Am I a Dependent Student?

A student is defined as a dependent on the FAFSA if he or she cannot answer YES to one of the following questions (this is true even if you are living on your own and paying all your own bills with no parental help).

• Were you at least 24 years old by December 31st of the award year covered by the FAFSA?
• During the current school year, will you be working on a master's or doctorate program?
• As of today, are you married?
• Do you have children who receive more than half their support from you?
• Do you have other dependents (other than children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half their support from you?
• Are you an orphan or ward/dependent of the court?
• Are you a veteran of the U.S. armed forces?

If you believe your situation merits special review to exempt you from supplying your parent's information, request and complete an Independent Appeal Form from the Financial Aid Office.

Remember, just because your parents are not willing or able to pay for your college costs does not mean you do not have to provide their information. Also, emancipation in and of itself does not mean that a student is independent.