Proving Financial Independence

If you feel you qualify as an independent student because you provide a minimum of 51% of your own support, you must prove that you are self-supporting (especially true for those who are under the age of 24). Based on the cost of attendance, it will be determined whether the student meets requirements for being considered financially independent for the purposes of establishing residency for tuition purposes.

Admissions staff will evaluate each student's independence eligibility based on number of credit hours enrolled, number of full-time hours worked, federal income tax return information for the student and parent(s), student income, and other factors.

In order for the student to prove that they provide at least 51% of their own support, the following information is required:

Proof of the student's declared income.

    1. Most recent federal income tax returns
    2. W-2 forms
    3. Pay stubs.

-AND-

Proof that the student is no longer claimed as a dependent by their parent or legal guardian.

    1. Copy of parent's most recent federal income tax return.