Independent Status

In determining whether you are independent for the 2011-2012 academic year, our office is required to adhere to the standard definition of independent status as outlined by the U.S. Department of Education.

According to this definition, you will be considered an independent student if you meet any of the following conditions:

• were born before Jan. 1, 1988
• are married at the time of filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
• are working on a master's or doctorate program
• are currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training
• a veteran of the U.S. armed forces
• have children who receive more than half of their support from you
• have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you
• were in foster care or were a dependent or ward of the court or both parents were deceased at any time since you turned 13
• are or were an emancipated minor as determined by a court in your state of legal residence
• are or were in legal guardianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence
• were determined by your high school or school district homeless liaison to be an unaccompanied youth who was homeless at any time on or after July 1, 2010
• were determined by the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to be an unaccompanied youth who was homeless at any time on or after July 1, 2010
• were determined by the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program to be an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or self-supporting and at risk of being homeless at any time on or after July 1, 2010

Students who qualify as independent are not required to provide parents' information on the FAFSA.

Our office may request additional documentation to verify that you are independent.