Dependent and Independent Policy
The Federal Government has identified, for student financial assistance programs, certain categories of students who must be considered Independent financial aid applicants. A student is considered an independent financial aid applicant if s/he meets one of the following criteria:
- Must be 24 years of age prior to January 1 of the application year;
- Is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces;
- Is on active duty in the U.S. Armed forces;
- Is an orphan or ward of the court;
- Is/was emancipated minor;
- Is/was in legal guardianship;
- Has a legal dependent other than a spouse;
- Is a married student;
- Is a homeless child/youth;
- Is determined homeless by HUD;
- At risk for homelessness;
- Is working on a masters/doctoral program;
- Has a child/children who receive more than half of their support from you.
An independent financial aid applicant is not required to submit parental information in the application process. However, if the independent applicant is married, spousal information must be reported. A student who cannot meet at least one of the criteria is considered a dependent applicant and must provide parental information in the application process.