FAFSA Form & Financial Aid Form Blog

How do you know if you’re dependent or independent by school standards?

There are 10 primary criteria points which are used to make that determination.  You are independent if you fall into one of the following categories…

- If you are 24 or older

- If you are married

- If you are pursuiing an advanced degree

- If you are active duty military, or a veteran

- Students who are parents and whose child gets half of their support or more from them

- Students who have someone else living with them and receive more than half their support

- If you were a foster child or ward of the court after the age of 13, you are automatically independent

- If you are a legally emancipated minor

- If you are in a legal guardianship as determined by the court

- If you are homeless (lacking, fixed, regular, adequate housing)

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