Students can establish their financial independence through several means, and getting married is one of them. If students are independent, they don't have to include their parents' income on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms, which may allow them to qualify for increased grants and subsidized loans.

However, in some cases, students benefit more if they claim their parents' income, especially if the income levels are on the low end and the parents have several dependents or children in college, said John Curl, financial aid director at the University of Utah.

It's important to know which will be more beneficial because marital status cannot be altered later on a form.

"If you file your FAFSA as single and then get married the next day, you'll be considered single for the entire next year," Curl said.

David Feitz, executive director of the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority, recognizes that the situation is different for each student.

He recommends using the Expected Family Contribution Calculator found at www.uheaa.org to find out what status would benefit students most.

"So much relates to individual circumstances and the timing of it," he said.

Curl also cautions students to do what is most financially prudent.

"If tuition is due in September, but you're not getting married for three more months, it may be better to file as single, get the money and then file as independent the next year," he said.

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* SHEENA MCFARLAND can be contacted at smcfarland@sltrib.com or 801-257-8619.