Erie Community College, State University of New York

Student Budget

Below is the estimated cost of attendance at ECC for a dependent student living at home: (costs are based on full-time, full-year enrollment).

 *Tuition amount subject to change

Independent Student Status
Financial Emancipation For Federal Programs

In order for a student to exclude parental income from the federal application for aid, the student must meet the definition of “independent student’’ as defined in the Higher Education Amendments of 1992.

A student is automatically independent if he or she:

• Is at least 24 years old by December 31 of the award year
• Is an orphan or ward of the court
• Is a graduate or professional student
• Is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States
• Is a married student or
• Is a student who has legal dependents other than a spouse

If student does not meet above criteria, an independent status may be granted if there is an involuntary separation from the family. An involuntary dissolution occurs when the student is separated from the family for reasons other than the student’s or parents’ choice. A Dependency Override Appeal form is available in the Financial Aid Office.

For New York State Programs

The conditions of financial independence are established in New York State law and regulation and differ from those used by other aid programs, such as Federal PELL Grants and public assistance.

To exclude parental income a student must:

• Be 35 years of age or older, or
• Have been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States (and not claimed as a dependent by either parent on state or federal income tax returns for the last two years)

If under 35, the student must meet the Basic Conditions below:

1. Did not and will not reside in an apartment, house or building owned or leased by his/her parents for more than six weeks during the previous, current, or upcoming calendar years.
2. Was not and will not be claimed as a dependent by his/her parents on federal or state income tax return during any one of the previous, current, or upcoming calendar years.
3. Did not and will not receive gifts, loans, or other financial assistance valued in excess of $750 from his/her parents during the previous, current, and upcoming years.

If the student meets the above Basic Conditions but is under age 22, he/she must also meet Special Conditions. These conditions must be documented on a Financial Independence Supplement which will be sent to the student by New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (NYSHESC).

Waiver of Special Conditions:

The student does not have to meet the Special Conditions if he/she:

• Was married on or before December 31 of the previous calendar year.
• Is enrolled as a graduate student.
• Received a TAP award as a financially independent student in the previous academic year.