Here are some other helpful tips, or common mistakes made:


What makes a Student Independent?

Unfortunately, just because a student moves out because they don't get along with their parents, or guardian, does not make them independent, even if the student pays for everything on their own! Below is a list of qualifying events that make a student independent. However, it is still up to the federal government to have the final decision as to that status.

A college's Financial Aid Administrator has the authority to change the filing status from dependent to independent after the student presents documentation of the situation. The special circumstances would be: there is documented proof of abuse at home or abandonment by parents. Situations that are NOT considered special circumstances are: parents don't claim student on taxes, student does not live with parents and supports self, parents don't want to help pay for college, or parents refuse to provide information on the FAFSA. If you complete your FAFSA without your parental information, and you do not qualify under the special circumstances, you will not qualify for any grants or scholarships and receive a "Reject" code. You can opt for a loan option, which may or may not be enough to pay for your college education. At this point, the student would still need to contact the college's Financial Aid Administrator regarding what documentation they need and if any additional decision will be made.

Who Qualifies as a Parent for a Dependent Student?

Verification