Dependent vs. Independent
What is the difference between a dependent and independent student?
According to federal rules, in order to be considered independent you must be able to answer yes to any of the following questions:
· Were you born before January 1, 1983? (eligibility for 2006-07)
· Will you be working on a degree beyond a bachelor\'s degree in 2006-07?
· As of today are you married? (Answer yes if you are separated, but not divorced)
· Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
· Do you have dependents (other than children or spouse) who live with you and receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2007?
· Are you an orphan or ward of the court or were you a ward of the court until age 18?
· Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?
If you have answered no to all of these questions, you must include your parents\' income on your financial aid application.
In rare cases, students may be eligible for a dependency override if they can document an adverse relationship with their parents in which there is no contact and no financial support. Simply living apart from parents does not constitute proof. Come to the financial aid office if you feel you can document the need for a dependency override.