When calculating a family's ability to contribute to the cost of education, the federal application processor must first determine dependency status. The federal government has strict criteria for determining dependency status, based on information you report on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

You will be considered a dependent student for the 2008-09 school year unless you meet any one of the following criteria:

• You were born before January 1, 1985.
• You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.
• You are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• You are a ward of the court or both parents are deceased.
• You have legal dependents other than a spouse.
• You are married.
• You are a graduate/professional school student.