• FAFSA Contributor Questionnaire

    Fill out the FAFSA Contributor Questionnaire below to determine a student's dependency status and whether a Student, Parent and/or Spouse needs to complete the FAFSA as a contributor. No data is collected or submitted to BGSU or Federal Student Aid at any point during this process - this is simply a tool to help you determine who may be a contributor.
  • Select all/any of the following statements that are true of the student. If none of the following statements apply, that's okay. Leave the boxes blank and continue with the questionnaire until you receive your answer.
    • SECTION: DEPENDENT 
    • Is the parent who will provide the most financial support in the 12 months prior to filing the FAFSA married?*
    • Was the parent's filing status "married filing jointly" with their current spouse on their 2024 federal taxes?

    • This student is considered a dependent, and their Contributors are:

      • The student - The student is always a Contributor
      • The parent who provided the most financial support in the 12 months prior to filing the FAFSA.

      Dependency appeals
      If you believe you have an unusual circumstance preventing you from providing parental information on your FAFSA (abuse, neglect, abandonment, etc), review the dependency appeal information. Important: Not all situations qualify for an appeal. Financial hardship or a parent’s refusal to complete the FAFSA alone does not meet federal criteria.

    • This student is considered a dependent, and their Contributors are:

      • The student - The student is always a Contributor
      • The parent who provided the most financial support in the 12 months prior to filing the FAFSA.
      • The parent's spouse

      Dependency appeals
      If you believe you have an unusual circumstance preventing you from providing parental information on your FAFSA (abuse, neglect, abandonment, etc), review the dependency appeal information. Important: Not all situations qualify for an appeal. Financial hardship or a parent’s refusal to complete the FAFSA alone does not meet federal criteria.

    • SECTION: INDEPEDENT 
    • Is the student currently married?
    • Was the student's filing status "married filing jointly" with their current spouse on their 2024 federal taxes?

    • This student is considered an independent, and their Contributors are:

      • The student - The student is always a Contributor

    • This student is considered an independent, and their Contributors are:

      • The student - The student is always a Contributor
      • The student's spouse
    • Should be Empty: