Dependent vs. Independent Status

If you are considered an Independent Student, only your information (and your spouse's, if you are married) is used to calculate the expected family contribution. If you are a Dependent Student, your parents' income information is also used.

https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/dependency

Independent Student

You are considered an Independent Student if any one of the following applies to you:

• The 2022–23 FAFSA will ask if you were born before Jan. 1, 1999, or
• You are married, or
• You have legal dependents of your own, or
• You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, having served on active duty, or
• You are a ward of the court or both of your parents are deceased

You are considered a Dependent Student and must supply information about your parents on your FAFSA, if none of the conditions above apply to you.

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Overriding Dependency Status

It may be possible to have your dependency status officially changed by the Financial Aid Administrator by filing a Request of a Change in Dependency Status Petition with the financial aid office. There must be extenuating circumstances (such as a family situation involving abuse or other adverse circumstances) involved which are documented by a professional familiar with the situation in order to be considered. Please request a Change in Dependency Status HERE.