Determining Your Dependency Status
When you apply for financial aid, your answers to certain questions determine whether you're considered dependent or independent for financial aid purposes. If you are considered a dependent student you must report your parents income and assets as well as your own. If you are considered an independent student, you report only your income and assets (and those of your spouse, if you're married). For 2008-2009, an independent student must answer yes to at least one of the following questions:
- Were born before January 1, 1985?
- At the begining of the 2008-2009 school year, will you be working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, or Ph.D, etc.)?
- As of today, are you married ?(answer "yes" if you're separated but not divorced);
- Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you;
- Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2009;
- Are both of your parents deceased or are you (or were you until the age of 18) a ward/dependent of the court?
- Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?
- Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training?
If you think you have unusual circumstances that would make you independent even though none of the above criteria apply to you, talk to your Financial Aid Administrator.
Appeals of Dependency Status
Last Updated On: 12/17/07
