How do I know if I am dependent or independent?

Another important function of the FAFSA is determining whether you have dependent or independent student status. This depends mostly on your age, but sometimes on other things. For the 2003-2004 school year (July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2004), the U.S. Department of Education considers the following students to be independent of their parent(s):

• Students who are at least 24 years old by December 31, 2003;
  
  or
  
  
• Students who are not yet 24 but who:
  • are orphans (both parents are deceased);
  • are wards of the court, or were until age 18;
  • are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces;
  • have legal dependents (children or persons other than a spouse);
  • will be graduate or professional students in 2003-2004;
  • are married; or
  • can prove to the school unusual circumstances that show independent status.

The rules about dependency relate to students who are applying for federal financial aid. Most schools use these rules for their own need-based aid programs also. State aid program rules may vary. Ask the financial aid administrator at the school to be sure.