As you’re completing your FAFSA, you’ll come to a question asking if you are dependent or independent. And you’re probably thinking “Well, I have a part-time job and I pay for my cellphone bill and Netflix subscription each month. Heck yeah, I’m independent!” While we’re super glad you’re becoming a responsible, independent teenager, the definition of independent is a bit different when it comes to filling out your FAFSA.
Dependent students are required to include their parents’ information on the FAFSA. Independent students don’t have to submit their parents’ information when completing the FAFSA. Below is a great graphic from Federal Student Aid with questions that will help determine if you are dependent or independent:
