When you apply for federal financial aid, your answers to certain questions will determine whether you're considered dependent on your parents or independent. If you are considered to be dependent on your parents, according to federal guidelines, you must report their income and assets as well as your own. If you are independent, you must report only your own income and assets (and those of your spouse, if you're married).
You are an independent student for federal financial aid purposes if at least "one" of the following applies to you:
1. You are at least 24 years old by January 1st of the academic year (i.e., September to June) for which you receive aid.
2. You are married.
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3. You are enrolled in a graduate or professional educational program (beyond a bachelor's degree).
4. You have legal dependents other than a spouse.
5. You are an orphan or ward of the court (or were a ward of the court until age 18).
6. You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed forces ("veteran" includes a student who attended a U.S. military academy who was released under a condition other than dishonorable).
The Financial Aid Office may consider unusual circumstance for students not meeting one of the above criteria. If you feel you have an unusual circumstance contact your campus Financial Aid Office.
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