Dependency Status

Your dependency status has an important bearing on your financial aid and your FAFSA. If your status is "dependent", then your aid is figured on the basis of information from both you and your parent(s). If your statust is "independent", only your information (and spouse, if married) is used. For the purpose of financial aid, you are considered a dependent unless you fit one of the following criteria:

• 24 years or older
• Student in a graduate or professional program
• Married
• Have a child (legal dependent)
• Veteran of the U.S. Armed Services
• Orphan or ward of the court
• Special and unusual home circumstances

Living away from your parents or earning your own income does not affect your financial aid dependency status. With a classification of dependent, your parents are required to provide data for your FAFSA, regardless of whether they plan to help you financially.