Admitted to SVSU? To ensure you receive the optimal financial aid package, complete your 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We've compiled some helpful tips and recommendations to assist you in the successful submission of your FAFSA.
Unusual Circumstance/Dependency Override on the Financial Aid Application
When completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) dependency status is determined by the answers a student provides on this application. A student cannot choose to be independent of family circumstances alone. If your circumstance does not meet the FAFSA criteria, but you feel are independent, you may submit a Dependency Override Form along with providing detailed documentation to the SVSU Financial Aid Office for review. The review process may take two to four weeks - so don't delay. Select the Unusual Circumstance/Dependency Override Form for the appropriate Academic Year.
Additional Federal Guidelines
- 24 years of age (born before January 1, 1999)
- A veteran
- Serving active duty
- Married
- Has a dependent(s) or child that received more than half of the student’s financial support
- Working on a master’s or doctorate program
- At any time since you turned age 13, both your parents were deceased, you were in foster care, or you were a dependent or ward of the court
- You are, or you were, an emancipated minor as determined by a court in your state of legal residence at the time you received that determination
- You are, or you were, in legal guardianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence at the time you received the determination
- At any time on or after July 1, 2021, your high school or school district homeless liaison determined that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless
- At any time on or after July 1, 2021, the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determined that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless
- At any time on or after July 1, 2021, the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program determined that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless
- You do not reside with your parents,
- Your parents refuse to pay for your college education,
- Your parents are not financially able to pay for your college education,
- You were married AFTER you applied for financial aid (some exceptions exist ONLY if you are married BEFORE the Fall semester begins, contact the Campus Financial Services Center for more information after you apply), or
- You do not want your parents’ assistance to pay for college.
CONTACT US.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Wickes Hall 141
cfsc@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4900
CFSC
Wickes Hall 131A
cfsc@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4900
Registrar
Wickes Hall 151
registrar@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4085