Who Qualifies as an Independent Student?
There are eight (8) basic questions on the FAFSA that help determine what your dependency. If you answer “NO” to all of the following questions, you are considered a dependent student and must file your FAFSA with parental information. If you answer “YES” to any of the following questions, you are considered an independent student.
Were you born before January 1, 1984?
At the beginning of the 2007-08 school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, or graduate certificate, etc.?
As of today, are you married? (Answer “yes” if you are separated but not divorced.)
Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2008?
Are (a) both of your parents deceased, or (b) are you (or were you until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court?
Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed forces for purposes other than training?
Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?
Note: Students who answered “NO” to all of the dependency questions but have a special circumstance that may warrant a change in dependency status, please read the following information:
The following are special circumstances in which we may use professional judgment to consider you as independent. If you believe you fall into one of these categories you should meet with your financial aid counselor. You will be required to provide documentation to support your request for independent status.
* Single undergraduate student (without dependents) under 24 years of age, not residing with either parent due to extenuating circumstances ,AND who receives either public assistance (cash benefits) or Social Security at the time of application.
* Single undergraduate student (without dependents) under 24 years of age, not claimed by parent(s) but claimed by someone other than a parent, AND who does not reside with or receive support from either parent.
* Single undergraduate student (without dependents) under 24 years of age who previously lived with parent BUT is no longer at home AND is supporting themselves due to special circumstances (abuse, etc.) AND is receiving no support from either parent.
* Single undergraduate student (without dependents) under 24 years of age who has not and does not reside with parent AND has been raised since childhood by someone other than a parent.
* Single undergraduate student (without dependents) under 24 years of age who has special circumstances approved by the Associate Director or Director of Financial Aid
