"Independent" on FAFSA, should I...?

Paying for College
1

<p>FAFSA determined that I'm an independent student. I guess because I'm applying for next year when I'll be 24. </p>

<p>They asked if I wanted to list my parent's financial information, or if I want to list my assets. Should I list either? Will it hurt or help me to list my parents? I don't really have any assets, sadly.</p>

<p>When I attended undergrad I didn't receive ANY aid because my dad makes too much money, so I feel like it wouldn't benefit me to list him. I'm just looking for suggestions.</p>

2

<p>

So is this for a graduate degree?</p>

3

<p>Yes, it’s for grad school.</p>

<p>And I forgot to mention… since I’m 23 and still technically a “dependent,” he claimed me on his taxes. So how would this factor into FAFSA because they ask about my filed taxes?</p>

4

<p>All grad students are considered independent, age doesn’t matter. And leave off all your parents’ financial info.</p>

5

<p>Thanks, Bob.</p>

<p>And since I filed under his taxes, will that affect the aid I receive in any way?</p>

6

<p>As a grad student, filing the FAFSA will give you access to unsubsidized federal loans. </p>

<p>Very few grad programs offer need-based aid. Most of the aid that they give out is merit-based. If you want to know how your grad program will handle this particular information, you should contact them and ask.</p>

7

<p>The fact someone claimed you as a dependent is irrelevant.</p>

8

<p>Thank you everyone! I filled out FAFSA this afternoon, now I wait :-)</p>

9

<p>I file independent as well because of adoption reasons. I am currently 19, an undergrad and did not choose to answer any questions about my parents; didn’t see how that could benefit me in any way.</p>

10

<p>Some schools do require it for institutional aid, particularly in a case such as independence due to adoption … but they would let you know if they want it.</p>

11

<p>What do you mean by saying that you filed independent because you were adopted?</p>

12

<p>Answer “Yes” if at any time since you turned age 13:
•You had no living parent (biological or adoptive), even if you are now adopted; or
•You were in foster care, even ifyou are no longer in foster care today;or
•You were a dependent or ward of the court, even if you are no longera dependent or ward of the court today.</p>