Dependent vs. Independent

The federal government has established criteria for classifying financial aid recipients as dependent or independent. If you are dependent (not self-supporting according to federal criteria), your parents' assets and income as well as your own are considered when determining your financial need. If you are independent, your need is evaluated solely on your own and your spouse's income and assets.

If you answer "YES:" to any of following items ("Step Three" on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Renewal FAFSA) you are considered "Self-Supporting" for financial aid purposes:

• Were you born before January 1, 1985?
• Will you be enrolled in a masters or doctorate program (beyond a bachelor's degree) in 2008-2009? (For Pharmacy Doctoral students this means you must be in the final 64 hours of your program. Check with the School of Pharmacy if unsure of your standing.)
• Where you legally married at the time you signed the application?
• Do you have children for whom you provide more than 50% support? (This assumes you are living away from your parents and paying for all your own expenses.)
• Do you have legal dependents other than a spouse or children who receive more than half their support from you?
• Are both your parents deceased or are you a ward of the court (or have been a ward of the court until reaching the age of 18)?
• Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard)?
• Are you currently serving on active duty in th U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training?

If you cannot check "YES" to any item, you are considered dependent on your parents and must include their financial information on your financial forms. If you think you have extenuating circumstances that would exempt you from including parental information, contact a Financial Aid Counselor at the Office of Student Financial Services located in Stafford Center, Room #224.

Note that the government does not weigh in factors like:

• Parents do not financially support you
• Parents do not claim you as a tax exemption
• You do not live with your parents
• You live with other family or friends who pay for your needs

These items alone do not make you an independent student for financial aid purposes. If you have questions, come speak with the counseling staff at Student Financial Services.