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Dependent or Independent Student?

Federal student aid programs provide funding based on whether the student is considered dependent or independent. Independent students generally receive little or no monetary support from parents and therefore receive more federal funding compared to dependent students.

For the 2009-2010 academic year, a student is considered independent if at least one of the following applies:

• Born before January 1, 1986
• A veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program
• Married
• Orphan or ward of the court, or were a ward of the court until age 18
• Have legal dependents

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