Higher education

Learn more about Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

If you are an unaccompanied homeless youth, you can apply for federal financial aid as an independent student. This means you do not need to include your parent information on the FAFSA form.

You may also qualify for:

• Fee waivers for Advanced Placement (AP) exams

• Fee waivers for college entrance exams

• College application fee waivers

How to verify independent status

Your school McKinney-Vento liaison can help determine if you qualify as an unaccompanied homeless youth. If you qualify, the liaison will provide a verification form during your senior year of high school.

After high school

If you have already graduated and need help verifying your status, please contact:

• A shelter representative, if you live in a shelter

• A financial aid administrator at your college 

  • View the Financial Aid Administrator Single Point of Contact List (PDF)
    
    

If you live in a college dorm without permanent housing, you may still qualify for independent status. Please reach out to your financial aid administrator for more information.

Helpful links

• FAFSA Information for Students in Transition

• Students Without an Address – College Foundation of North Carolina

• Residency Determination Status Information (PDF)

• Scholarships for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth – NCHE