Request for Independent Student Status

Most traditional college students are considered financially dependent on their parents. This means your parents must provide information on the FAFSA. In unusual circumstances, a student who would normally be considered dependent can be considered independent.

Do any of these situations apply to you?

• have no contact with your parents and do not know where they are (and you have not been adopted by someone else)
• have left home due to an abusive family environment (e.g., sexual, physical, or mental abuse)
• incarceration or institutionalization of parent(s)
• an unsuitable household (e.g., removed from the household and placed in foster care)

Next Step:

If you believe that you have a compelling reason(s) to be considered independent, please choose one of the follow options.

• If you have not submitted a prior request for independent status, complete this form: Initial Request for Independent Student Status
• If you are currently on independent student status and would like to renew, complete this form: Request for Independent Student Status Renew