| Dependency Status
When you apply for federal student aid, your answers to certain
questions will determine whether you are considered dependent
on your parents - and must report their income and assets as well
as your own - or whether you are independent and must report only
your own income and assets (and those of your spouse, if you are
married).
Students are classified as dependent or independent because federal
student aid programs are based on the idea that students (and
their parents or spouse, if applicable) have the primary responsibility
for paying for their post secondary education. Students who have
access to parental support (dependent students) should not receive
need based federal funds at the expense of students who do not
have such access (independent students).
You are an independent student if at least one of the following
applies to you:
you are 24 years of age;
you are married;
you are enrolled in a graduate or professional educational program;
you have legal dependents other than a spouse;
you are an orphan or a ward of the court (or were a ward of
the court until age 18); or
you are a veteran of the US. Armed Forces.
If you claim to be an independent student, your school may
ask you to submit proof before you can receive any federal student
aid. If you think you have unusual circumstances that would
make you independent even though none of the above criteria
apply to you, make an appointment with a financial aid administrator.
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