Types of Students
A student is considered by Federal standards an independent or self supporting student if he or she meets one of the following conditions:
1. Is at least 24 years of old by December 31st of the award year;
2. Is a student that has children who receive more than half of support from the student;
3. Is an orphan or ward of the court;
4. Is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States or on active military duty;
5. Is a married student;
6. Is a graduate or professional student;
7. Is a student who has legal dependents other than a spouse
8. Is a student for whom a financial aid administrator determines and documents the student's independent status on the basis of unusual circumstances or professional discretion.
A student who does not meet the federal definition of an independent student is considered a dependent student and must submit his/her parent's income and asset information on the FAFSA and applicable forms.
Independent and Dependent students may be required to provide documents to verify their income and their parents' (or legal guardian's) income for the applicable year. To verify earned income, signed copies of students' and parents' most recent Federal Income Tax Return (1040) must be submitted. Non-taxable income can be verified by submitting the appropriate agency letter for the applicable year.
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