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Who is a dependent student?

One of the most common questions we're asked is "what defines a dependent student". The FAFSA does not take into account unusual family circumstances or situations like legally emancipated minors. For the 2012-2013 academic year, to be considered an independent student, you MUST meet one of the following conditions:

  • You were born before January 1, 1989.
  • You will be enrolled in a master's or doctorate program (beyond a bachelor's degree) at the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year.
  • You're married as of the day you apply (or you're separated but not divorced).
  • You have children who receive more than half their support from you.
  • You have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half their support from you at the time you apply and through June 30, 2013.
  • Both your parents are deceased, or you are (or were until age 18) a ward or dependent of the court.
  • You're currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training OR you're a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. Need more details on this topic?
  • A high school homelessness liaison or director of a homeless shelter/transitional program has deemed you homeless, or at a risk of homelessness.
  • You are or were in legal guardianship, or an emancipated minor, as determined by your state of legal residence.

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