Financial Aid: Independent Student Status Qualifications
There are several areas of confusion around the college financial aid application process, but one recurring topic that drives questions is a student’s dependency status. Students and families want to know if the student can be considered independent for financial aid purposes. It’s a process that can be very individual to the applicant, but let’s look at some general info on financial aid dependency status to help you better understand the process.
Financial Aid Dependency Status
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What is an Independent Student?
An independent student for financial aid purposes is someone who is not considered to be financially dependent on their parents or guardians. In other words, they are not required to provide information about their parents' income and assets when applying for financial aid.
How to Qualify as an Independent Student
To qualify as an independent student for financial aid purposes, you must meet one or more of the following criteria:
Be at least 24 years old by December 31 of the award year.
Be married or separated but not divorced.
Have legal dependents other than a spouse (e.g., children or elderly parents) who receive more than half of their support from you.
Be an orphan or ward of the court, or were a ward of the court until age 18.
Be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or currently serving on active duty for purposes other than training.
Be a graduate or professional student.
Be able to provide a statement from a qualified professional such as a doctor, social worker, or clergy member who can verify that you have special circumstances that make you an independent student.
If you meet one or more of these criteria, you can generally be classified as an independent student and will not be required to provide your parents' financial information when applying for financial aid. However, you may still need to provide documentation to prove your independent status, such as a copy of your marriage certificate, tax returns, or other supporting documents.
Financial Aid Application Requirements for Independent Students
When you are considered an independent student, your parent’s financial information will not be required to complete the financial aid applications. You will need to provide information on your earnings and assets, as well as those of your spouse or any of your dependents.
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There is a lot to be gained from our free general financial aid advice, but it’s also a very individual process. If you have remaining financial aid questions, email us to discuss more or book an individual session.