What is a dependent student?

Dependent students cannot answer “yes” to any of the following questions. If you can answer “yes,” you may be considered an independent student. In this case, you should talk with the One Stop for Student Services about your next steps.

• Are you 24 or older?
• Are you married? (You count as being married if you are separated.)
• Do you have, or will you soon have, children who receive more than half of their support from you during the financial award year?
• Do you have dependents, other than your kids or spouse, who live with you and receive more than half of their support from you?
• Are you a graduate or professional student?
• Are you a veteran or a current member of the armed forces?
• Are you an orphan, or a ward of the court, at any time since turning age 13?
• Are you an emancipated minor or considered homeless, or were you self-supporting and at risk of being homeless, within the past year?

(adapted from Student Loan Hero by Lending Tree)