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 2010-11 school year unless you meet any one of the following criteria:

• You were born before January 1, 1987.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• You were in foster care or a ward of the court at any time since you turned 13.
  
  
• You were an emancipated minor as determined by a court in your home state.
  
  
• You are in legal guardianship as determined by a court in your home state.
  
  
• You were an "unaccompanied youth" who was homeless or at risk for being homeless at any time on or after July 1, 2008.