Dependency Status Appeal

A dependency status appeal to exclude parent information may be submitted to the Financial Aid Office to provide information and supporting documentation that is not reflected on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application. 

If you submit an appeal, the Financial Aid Office will determine:

  1. If you have provided enough supporting documentation to make a decision on your appeal,
  2. If your appeal can be approved based on federal, state, and institutional policies, and
  3. If your financial aid eligibility will change if your appeal is approved.

Before you submit an appeal, we encourage you to discuss your situation with a Financial Aid Advisor to learn more about the options that may be available for you. Guidance is also provided on the appeal form including, what information is needed in your written statement, and the types of supporting documentation.

The U.S. Department of Education determines if parental information must be used to calculate financial aid eligibility based on information the student provides on the FAFSA or VASA. For more information on who is considered a dependent student for financial aid purposes and when parental information must be provided, please visit the Federal Student Aid website. 

If you wish to appeal your dependency status due to exceptional circumstances, please submit the following form along with the documentation indicated on the form.

Dependency Appeal form

Please note mitigating circumstances are not typically defined by

  • the unwillingness of your parent(s) to provide their information on your FAFSA or VASA application,
     
  • the unwillingness and/or inability of your parent(s) to financially support you, 
     
  • you are living on your own – outside of your parent(s) residence, or
     
  • you are not listed as a dependent on your parent(s) federal tax return.
     

If your parent(s) are unwilling to provide their information but you do not have an unusual circumstance that prevents you from contacting them or obtaining their information, you may apply for a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.