<p>There are times when you do need to talk to someone at FAFSA. For example, S is considering a GIS certification program that is a post-baccalaureate program but not part of a MS or PhD program. Emailing FAFSA provided no answer but talking to a real person there did. Found out I had to contact the school’s finaid dept and ask them how they considered the student (dependent or not). Turns out this was one of the few cases where a student would still be considered an dependent. Not sure if anyone on CC could have provided an answer.</p>