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?