Can I Be Independent on FAFSA If I am Under Age 24?

My parents cannot pay for any of my college – nor are they claiming me on their tax returns. I file my own taxes as I also have a job. I completely support myself; my parents don’t give me any money. Does all of this together make me an independent FAFSA student? The short answer – unfortunately – is no.

What is an Independent Student?

Qualifying as an independent student on the FAFSA is not easy. Undergraduate students under age 24 as of December 31 of the award year are considered independent for federal student aid purposes.

Requirements to be a FAFSA Independent Student

Students are considered independent on the FAFSA if they meet any of the following: • They are married. • They have dependents. • They are working toward a master’s or doctorate program during the award year. • They are veterans or active duty members of the US Armed Forces. • Since the time they turned 13, their parents were deceased, they were in foster care, or they were wards of the court. • They have been emancipated, or someone other than a parent or stepparent has been appointed their legal guardian. • They are determined to be unaccompanied youth who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Full list of details for each of the above stipulations. If a student under age 24 doesn’t satisfy one of these criteria, the odds of being considered independent are slim. In short, it doesn’t matter how financially independent a student is. If they don’t meet any of the above requirements, they are not considered independent for financial aid purposes. This is because, however, it may look for each student, the federal government has decided that it’s the parents’ responsibility to pay for college. Dependency status for federal student aid purposes differs from dependency status for federal income tax purposes. Students who are dependent on federal student aid purposes must supply parent information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Independent students do not have to supply their parents’ information and often qualify for more student financial aid. The 2024–25 FAFSA and the 2025-2026 FAFSA will make it easier for students to declare their independence. In the past, students had to request a determination of independence before their FAFSA could be processed. In the future, their answers will be carried over to future forms. Independent students can find which forms of proof will be required to gain their independent status on the FAFSA here. Based on National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) data, only 14.7% of undergraduate students under 24 were independent. Of undergraduate students under the age of 24: • 8.3% were independent because they have legal dependents other than a spouse • 3.8% because they were married • 1.1% because they are orphans • 0.5% because they were veterans of the US Armed Forces • 0.3% because they were on active duty with the US Armed Forces • 0.9% because the college financial aid administrator granted a dependency override due to unusual circumstances. (Only 0.5% of all undergraduate students are independent because of a dependency override.) Colleges will not grant a dependency override because the parents refuse to contribute to the student’s education, file the FAFSA or complete verification, do not claim the student as a dependent on their federal income tax returns, or because the student is self-sufficient. None of these reasons, not even in combination, is sufficient justification for a dependency override.

What is a Dependency Override?

A dependency override allows a financial aid officer to view a student’s circumstances and opt to provide them with dependency status, even if they don’t meet any of the federal guidelines for dependent status. These are reviewed and decided on a case-by-case, school-by-school basis.

Situations for Dependency Override

Unusual circumstances may merit a dependency override. These circumstances include: • An abusive family environment (e.g., court protection from abuse orders against the parents) • Abandonment by the parents • Incarceration, hospitalization, or institutionalization of both parents If you do not qualify as an independent on the FAFSA but you do think you would be eligible for a dependency override, contact your college’s financial aid office.

How Else Can I Pay for College When My Parents Refuse to Pay?

Unfortunately, many students find themselves in this situation. They are financially independent from their parents, but the government and the school still recognize them as dependent because they do not meet the above requirements. So what are their options?

Financial Aid – Grants, Federal Work Study, and Student Loans

First, students should fill out the FAFSA regardless of whether or not they think they’ll qualify for financial aid. It is the only way to qualify for aid. Therefore, if it’s not filled out, the student can expect to receive no aid. Students should review their financial aid packages from colleges with a guidance counselor or financial aid officer. These professionals can help students understand what their financial aid package means, how much of it is aid versus private student loans, and which college is the best for them financially. At this point, if you believe that your circumstances could merit a dependency override, it’s time to talk to a financial aid administrator.

Scholarships

Students without financial support from their parents should also begin to look for scholarships as soon as they start thinking about attending college. At Fastweb, students can create an account when they turn 16. If they are interested in searching beforehand, a parent, guardian, or mentor can create an account for them. Treat searching for scholarships like a part-time job. Commit to applying to one or two scholarships per week. Focus on easy-to-apply-for scholarships as well as scholarships that require more time. Chances are, there will be fewer applicants for these opportunities because of the extra work involved.

Make Smart College Choices

Students should also consider their college choices. Does it make financial sense to go to a four-year institution if you’re supporting yourself without help from your parents? Or is it better to attend community college for two years and then transfer to a four-year institution? Should you opt for an in-state public university rather than a private college? There are many ways to make a college education more affordable.

Part-Time Jobs

Finally, students can consider getting a part-time job while they attend college. Many employers will work with students to accommodate their schedules. Some employers also offer tuition assistance to their employees, which can go a long way toward paying tuition bills. If you are working, ask your employer or HR manager whether or not any tuition assistance benefits are available to you.

Paying for College When Your Parents Can’t Pay

Paying for college is hard. It’s even worse when your parents either can’t – or refuse – to help you pay. Whatever the case, there are resources to help students like you. Do your research. Talk to professionals. Ask questions. If you can successfully navigate paying for college on your own, imagine what you’ll be able to accomplish after you graduate.