Before Marriage

• Prior to getting married, you are likely classified as a dependent student based on guidelines from the U.S. Department of Education; however, you may already be considered an independent student if you meet certain criteria. These include being at least 24 years old, a military member, a graduate student or a primary financial supporter of children. Your parents' income and assets are the principal determinants in how much aid you'll be offered if you are a dependent student. The expected family contribution -- the amount your parents should be able to put toward your education costs -- is based on their financial status. In general, the higher the EFC, the less aid you'll be offered.
  
  

Independent Benefits

• You will be considered an independent student once you get married, regardless of whether you meet other independent status criteria. Being an independent student may open the doors to more financial aid options, such as certain direct student loans offered through the U.S. Department of Education. Some scholarship or grant programs offered through organizations may be geared toward independent students as well.
  
  

Expected Family Contribution

• Perhaps the most influential effect getting married has is the change in the EFC. Your parents' financial status will no longer have any bearing on financial aid determination -- which could be good news if their high income blocked your eligibility for certain programs. As you are now an independent, married student, the U.S. Department of Education and your school will use your and your spouse's income to determine the award package. Your spouse's financial information must be provided, even if you file taxes separately.
  
  

Bottom Line

• The bottom line is that getting married increases financial aid packages for many dependent students; however, you need to consider the income, assets and number of dependents in your household before making that assumption. Keep in mind that you cannot change your marital status on the FAFSA once you've submitted the form to the U.S. Department of Education. You may want to wait to submit your FAFSA for the upcoming academic year until you're married if you believe it will improve your award amount. This could cause you to receive your financial aid later in the year. It's vital to discuss these issues with your school's financial aid officer to determine the appropriate course of action.