Financial Aid and Scholarships has the authority, through Section 480(d)(7) of the Higher Education Act, to change a student's status from dependent to independent in cases involving unusual circumstances.

We will review your file for a Dependency Override in cases of abuse, abandonment, or neglect. If your situation falls under one of these reasons, select the appropriate option below and follow the instructions.

We cannot process a dependency override for any of the following reasons:

  • Parents refuse to contribute to the student's education;
  • Parents are unwilling to provide information on the application or for verification;
  • Parents do not claim the student as a dependent for income tax purposes;
  • Student demonstrates total self-sufficiency.

Please Note: If you are an unaccompanied youth and homeless, or at risk of homelessness, please submit the Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Determination Request form.

Apply for an Initial Dependency Override

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
  2. Print and complete the Dependency Override Request form below.
  3. Print and have at least three (3) professional third parties complete the Personal Statement by a Professional Third Party form below.
  4. Provide a personal statement indicating your relationship with your biological mother and father.
  5. Submit all forms and supporting documentation to our office.
  6. Allow 2-3 weeks for the Dependency Override to be processed.

2023-2024 Initial Dependency Override Request Packet

Renew Your Dependency Override

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
  2. Print and complete the Dependency Override Renewal form below.
  3. Submit all forms and supporting documentation to our office.
  4. Allow 2-3 weeks for the Dependency Override Renewal to be processed.

2023-2024 Dependency Override Renewal