<p>Hello. I will be attending the 6 year pharmacy program at a public institution. Because of this, for financial aid, am I considered an independent? Please reply. Thankss</p>
<p>You are not considered independent unless you have already received your first bachelor's degree. Have you? Or is this 6 year program an undergrad/grad program combined. Why do you think you would be an independent student?</p>
<p>It'll be my first year of college. However, after this six year program, I will be receiving a PH.D. So I was wondering if this would make me independent?</p>
<p>If it's you're first year of college...NO you would not be considered an independent student. There are very strict criteria for being an independent student....someone else here can probably give you the whole list but here are some of them: orphan, ward of the state, be married, have a dependent child of your own, have your first bachelors degree, over 25. In all cases you cannot be declared a dependent on anyone elses tax return (except spouse if that applies), and you cannot accept any financial support from your family (NONE). In your case, you might want to check on whether you are awarded a bachelors degree at any point in this six year schooling. If so, after that bachelor's degree, you might be considered an independent student.</p>