Dependent Student vs. Independent Student

Dependency status is determined by the Federal Processing Center based on information provided on the FAFSA.

If you are considered a dependent student while filing the FAFSA, you are required to provide parent financial information in order to complete the FAFSA.  If you are considered an Independent Student while filing the FAFSA, you are not required to provide parent financial information in order to complete the FAFSA.

Please Note: Student dependency status is different than being claimed as a dependent on a tax return.

Click here to use the FAFSA Dependency Status Worksheet to determine what your status is.