Independent vs. Dependent

Independent vs. Dependent

Beginning with award year, 2011-2012, an Independent student will be able to state at least one of the following to be true. (If one of these statements is true, you are an INDEPENDENT student)

You were born before January 1, 1988.

You were married, as of the day you filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

You have children for whom you will provide more than half of their support from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

You have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and you provided more than half of their support and will continue to provide more than half of their support from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

When you were 13 years or older you were: an orphan (both parent’s deceased), in foster care, or a ward/dependent of the court.

You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.

You are currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training.

You are an emancipated minor as determined by a court in your state of legal residence.

You are in legal guardianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence.

You are an unaccompanied homeless youth as determined by either: your high school or school district homeless liaison, the director of an emergency shelter program funded by HUD, or the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center transitional living program.

If you are not able to state one of the above statements is true, you are a DEPENDENT STUDENT and must provide your parents’ information on your FAFSA, or your FAFSA will be rejected.

If you have a special or unusual circumstance that you believe would deem you independent, please contact the Financial Aid Office. A special circumstance does not include living apart from parents. Students who do not meet the above requirements are considered DEPENDENT even if they live apart from parents and/or are self-supporting.