP office or Community Based Organization (CBO) in person, or sending the application by mail or fax. Many states now offer online portals, which can be the quickest method.
The Application Process
Once an application is submitted, the typical steps include:
- Submit Application: Complete the application form accurately, providing all requested information.
- Interview: Applicants will usually need to complete an interview. This interview is often conducted over the telephone but can also be done in person.
- Verification: During or after the interview, applicants will be asked to provide proof (verification documents) to support the information given on their application.
- Decision: The state agency is required to make a decision about eligibility within 30 days of the application date. In urgent situations, such as households with very little cash or income, a decision may be made within 7 days for “expedited” benefits.
Documents You’ll Likely Need
While specific document requirements can vary by state and individual circumstances, a general list of commonly requested documents for verification includes:
- Proof of Identity: Such as a driver’s license, state ID, school ID, work badge, or birth certificate.
- Proof of Residency: Documents like a rent receipt, lease agreement, utility bills (gas, electric, water), or property tax statements showing current address.
- Proof of Income: Recent pay stubs (often for the last four weeks), award letters from Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, or business records for self-employment.
- Proof of Resources: Current bank statements showing balances in checking or savings accounts, or information on CDs, stocks, and bonds.
- Proof of Expenses: Current rent or mortgage statements, utility bills, childcare receipts, and medical bills for elderly or disabled household members.
- Social Security Numbers: For each member of the household.
Gathering these documents in advance can help speed up the application process.
Overcoming Challenges: Getting the Help You Need
Despite the availability of SNAP, many eligible college students do not receive benefits, contributing to a significant “SNAP gap”. This underutilization stems from several common hurdles:
- Lack of Awareness: A substantial number of students experiencing food insecurity have either never heard of SNAP or mistakenly believe they are not eligible.
- Complex Rules: The student-specific eligibility rules and exemptions can be confusing and difficult to understand, leading to uncertainty about qualification.
- Stigma: Some students feel embarrassed or reluctant to apply for public benefits, fearing judgment or negative perceptions.
- Bureaucratic Obstacles: Navigating the application process can be challenging due to complex forms, difficulties in gathering all required documentation, long wait times, or unhelpful interactions with agency staff.
- Time Constraints: College students often juggle demanding academic schedules, work, and other responsibilities, making it difficult to find the time needed to complete a thorough application.
These challenges are often interconnected. For example, complex rules can lead to confusion and the perception of ineligibility, which, combined with time constraints, can discourage students from even starting an application. Stigma can prevent students from seeking information or assistance in the first place. Effectively addressing this “SNAP gap” requires a comprehensive approach that tackles these issues together.
Tips for a Smoother Application
To overcome these obstacles, students are strongly encouraged to seek assistance. Campus basic needs offices, local community organizations, and state SNAP helplines can provide direct application help, answer questions, and offer crucial support. It is also helpful for students to understand that government program language can be complex and filled with jargon, and they should not be discouraged by it. Preparing common documents, such as identification, income proof, and expense records, in advance can significantly speed up the application process.
Finding Support: Resources for Students
A growing network of resources is available to help college students navigate SNAP eligibility and access food assistance. This expanding ecosystem of support, particularly through campus offices and partnerships with local food banks and non-profit organizations, represents a proactive effort to bridge the “SNAP gap” and directly address the systemic challenges students face, such as siloed data and lack of coordination between different support systems.
- Your State SNAP Agency: This is the primary point of contact for all SNAP-related inquiries, including specific state rules, application forms, and local office information. Students should look up their state’s official SNAP website or toll-free information hotline.
- Campus Basic Needs Offices & Food Pantries: Many colleges and universities have established dedicated “basic needs offices” that assist students with food, housing, and other essential needs. These offices often operate on-campus food pantries, providing direct food assistance, offering help with SNAP applications, and connecting students to other support services.
- Community Organizations and Non-Profits: Numerous local and national non-profit organizations are committed to fighting hunger and supporting college students.
- Swipe Out Hunger offers toolkits, guides, and resources for campus food security initiatives, including SNAP toolkits and specific support for student communities like parenting students or foster youth.
- The Hope Center at Temple University conducts research and advocates for college student basic needs, actively working to close the college SNAP gap.
- Local Food Banks, such as FIND Food Bank in California, frequently partner directly with colleges to provide nutritious food and application assistance for state-specific SNAP programs (e.g., CalFresh) on campus, removing barriers for students.
- National Hotlines/Websites: The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) website serves as an official federal resource for general SNAP rules and program overviews.
- Specific Program Examples: The SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program helps SNAP participants gain skills and find work, and it can include educational activities that may also qualify students for SNAP.
SNAP is a vital resource for college students experiencing food insecurity, offering essential support for their health, well-being, and academic success. While specific rules and exemptions apply to students, it is clear that many are indeed eligible if they understand the criteria. The prevalence of food insecurity among students is a significant concern that directly impacts their ability to succeed in their studies.
Despite the program’s potential to alleviate hunger, there is an alarmingly low participation rate among eligible students; some estimates suggest that only 3% of eligible college students actually receive benefits, leaving billions of dollars in available funds unused each year. This substantial underutilization highlights the critical need for continued, effective outreach and simplified information. Students often face interconnected barriers, including a lack of awareness, confusion over complex rules, the stigma associated with applying for public assistance, and bureaucratic obstacles.
It is important for students to understand that SNAP is an entitlement program. This means that if a student is found eligible, they are legally entitled to receive benefits, and their participation does not take away from “someone who needs it more”. By understanding the eligibility criteria, utilizing the many available resources—including campus basic needs offices, local food banks, and non-profit organizations—and overcoming common challenges, eligible students can access the crucial support they are entitled to, ultimately helping to close the “SNAP gap” and fostering a more supportive environment for student success.