Personal Loan Blog

Ah yes, the ever nagging question of dependency status on the FAFSA. We know it well. Recently one of our financial aid forum users, Ssully, posted this question in regards to that exact topic:

I’m trying to determine whether I would be considered a dependent or independent student in applying for Stafford loans. One of the determining questions asks if I will be working on a master or doctorate program. I have just earned my bachelor’s degree, and I am considering returning to school for either a second bachelor’s or teaching certification.

Since neither of those programs are considered “graduate” or “post-graduate” level, he will need to meet one of the following criteria to be classified as independent:

• 24 years or older (as of 12/31 of the award’s year)
• Be married
• Have legal dependents (be a parent or pay more than 50% of another person’s living expenses)
• Be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Be an orphan (both biological parents deceased)

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• Tillman Military Scholarships
• Understand Your Graduate Loan Options
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• New Program! Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Stanford University
• Are you eligible for a private student loan?

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Personal Loan by Gemma Maddock