Dependent/Independent Status

For financial aid purposes, the Department of Education classifies students as either dependent or independent. Dependent students file using their own and their parent(s) information. Independent students are required to provide only their own and their spouse's (if married) information. Dependency status depends mostly on age, but sometimes on other things.

Many students feel they should be considered independent because their parents do not claim them on their tax returns or help them with their education. For the 2008-2009 academic year, the federal government's definition requires you to be able to answer "yes" to one of the following questions to be considered independent:

• Were you born before January 1, 1985?
• Will you be working on a master's or doctorate program during the school year 2008-2009?
• As of today, are you married?
• Do you have any children who receive more than half their support from you?
• Do you have dependents (other than your spouse or child) who live with you and receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2009?
• Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?
• Are you an orphan or ward of the court or were you a ward of the court until age of 18?

If you were able to answer "yes" to one of the above questions, your aid will be calculated as an independent student. Please contact our office if you have any questions regarding your dependency status or feel that your particular situation warrants an additional review.