Questions covered:

1. Student Current Marital Status

What is your marital status? (Single, Married, Separated, Divorced, Widowed)

Your marital status affects your dependency status and the amount of financial aid you may receive. If you are married, you may need to provide your spouse's financial information.

2. Student College or Career School Plans

What will your college grade level be when you begin the 2024-25 school year? (e.g., First year undergraduate, Second year undergraduate, etc.)

Indicate the grade level you will be in for the upcoming academic year. This helps determine your eligibility for certain types of aid.

Will you have your first bachelor’s degree before you begin the 2024-25 school year?

This question determines whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, which affects the types of aid you can receive.

Will you be pursuing an initial teaching certification at the elementary or secondary level?

If you are pursuing an initial teaching certification, you may be eligible for specific grants and aid programs for future teachers.

Will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program in the 2024-25 school year?

This question identifies you as a graduate or professional student, which impacts your financial aid options.

3. Student Personal Circumstances

Active duty in U.S. armed forces

Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training?

Being on active duty can change your dependency status and the amount of aid you are eligible to receive.

Veteran status

Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?

Veteran status affects your dependency status and eligibility for certain types of financial aid and benefits.

Dependents

Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?

If you have dependents, you may qualify for more financial aid to help support your family while you are in school.

Do you have dependents (other than children or a spouse) who live with you and receive more than half of their support from you?

This includes other family members or individuals who rely on you for financial support.

Orphan, ward of the court, foster care, etc.

At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care, or were you a dependent or ward of the court?

These circumstances can affect your dependency status, making you independent for financial aid purposes

Are you or were you an emancipated minor as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?

Emancipation means a court has declared you legally independent of your parents.

Are you or were you in legal guardianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?

Legal guardianship indicates that someone other than your parents has been appointed to take care of you and your finances.

4. Student Other Circumstances

At any time on or after July 1, 2023, were you homeless or were you self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?

This includes situations where you lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

5. Student Unusual Circumstances

Do unusual circumstances prevent you from contacting your parents or would contacting them pose a risk to you?

This might include situations such as abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

6. Apply for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan Only

Are your parents unwilling to provide their information, but you don’t have an unusual circumstance that prevents you from contacting them?

If your parents refuse to provide their financial information but you do not meet the criteria for being considered independent, you may still be able to get a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

How to answer?

Provide accurate information about your personal circumstances to determine your dependency status and eligibility for aid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this information needed?

Your personal circumstances help determine whether you are considered a dependent or independent student for financial aid purposes. This status affects the type and amount of aid you can receive.

Can I skip these questions? 

No, all questions are required.

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Ensure all details are accurate.