Are You A Dependent Or Independent Student?

The paper FAFSA as well as the FAFSA online clearly state the conditions by which a student is considered to be independent student. Unless you are a returning college student it is unlikely that you are an Independent student. If you should qualify for independent student status it means your parents income and assets are not included on the either the paper FAFSA or the FAFSA online.

How To Determine Your Dependency Status

The following 7 questions, which are listed on the FAFSA, determine your dependency status. If the student answers yes to any of the following questions the student is independent otherwise you are dependent. Nothing else matters in the dependency analysis, it doesn't matter where the student lives or who does or doesn't claim the student for tax purposes.

The Following Questions Determine Your Status

1. Are you 24 year of age or older?
2. Are you married?
3. Are you enrolled in a master or doctorate program?
4. Do you have children who receive more than half of their support form you?
5. Do you have dependents other than your children or spouse who live with you?
6. Are you an orphan or ward of the state?
7. Are you a veteran of the U.S. armed forces?

If you answered yes to any one of the above questions you're an independent student and you should consider how to maximize your financial aid package for an adult student or returning adult student.

Otherwise, you must use your parent's information on the FAFSA and any other financial aid form.