Most undergraduates under the age of 24 and/or not married are considered dependent for federal financial aid purposes.  However, after answering questions in Step 3 on the FAFSA, you are classified as a dependent student and unusual circumstances have caused you to become independent, you may request a dependency override.  Dependency Overrides are reviewed each academic year and, on a case-by-case basis. 

The following DO NOT QUALIFY as Unusual Circumstances for a Dependency Override Request.

1.    Parents refusing to contribute to the student’s education;

2.    Parents unwilling to provide information on the application or for verification

3.    Parents not claiming the students as a dependent for income tax purposes;

4.    Students demonstrating total self-sufficiency.

 

Federal law assumes the family has the primary responsibility for meeting the educational costs of students. Therefore, a student must meet certain federal criteria to qualify for financial aid as an independent student. If you do not meet one of the criteria listed on the FAFSA, you will be evaluated as a dependent student, meaning your parents must provide income and asset information. If there are extraordinary circumstances that may warrant re-evaluation of your dependency status, provide the following information so your financial aid administrator may make this determination. You may be asked for additional documentation depending on your individual situation.

 

 You will need to submit supporting documentation:

1. A personal statement explaining the nature of the relationship, timeline of events, and current living arrangments.

2. Letter(s) from unbiased professionals.

3. Legal or official documentation.

 

River Parishes Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. 

**To contact individuals designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, click here.