Dependency

Determining Dependency Status for 2026-2027

Your dependency status determines whether parent information is required on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you can answer “Yes” to at least one of the federal dependency questions, you will be considered independent for the 2026–2027 academic year and will not need to provide parental information on the FAFSA.

• Were you born before Jan. 1, 2003?
• As of today, are you married? (Also answer “Yes” if you are separated but not divorced.)
• At the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program (such as an M.A., M.B.A., M.D., J.D., Ph.D., Ed.D., graduate certificate, etc.)?
• Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. armed forces for purposes other than training? (If you are National Guard or Reserves enlistee, are you on active duty for other than state or training purposes?)
• Are you a veteran of the U.S. armed forces?
• Do you now have - or will have - children who will receive more than half of their support from you between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027?
• Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2023?
• At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care, or were you a dependent or ward of the court?
• Are you or were you a legally emancipated minor, as determined by a court in your state of residence?
• Are you or were you in a legal guardianship with someone other than your parent or stepparent, as determined by a court in your state of residence?
• At any time on or after July 1, 2025, were you unaccompanied and either (1) homeless or (2) self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?

If you answered “Yes” to one of the dependency questions, the Office of Student Financial Aid may require you to provide documentation to verify your independent status.