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 contact our office at financial_aid@baylor.edu with a brief explanation.  We will then guide you through the process from there.