When it comes to applying for federal student aid, the age at which you can no longer include your parents on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important factor to consider.
Undergraduate students who are under the age of 24 are considered to be dependent for federal student aid purposes unless they are married, have dependents other than a spouse for which they provide more than half of their support, are an orphan or ward of the court, are a veteran or active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces, or are enrolled in a graduate or professional program.
If you are 24 or older, you are considered an independent student and will not be required to include your parents’ information on the FAFSA. This means that you will not be eligible for certain types of federal student aid, such as the Federal Pell Grant, which is based on financial need.
In addition, if you are 24 or older, you may still be able to include your parents’ information on the FAFSA if you meet certain criteria. For example, if you are a single parent with a dependent child, you may be able to include your parents’ information on the FAFSA.
If you are not sure whether or not you should include your parents’ information on the FAFSA, it is important to speak with a financial aid advisor. They can help you determine if you are eligible for certain types of federal student aid and can provide you with more information about the FAFSA and other financial aid options.
In conclusion, the age at which you can no longer include your parents on the FAFSA is 24. However, there are certain exceptions that may allow you to include your parents’ information on the FAFSA even if you are 24 or older. It is important to speak with a financial aid advisor to determine if you are eligible for certain types of federal student aid and to get more information about the FAFSA and other financial aid options.