When a veteran completes the FAFSA, the Federal Government may categorize that student as an “independent student.”  Why is Harvard College requesting financial information for parent(s) if the Federal Government considers the student "independent?"

A student may be deemed "independent" for federal purposes for a variety of reasons, including having veteran status. Harvard College maintains its own financial aid program and policies, and it is our institutional philosophy that every student’s parents have a responsibility to contribute to their child’s educational expenses. We therefore begin by asking all aid applicants to provide information for both parents.

However, we are committed to working with any student on an individual basis to learn more about complex, unusual, or challenging circumstances that are not easily described in the standard aid application. If any aid applicant cannot ask one or both of their parents to participate in the financial aid process, the applicant should complete the Parent Information Sheet and submit it as part of their financial aid application.

When a veteran completes the FAFSA, the Federal Government may categorize that student as an “independent student.” Why is Harvard College requesting financial information for parent(s) if the Federal Government considers the student "independent?"

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When a veteran completes the FAFSA, the Federal Government may categorize that student as an “independent student.”  Why is Harvard College requesting financial information for parent(s) if the Federal Government considers the student "independent?"