Financial Aid Overview

Am I "Dependent" or "Independent"?

Most students entering college straight from high school are dependent students. For the 2010-2011 academic year, you're dependent unless at least one of the following applies:

• You were born before January 1, 1987.
• You're married.
• You're enrolled in a master's or doctorate program in 2010-2011.
• You have children or other dependents who will receive more than half their support from you through June 30, 2011.
• Both of your parents are deceased or you are or were a ward/dependent of the court until age 18.
• You're a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. "Veteran" includes a student who attended a U.S. military academy who was released under a condition other than dishonorable.

If any of the above apply to you, you're considered independent. Your school may ask you to submit proof of your status before you receive any federal aid. If you think you have unusual circumstances that would make you independent even though none of the above criteria apply, talk with a financial aid officer at the school.