- 1). Turn 24 by Dec. 31 of the financial aid year you are applying for. Individuals 24 and older are no longer considered dependents for financial aid purposes.
- 2). Be an orphan or ward of the court. If you are older than the age of majority and are no longer considered a ward of the court, you will still qualify as an independent student if you were a ward until age 18.
- 3). Serve in the armed forces. All U.S. veterans are considered independents, regardless of their age.
- 4). Enter graduate school. This implies that you have already received a bachelor's degree, but entering graduate school automatically classifies you as an independent.
- 5). Become married before you submit your FAFSA. Married students are always considered independents.
- 6). Have a legal dependent, such as a child or ward. If someone legally depends on you, the government will not factor your parent's income into your financial aid calculation.
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