Tell Me

The US Department of Education considers a student to be dependent on his or her parents unless the student can answer "Yes" to one of the following questions:

Did you reach the age of 24 prior to January 1st?
At the beginning of the school year, will you be working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, Ph.D., Ed.D., or graduate certificate, etc.)?
As of today, are you married?
Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
Do you have dependents other than your children/spouse who lives with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through the end of the school year?
Are (a) both of your parents deceased, or (b) are you (or were you until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court?
Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training?
Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?