Please be aware

If there are unusual circumstances which warrant consideration (for example, you are estranged from your parents for a long period of time), you can fill out a dependency override form which can be obtained through the CCAC Financial Aid Office.

Answer each of the following questions, once you have received INDEPENDENT result, you do not have to continue answering the questions.

Decision Tree
Will you be 24 or older by December 31st of the school year you need financial aid for?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Add Button
You are considered an INDEPENDENT student for the purposes of the FAFSA.
Based on federal regulations, you MUST provide parental information, regardless of how much (or lack of) support your parents provide to you.
Decision Tree
Will you be working on a master’s or doctoral degree?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Add Button
You are considered an INDEPENDENT student for the purposes of the FAFSA.
Based on federal regulations, you MUST provide parental information, regardless of how much (or lack of) support your parents provide to you.
Decision Tree
Are you 

  • Single
  • Married
  • Separated
  • Divorced
  • Add Button
You are considered an INDEPENDENT student for the purposes of the FAFSA.
Based on federal regulations, you MUST provide parental information, regardless of how much (or lack of) support your parents provide to you.
If you are divorced but unable to answer yes to any of the other questions, you would go back to dependent status. Based on federal regulations, you MUST provide parental information, regardless of how much (or lack of) support your parents provide to you.
You are considered an INDEPENDENT student for the purposes of the FAFSA.
Decision Tree
Are you providing at least half of support costs for any children or other dependents that live with you?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Add Button
You are considered an INDEPENDENT student for the purposes of the FAFSA.
Based on federal regulations, you MUST provide parental information, regardless of how much (or lack of) support your parents provide to you.
Decision Tree
Have your parents died since you turned 13?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Add Button
You are considered an INDEPENDENT student for the purposes of the FAFSA.
Based on federal regulations, you MUST provide parental information, regardless of how much (or lack of) support your parents provide to you.
Decision Tree
Have you been in foster care or a ward or dependent of the court since you turned 13?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Add Button
You are considered an INDEPENDENT student for the purposes of the FAFSA.
Based on federal regulations, you MUST provide parental information, regardless of how much (or lack of) support your parents provide to you.
Decision Tree
Are you an emancipated minor or in a court-appointed legal guardianship?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Add Button
You are considered an INDEPENDENT student for the purposes of the FAFSA.
Based on federal regulations, you MUST provide parental information, regardless of how much (or lack of) support your parents provide to you.
Decision Tree
Are you a homeless unaccompanied youth or at risk of becoming homeless?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Add Button
You are considered an INDEPENDENT student for the purposes of the FAFSA.
Based on federal regulations, you MUST provide parental information, regardless of how much (or lack of) support your parents provide to you.
Decision Tree
Are you currently serving in the US armed forces (excluding training)?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Add Button
You are considered an INDEPENDENT student for the purposes of the FAFSA.
Based on federal regulations, you MUST provide parental information, regardless of how much (or lack of) support your parents provide to you.
Decision Tree
Are you a veteran?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Add Button
You are considered an INDEPENDENT student for the purposes of the FAFSA.
Based on federal regulations, you MUST provide parental information, regardless of how much (or lack of) support your parents provide to you.