Dependency status
The federal financial aid system is based on the premise that your family has the primary responsibility to pay for your higher education. The federal government has specific standards to determine your dependency status, that is the degree to which your parents are viewed as responsible for your education.
Dependent status
You and your parents have the primary responsibility to pay for your education, and you must include parental information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid [FAFSA]
Independent status
You meet one of the conditions below and are not required to give parental information when applying for financial aid.
- You were born before January 1, 1986.
- You are married.
- You are enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program.
- You currently serve on active duty in the armed services for purposes other than training.
- You are a veteran of the United States Armed Services.
- You have children or other dependents who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2010.
- When you were age 13 or older, both your parents were deceased, you were in foster care, or you were a ward of the court.
- You are/were an emancipated minor.
- You are in legal guardianship.
- You were determined to be an unaccompanied homeless youth by your high school district liaison or the director of an emergency shelter program on or after July 1, 2008.
- You were determined to be an unaccompanied homeless youth at risk of being homeless by the director of a runaway or homeless center/ shelter.
If you were considered an independent student for financial aid purposes at a previous school, you do not automatically qualify for independent status at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
Independent Status Appeal
If you do not meet the definition of an Independent student as listed above, but you believe you have extenuating circumstances that would allow you to receive financial aid as an independent student, review the appeal form carefully and discuss your situation with a One Stop counselor to determine if this appeal is a realistic option for you. Be aware that parental disagreements and refusal of the parent or stepparent to provide support or information are not considered unusual circumstances for the purpose of achieving independent status for financial aid. Being self-supporting, in and of itself, is not sufficient reason for independent status.