For the 2008-2009, school year, a student is considered to be dependent for the purpose of receiving federal student aid if he/she can answer “no” to all of the following questions:

1. Was the student born before January 1, 1985?
2. Will the student be working on a Master’s or doctorate program during the school year 2008-2009?
3. Is the student married?
4. Does the student have children who they provide more than half of their support?
5. Does the student have legal dependents other than a spouse or children whom they support?
6. Is the student an orphan (both parents are deceased) or a ward of the court?
7. Is the student currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training?
8. Is the student a veteran of the US Armed Forces?

If the student is dependent, then the student and the student’s parents are expected to complete the FAFSA and share the responsibility to pay for educational costs. If the student is independent and not married, only the student is responsible for paying educational expenses and only the student’s information needs to be provided on the FAFSA. If the student is married, both the student and the spouse’s income and asset information must be provided and are used in calculating the Expected Family Contribution.