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Applying and Eligibility	Independent Students	Working While a Student	Scholarships, Grants, and Loans
Rights and Responsibilities	Financial Aid Appeals	Miscellaneous Questions	Back to FAQ Topics

When am I considered an independent student?
I don’t meet any of the criteria for an independent student, but my parents don’t support me. What can I do?
My parents don’t support me. Do I still need to include their information on the FAFSA?

Q.	When am I considered an independent student?
A.	In order to be considered as an independent student for financial aid purposes, you must meet one of the following six criteria: Be over 24; Be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces; Be enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program; Be married; Have legal dependents other than a spouse; Be an orphan or a ward of the court, or have been a ward of the court until age 18.
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Q.	I don’t meet any of the criteria for an independent student, but my parents don’t support me. What can I do?
A.	If you have an extremely adverse circumstance that prevents you from receiving assistance from your parents, you should contact your campus financial aid office. However, you should note that your parents' unwillingness to provide their financial information or to pay their expected contribution is usually not accepted as a reasonable circumstance.
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Q.	My parents don’t support me. Do I still need to include their information on the FAFSA?
A.	If you don't meet one of the federal criteria to be an independent student, you will have to supply your parents' information on the financial aid application. If extenuating family circumstances prevent you from supplying your parents' information, contact the financial aid office to discuss your situation.
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