Independent Students

Pomona College believes that parents have a primary obligation in helping to meet the costs of undergraduate education, and that students and parents are both participants in the financial aid process. A student's wish to be independent from parental support and/or a parent's unwillingness to provide support is not sufficient grounds for the student to be recognized by the College as independent.

When administering College-funded financial aid, Pomona defines independent student status more strictly than the definition found on the federal application. Applicants who are wards of the court, orphans or who have been part of extremely adverse home situations that have led to estrangement from their families may request consideration for financial aid as independent students. If you think you may qualify for independent student status, please contact the Office of Financial Aid directly to learn what documentation you will be required to submit.  Written verification of estrangement from the family will be required from a court official or social worker.