Different financial aid programs calculate resources differently. For most federal student aid programs, if you meet one of the following conditions, you will be considered as an independent student. Eligibility for programs from New York State or other sponsors may require that you meet different conditions. If you have questions about financial independence, you should contact the Financial Aid Office. Without specific information about you and your family's situation, its difficult to tell what your exact eligibility will be.
Most students can qualify for some type of aid, often from more than one source.
Grant aid is usually the most difficult to qualify for, but some loans are available regardless of family income. If you or your family have recently experienced problems such as unemployment, major medical expenses, death, or divorce, please be sure to notify us of this. These types of hardships can be taken into account when determining eligibility for many aid programs.