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COCC Home > Financial Aid > For Parents Only > Dependent Students
Welcome to Financial Aid

Why Do You Need Parent Information?

 When students apply for federal student aid, answers to the questions on the FAFSA will determine whether the student is considered a dependent or independent student.

Dependent students must report their parent's income and assets as well as their own.  If students are considered dependent, parents are expected to contribute toward the cost of the student's education.  Federal student aid programs are based on the concept that a dependent student's parents have the primary responsibility for paying for their child's education.

Students are independent if at least one of the following applies:
  1. born before January 1, 1985.
  2. are or will be enrolled in a master's or doctoral degree program (beyond a bachelor's degree) at the beginning of the 2008-2009 year.
  3. married on the day the student applies for federal aid.
  4. have children who receive more than half their support from the student.
  5. have dependents (other than children or spouse) who live with the student and who receive more than half their support from the student at the time of applying.
  6. both parent's are deceased.
  7. orphan or ward of the court.
  8. a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.
  9. currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training.

If none of the above apply, then the student is an dependent student and will be required to provide parental income and asset information.

If the student has extenuating circumstances, they may want to contact the Student Financial Aid Office at 541-383-7263.

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