When you complete the FAFSA. Step Three will determine whether or not you are a dependent or independent student for financial aid purposes. A dependent student must provide income and asset information concerning themselves, as well as their parents. Whereas, an independent student needs only to report their own (and spouse’s if married) income and asset information. In general, you will be considered an independent student if you meet at least one of the following requirements:

1. You were born before January 1, 1978.
2. You are working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, or Ph.D., etc,) during the school year 2001-2002.
3. You are married at the time you complete the FAFSA (or are separated, but not yet divorced).
4. You have children who receive more than half of their support from you
5. You have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support you, now and through         June 30, 2002.
6. You are an orphan or ward of the court or were a ward of the court until you turned 18 years old.
7. You are a veteran of the United States Armed Forces.

If you are a dependent student but believe that you have unusual circumstances that should make you independent, you should contact the Financial Aid Office and request information concerning a Dependency Override. Dependency Overrides are reviewed and granted on an individual case by case basis and are at the discretion of the Financial Aid Administrator. All decisions rendered are final and may not be appealed to the U.S. Department of Education.