What is an independent vs. dependent student?

USDA: No down payment required
Conventional: 5% (20% to avoid PMI)
Non-conforming jumbo: 10% to 30%
Freddie Mac Home Possible: 3%
Fannie Mae 97% LTV loans: 3%
FHA: 3.5% with a credit score of 580 or higher; 10% with a credit score of 500 to 579
VA: No down payment required

A dependent student must report their own and their parents' financial information on the FAFSA, while an independent student only reports their own (and spouse's, if married).

How do I prove I'm an independent student?

To prove you're an independent student, you must answer “yes” to at least one of the FAFSA dependency questions and provide any required documentation. A few common ways to qualify include being born before Jan. 1, 2002, currently serving or having served in the military, or being married.

Will I get more money as a dependent or independent student?

The amount of aid you receive is determined by your Expected Family Contribution (EFC ), the school's cost of attendance, status as a full- or part-time student, and your year in school. An independent student's EFC is calculated using the student's and spouse's (when married) financial information. In many cases, independent students have a lower EFC than dependent students and may receive more financial aid.

How much do independent students get from FAFSA?

Independent undergraduate students can borrow up to $57,500 in subsidized and unsubsidized loans, but no more than $23,000 can be in subsidized loans. Graduate independent students can borrow up to $138,500 in subsidized and unsubsidized loans, but no more than $65,000 can be in subsidized loans. The total graduate loan limit for independent students includes all undergraduate federal loans received.

FAFSA Independent or Dependent Student: Which Are You in 2025?