You are 18 years old, you live on your own, you even buy your own groceries and clothes. Are you considered a dependent or an independent student? Are you aware of the difference between the two? When talking financial aid, the answer may surprise you.
In order to receive full eligibility for Federal Student Aid as an independent student, (where you do not have to involve your parents and their tax information on the FAFSA), according to the Department of Education, you must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- You must be at least 24 years old by December 31 of the award year you are seeking Financial Aid, in other words, if you are applying for Financial Aid for the fall of this year, (13/14 FAFSA year) you will need to be born before January 1, 1990
- If you are an orphan or a ward of the court through the age of 18
- If you are a veteran of the US Armed Forces
- If you are married
- If you have legal dependents other than a spouse (an example would be dependent children who receive more than half of their support from you or an elderly dependent parent)
- If you are on active military duty for purposes other than training
- If you are a graduate or professional student
If you are still uncertain, the Department of Education’s website has more information that may help answer this question and also includes a detailed questionnaire to determine your dependency status.
By Michelle Robbins
Default Prevention and Compliance Specialist at American Public University
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