Definition of a Dependent Student

You are a dependent student if you

• are not yet 24 years of age (born after 12/31/1985);
• are not married;
• do not have a dependent for whom you provide more than 50% support;
• are not currently or formerly an orphan or ward of the court;or
• are not a veteran of the U.S. Armed Services or not currently on active duty for purposes other than training;
• are not currently or formerly an emancipated minor as determined by a court in your state of legal residence;
• are not currently or formerly in a legal guradianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence;
• or do not meet the definitions of "unaccompanied homeless youth" as defined in questions 58-60 in the FAFSA.

But Why Do I Need to Provide My Parents Information?

We are frequently asked why a student under the age of 24 has to provide parents’ information to apply for financial aid if

• the student no longer lives with them or
• the parents won’t or can’t help with college expenses.

The federal student aid programs are based on the underlying principle that for a student entering college soon after high school, the primary responsibility of paying for a college education lies with the student and his or her parents. The age of 24 is used because generally for a student leaving high school it take 4-6 years to complete a four year degree. If the parents choose not to assist the student, that is a family decision.

If your parents are concerned that by providing their information they will have to contribute to your education, reassure them that is not the case. Their information simply needs to be included on the form for you to apply for financial aid. (And if your parents are divorced or separated, you need only provide the information of one parent.)

Also, in these difficult economic times, if their financial situation has changed from last year, we can review your application and make income adjustments that more accurately reflect the family’s current situation. Please feel free to talk with your financial aid counselor about this.