Texas State Financial Aid and Scholarships
JC Kellam, Room 240
601 University Dr.
San Marcos, TX 78666
Phone: 512.245.2315
Fax: 512.245.7920
finaid@txstate.edu

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Texas State > Enrollment Management and Marketing > Financial Aid and Scholarships > Special Issues > Independent Status

Independent Status

The federal government strictly defines who is considered an independent student for financial aid purposes. To be considered independent, you must be able to answer YES to one of the following questions:

Are you currently serving on active duty?
Were you born before January 1, 1985?
At the beginning of the school year, will you be working on a certificate, master’s or doctorate program?
As of the day you complete the FAFSA, 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 or spouse who live with you and receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2009?
Are: (a) both of your parents deceased; or (b) you (or were you until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court?
Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?

If you not meet the above definition of an independent student, you must provide parental information on your FAFSA. Be advised that students who fail to include accurate and complete information regarding parents are subject to lengthy delays and outright rejection of their applications.

Independent Override

Federal law assumes that your family has the primary responsibility for meeting your educational costs. If you do not meet one of the criteria listed above, you will be evaluated as a dependent student--meaning that your parents must provide income and asset information. If there are extraordinary circumstances that warrant a re-evaluation of your dependency status, please contact our office. However, your being approved for an override may result in your being eligible for less need-based aid.