Why must I complete the FAFSA using my parents' information?

Owned by Cory Ziegenfuss
Last updated: Dec 19, 2023 by William Schneider
1 min read

Tell Me

The US Department of Education considers a student to be dependent on his or her parents unless the student can answer "Yes" to one of the following questions:

  • Did you reach the age of 24 prior to January 1st?

  • At the beginning of the school year, will you be working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, Ph.D., Ed.D., or graduate certificate, etc.)?

  • As of today, are you married?

  • Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?

  • Do you have dependents other than your children/spouse who lives with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through the end of the school year?

  • Are (a) both of your parents deceased, or (b) are you (or were you until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court?

  • Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training?

  • Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?

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