Dependent vs. Independent Status for 2007/2008 FAFSA
If you are considered an Independent Student, only your information (and your spouse's, if you are married) is used to calculate the expected family contribution. If you are a Dependent Student, your parents' income information is also used.
Independent Student
You are considered an Independent Student if any one of the following applies to you:
- You are or will be at least 24 years old as of December 31, 2007 (born before January 1, 1984), or
- You are married, or
- You have legal dependents of your own, or
- You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, having served on active duty, or
- You are a ward of the court or both of your parents are deceased.
- You are considered a Dependent Student and must supply information about your parents on your FAFSA if none of the conditions above apply to you.
Overriding Dependency Status
It may be possible to have your dependency status officially changed by the Financial Aid Officer by filing a Request of a Change in Dependency Status petition with the financial aid office. There must be extenuating circumstances (such as a family situation involving abuse or other adverse circumstances) involved which are documented by a professional familiar with the situation in order to be considered.
