TRIO Application Request

Independent or Dependent Student

For students who are classified as Independent students—this means the student meets one of the following criteria:

1. is 24 years of age or older by December 31 of this year;
2. is an orphan or ward of the court or was a ward of the court until you reached the age of 18;
3. is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States;
4. is a graduate or professional student;
5. is a married individual;
6. has legal dependents other than a spouse; or
7. is a student for whom a financial aid administrator makes a documented determination of independence by reason of other unusual circumstances.

All other students are considered Dependents. Usually these students are claimed, or are eligible to be claimed, on their parent’s income tax return.