Dependency Status

In order to certify eligibility for financial aid, students are determined to be either dependent on their parents for financial support or independent of parental support (self-supporting). Status as a dependent or independent student is determined by federally established guidelines – including age, if the student is an undergraduate or graduate student, married, has legal dependents, is an orphan or ward of the court, or a veteran. Dependent students' parents must also complete information on the FAFSA.