Are you a U.S. citizen?

To be eligible for federal student aid, you must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Generally, you are an eligible non-citizen if you are:

• a U.S. permanent resident with a Permanent Resident Card (I-551); or
• a conditional permanent resident (I-551C); or
• the holder of an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security showing any one of the following designations: “Refugee,” “Asylum Granted,” “Parolee” (I-94 confirms paroled for a minimum of one year and status has not expired) or “Cuban-Haitian Entrant.” If you are in the U.S. on an F1 or F2 student visa, a J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa, or a G series visa (pertaining to international organizations), you are not eligible.

Are you an eligible non-citizen as defined above?

Do you have a valid Social Security Number (SSN)?

Do you have proof of your income (tax returns, pay stubs, etc.)?

Are you in default on a federal student loan or owe money on a federal student grant?

These next questions will determine your dependency status:

Were you born before January 1, 1985?

At the beginning of this school year, will you be or were you working on a master’s or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, or graduate certificate, etc.)?

As of today, are you married? (Answer “Yes” if you are separated but not divorced.)

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 who receive more than half of their support from you?

Are both of your parents deceased, or are you (or were you until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court?

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

• Answer “Yes” if you are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or are a National Guard or Reserves enlistee who is on active duty for other than state or training purposes.
• Answer “No” if you are a National Guard or Reserves enlistee who is on active duty for state or training purposes.

Are you now, or will you be by the end of June, a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?

You are “independent”. You do not need your parents’ financial information to apply for federal financial aid.

Do you have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate?

You are “dependent”. You will need your parents’ financial information to apply for federal financial aid.

Do you have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate?