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Am I Considered Dependent or Independent?

 When you apply for federal student aid with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you will answer questions that determine whether you are considered dependent or independent.  

 The questions are... Yes   No
  Were you born before January 1, 1985?    
  At the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year will you be working on a master's or doctorate program?    
 Were you married the day you filed your FAFSA?     
 Do you have children who received more than half of their support from you?    
 Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you , now and through June 30, 2009.    
 Are both of your parents deceased or 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 none of the above criteria apply to you, the Department of Education will consider you a dependent student.  Dependent students will be required to provide parental information on the FAFSA and on any documentation that COCC may request.