Independent Students

1. When am I considered an independent student?

In order to be considered as an independent student for financial aid purposes, you must meet one of the following six criteria:

• Be over 24
• Be a veteran of the U.S. armed forces
• Be enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program
• Be married
• Have legal dependents other than a spouse
• Be an orphan or a ward of the court, or have been a ward of the court until age 18

2. I don't meet any of the criteria for an independent student, but my parents don't support me. What can I do?

If you have extremely adverse circumstances that prevent you from receiving assistance from your parents, you should contact your campus financial aid office. However, you should note that your parents' unwillingness to provide their financial information or to pay their expected contribution is usually not accepted as a reasonable circumstance.

If you don't meet any of the federal criteria, and the financial aid office concludes that you do not have an extremely adverse circumstance, your parents will have to supply their information on the FAFSA.

3. Who is eligible for financial aid?

Eligibility depends on a number of factors including your income and assets (and your spouse's, if you are married), the number of people you support and the number of family members in college. Even if you are not eligible for grants, there are a number of student employment and loan programs available.

4. If I don't qualify for need-based aid, what options are available?

If you are not eligible for need-based financial aid, many options are still available. One is to look for merit-based scholarships, based on academic or other talents. Additionally, you may consider borrowing through the unsubsidized loan program. Also, most colleges have student employment opportunities that are not based on financial need.