Dependency

Am I Dependent or Independent?

The following questions are asked on the FAFSA to determine the student's status as a dependent (requiring parental information) or an independent student (no parental information). If the student can answer "yes" to at least one question below, he/she is considered independent. To better determine your dependency status, answer the questions below and read any additional information:

  1. Were you born before January 1, YYYY?

  2. As of the date you filed the FAFSA, are you married? (Answer “Yes” if you are separated but not legally divorced.)

  3. At the beginning of the school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD or graduate certification, etc.)?

  4. Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training?

  5. Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces? (click here for more information)

  6. Do you now have - or will you have - children who will receive more than half of their support from you?  

    • If you are not independent by age or married you must be able to prove that you support yourself 100% and your child(ren) at least 51% or more to be considered independent.
  7. Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you? 
    • If you are not independent by age or married you must be able to prove that you support yourself 100% and your dependent(s) at least 51% or more to be considered independent.
  8. At any time since you turned age 13, were both of your parents deceased, were you in foster care, or were you a dependent or ward of the court? (click here for more information)

  9. Has it been determined by a court in your state of legal residence, that you are an emancipated minor or that someone other than your parent or stepparent has legal guardianship of you? (click here for more information)

  10. Were you determined to be an unaccompanied youth who was homeless, as determined by (a) your high school or district homeless liaison, (b) the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, or (c) the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program? (click here for more information)

If you have answered "yes" to any of the above questions, you may be considered independent. Please keep in mind we may require additional clarification or documentation once we receive your FAFSA.

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