Indiana College Costs Estimator

Independent Student

Independent Students are considered independent of their parents for financial aid purposes. Generally, a student is deemed independent if they meet one or more of the following criteria: 

  • Is at least 24 years old as of December 31st of the academic year for which the FAFSA is filed.
  • Is married or separated (but not divorced) as of the date of the application.
  • Is a graduate or professional student (not an undergraduate student). 
  • Is currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training.
  • Is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.
  • Has children who will receive more than half of their support from you.
  • Has dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with the student and who receive more than half of their support from the student during the academic year in question.
  • At any time since the student turned age 13 both parents have become deceased (even if subsequently adopted), student was in foster care, or was a dependent or ward of the court.
  • Are or were an emancipated minor as determined by a court in Indiana the day the student turned 18 (or the day you file the FAFSA if not yet 18 years of age).
  • Are or were in legal guardianship (of someone other than a biological parent) as determined by a court in Indiana the day the student turned 18 (or the day the student files the FAFSA if not yet 18 years of age).
  • Has been, at any time on or after July 1, 2014, classified by a high school or school district homeless liaison, the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program, or the director of a runaway or homeless youth center as an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or at risk of homelessness.  

Note: A Financial Aid Administrator can make a determination of independence with documentation of special circumstances, even if the student initially filed as a dependent student. This is called a Professional Judgement. If you filed as a dependent student, but think your situation has changed, please contact the financial aid office at the school(s) you are applying to or attend. 



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