| Dependent vs. Independent Students
When you apply for federal student aid, it must be determined if you are considered a dependent or independent student. The US Department of Education has specific criteria that determines your status. The FAFSA will ask a series of questions that will help you determine your status and will guide you through the application process. These questions have to do with:
- Your age
- Being in a graduate program (beyond a Bachelor’s degree)
- Your marital status
- Children you support
- Legal dependents
- Orphan or ward of the court status
- Veteran status
Dependent Student: If it is determined that you are a dependent student, you must report parent(s) income and assets as well as your own.
Many students ask, “Why do I need my parent’s information?”. The student further explains that they moved out of their parent’s home at 17 and have not accepted a penny from their parents since moving out. The answer to this question is simple: According to federal guidelines, you are still considered a dependent student. Federal aid programs are based on the concept that a dependent student’s parent(s) have the primary responsibility for their children’s education. We understand that this may not be true for you individually, however, parent information is still required, regardless of if you have been living on your own and that your parents do not give you any support.
If your parent(s) refuse to fill out the FAFSA form, we encourage you to explain that your ability to receive aid is being harmed by their refusal to fill out this form. You might also assure them that providing parental information and signing the FAFSA does not make them responsible for any loans you may borrow.
Independent Student: If it is determined you are an independent student, you are required to report only your income and assets (and your spouse’s, if applicable).
Dependency Override: The federal government’s regulations on dependency overrides are strict; however, there may be extenuating circumstances when a student should be considered independent. Extenuating circumstances are situations of an abusive home environment or abandonment. These situations are considered on a case-by-case basis and must be documented. If you have extenuating circumstances that apply to you, please contact Enrollment Services for further information. Please note that dependency overrides are not considered for the following reasons:
- Parents refusal to contribute to student’s education
- Parents are unwilling to provide information
- Parents do not claim the student for income tax purposes
- Student demonstrates total self-sufficiency
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