Unusual Circumstance (Dependency) Request

EXPLANATION: Parent information is usually required on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for students who meet the criteria of a dependent student based on congressional definitions. In unique situations such as documented abandonment, parental drug abuse, parental mental incapacity, physical or emotional abuse, parental incarceration, or severe estrangement, the Financial Aid Office may determine a student to be independent for FAFSA purposes and thus not require parental information. Reluctance to request the income information from the parents or the unwillingness of the parents to pay for college or provide information for the FAFSA are not acceptable reasons to make a student independent.

NOTE: If you are an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homelessness Act, please complete the corresponding verification form. If you are an Orphan or Ward of the Court, please submit court documents to support that status.

Required Reporting: Our office has reporting obligations under state and federal laws and university policy relating to child abuse, prohibited discrimination including sexual harassment and sexual assault, and possible misconduct or criminal acts. Please let us know if you have questions regarding this.

Once submitted, it can take up to 14 business days for a response.