In order to apply for financial aid as an independent student for the 2024-2025 academic year, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Born before January 1, 2001
- Married on the day the FAFSA is completed
- Working towards a Master's or Doctorate degree, such as an M.A., MBA, M.D., J.D., Ph.D., Ed.D., graduate certificate, etc.
- Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training
- Supporting children or other dependents besides a spouse
- At any time since turning age 13, you were an orphan, ward of the court, or in foster care
- You were in a legal guardianship, meaning that a court in your home state took you out of the custody of your parents and legally placed you into the custody of someone else
- Emancipated minor or unaccompanied homeless youth
If you do not meet any of the criteria listed above to be considered independent, you must file as a dependent student and include your parents' information.
Applying incorrectly as an independent student when you are actually a dependent student can result in major delays in reviewing and processing your financial aid. Doing this could also be seen as fraud and has the potential to make you ineligible for aid for the remainder of your collegiate career. If you have questions about your status or have special or unusual circumstances, please contact the SMU Mane Desk at manedesk@smu.edu or (214) 768-5555.