The short answer is: the vast majority of students under the age of 24 are dependent. Students 24 and older are independent.
Specifically, for the 25–26 FAFSA, students born after Jan 1, 2002 are considered dependent. For the 26–27 FAFSA, this date would be Jan 1, 2003. For 27–28, it would be Jan 1, 2004, and so on. If you were 23 on Jan 1, 2002, but turned 24 sometime during the 25–26 aid year, you would still be considered a dependent while you are 24.
There are exceptions. The most common reasons you could be under 24 years old and yet be considered independent are if you are:
- Married
- Active-duty or a veteran of the US armed forces
- Support dependents of your own (e.g., have children)
Less commonly, you would be considered independent if you:
- Have been, at any time since you turned 13, an orphan, ward of the court, or in foster care
- Have been, at any time, a legally emancipated minor or in a legal guardianship with someone other than your parent or stepparent
- Are unaccompanied and either homeless or self-supporting and at risk of being homeless and have received a homeless youth determination from an individual at an eligible agency
- Have unusual circumstances
Demonstrating self-sufficiency or living on your own are not alone sufficient reasons to be considered independent. However, if you believe your circumstances are unusual and warrant a second look, consider requesting a dependency override.