Financial Aid Basics: Are You a Dependent or Independent Student?

When you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (#FAFSA), you’ll be asked to provide detailed information about your income and family size. This data helps the federal government determine your eligibility for financial aid—particularly grants designed for students with the greatest financial need, such as those from low-income backgrounds.

What Makes a Student "Dependent"? If you're classified as a dependent student, the FAFSA will ask for: Your income; Your parents’ income;Family size, including you, your parents, your siblings, and any other individuals supported by your parents.

This classification assumes that your parents are contributing to your education expenses, which is why their financial details are necessary.

 

The Independent Student: More Financial Autonomy. On the other hand, if you're an independent student, the financial aid process looks different. As an independent student, you only need to report: Your own income; Your spouse’s income (if married); The size of your immediate household, including yourself, your spouse, your children, and anyone else who depends on you financially

Critically, independent students are not required to include any information about their parents' income or household.

How to Qualify as an Independent Student. So how do you know if you're considered an independent student? You must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• You are 24 years of age or older
• You are married
• You have children or other dependents who rely on you for support
• You are a veteran or currently serving in the military
• You are or were an emancipated minor or in foster care
• Both your parents are deceased
• You have an approved dependency override petition from your college’s financial aid office

A dependency override allows students with special circumstances to apply for independent status even if they don't meet the standard criteria. Approval is at the discretion of the financial aid office.

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