Aug 9, 2022
A student’s Independent vs Dependent status is based on the information you put in on your FAFSA. It doesn’t matter if you are living on your own or if you are not on your parents taxes. You are considered Independent if you are:
24 or Older
Married
Have Kids
Served in the Military
Are a member of the Clergy
A few other special criteria listed on the FAFSA
If none of those apply to you then you are considered Dependent by default and must put your parent tax information (with some exception in outstanding circumstances and at the discretion of your Financial Aid office)