Dependency Override

If you are considered a dependent student, you will have to provide your parental demographic and financial information on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application. Here at Lamar University, we recognize there may be circumstances that affect your ability to provide required parental information on the (FAFSA) application.

The Higher Education Act allows a financial aid administrator to change a student from dependent to independent; this is known as a dependency override. A dependency override is performed on a case by case basis for students with "unusual circumstances" who are unable to provide parental information on their FAFSA.

We have developed guidelines to help you understand what is considered "unusual circumstances" for applying for a Dependency Override, see below.

Unusual Circumstances Include

Abandonment by parents
An abusive family environment that threatens the student’s health or safety
The student’s inability to locate his/her parents
Other circumstances deemed appropriate by a Financial Aid Administrator

Unusual Circumstances DO NOT Include

Parents refusal to contribute to the student’s education
Parents unwilling to provide information on the FAFSA or for verification
Parents do not claim the student as a dependent for income tax purposes
Student demonstrates total self-sufficiency

How to Apply

Step 1: Fill out the FAFSA, indicating you are unable to provide information about your parent(s).

Step 2: Your FAFSA will be rejected. Once you receive notification from LU that your FAFSA has been received, complete the Dependency Override request form through Campus Logic and provide any necessary documentation.

Step 3: A Financial Aid Administrator will contact you if you need to provide anything additional.