For federal financial aid purposes, a student is independent if he or she can answer Yes to any of these questions:
Was the student born before January 1, 1981?
During the school year 2004-2005, will the student be working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, Ph.D., Ed.D., graduate certificate, etc.)?
Is the student married?
Does the student have children who receive more than half of their support from the student?
Does the student have dependents other than the student's children or spouse who live with the student and who received more than half of their support from the student, now and through June 30, 2005?
Is the student an orphan, or is the student or was the student (until age 1

a ward/dependent of the court?
Is the student a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?
If the student claims to be independent, the student's school may ask that the student verify his or her answers to these questions before he or she can receive any federal student aid. If the student thinks he or she has unusual circumstances that might make him or her independent, the student should contact the school's financial aid office.
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