Dependency

A student’s dependency status for the purpose of financial aid is not the same as dependency for federal taxes.  The questions in Step Three of the FAFSA will determine whether a student is a dependent student or an independent student for the purpose of calculating the EFC (Expected Family Contribution).

Unless you can answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you will be considered a dependent student for your financial aid:

• Are you 24 years old or older as of January 1 of this year?
• At the beginning of the upcoming school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program?
• As of today, are you married?
• Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
• Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you?
• When you were 13 years or older were (a) both of your parents deceased, (b) were you a ward/dependent of the court, or (c) were you in foster care
• Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training?
• Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?
• As of today, are you in a legal guardianship as determined by a court in your legal state of residence.

Dependent students will be required to supply parental information on the FAFSA and will require a parent signature for the FAFSA.  Parents can also apply for a federal PIN in order to sign the FAFSA electronically.

You may be requested to provide documentation to the Office of Student Financial Services in order to verify your financial aid application for any question above that was answered “yes”.