For federal student financial aid purposes, you are considered independent if you can answer Yes to any of the following questions:

• Were you born before January 1, 1984?
• At the beginning of the school year 2007-2008, will you be working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, Ph.D., Ed.D., 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 or spouse) who live with you and who received more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2008?
• 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?

If you are identified as an independent student, your school may ask you to verify the answers to some or all of the questions above before you can receive federal student aid. If you are a health profession student , you may be required to provide information about your parents even though you are an independent student. If you are not sure if your course of study is considered a health profession program, contact the school's financial aid office.

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