Dependent / Independent Status
A dependent student is any person under the age of twenty-four who is eligible to be claimed by his or her parent or legal guardian as a dependent under the federal income tax code and who receives at least 51% of his or her cost of living expenses from his or her parent or legal guardian. A student classified as a dependent student will be required to have his or her parents or legal guardians complete the Residence Statement. A copy of the student’s or parent’s most recent tax return or other documentation may be required to establish dependent or independent status.
A student under the age of twenty-four may be classified as an independent student if certain criteria as indicated below are met and documentation for the exception is attached to the Residence Statement:
- The student is married.
- The student has a child who receives more than half of his or her support from the student.
- The student has other dependents who live with and receive more than half of their support from the student.
- The student is currently serving on active duty in the United States armed forces for purposes other than training or is a veteran of the United States armed forces.
- Both of the student’s parents are deceased or the student is/was a ward/dependent of the court system until the age of eighteen.