Students who turn 24 before the end of the year in which the school year begins are considered independent students. For example, when filing the FAFSA for the 2011 to 2012 school year, you would need to have your 24th birthday on or before December 31, 2011 to be independent based on your age.
Students pursuing a master's degree or higher are automatically considered to be independent students, even if they do not fit the age criteria. Students pursuing bachelor's degrees, associate's degrees or other undergraduate certificate-level programs must fit one of the other criteria to file as independent students.
Married students are automatically considered to be independent from their parents. However, they will need to provide information about their spouse's income on the FAFSA. Students who provide at least half of the financial support for at least one child during the school year in question are also independent. In addition, a student who lives with and provides at least half of the support for a dependent who is not a child also qualifies as independent.
Active duty service members of any branch of the United States Armed Forces are independent students. This includes enlistees of the National Guard or Reserves who are serving on active duty, not just training or performing work for the state. Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are also independent for the purposes of the FAFSA.
Students who, for all effective purposes, do not have parents or legal guardians are also independent. The government sets strict rules on what situations apply here. You are independent if you have ever been an emancipated minor or were in legal guardianship. If, since the age of 13, your parents have both been deceased or you have been in foster care or a ward of the court since then, you are independent. Also, if you have proof that you have been a homeless unaccompanied youth during the school year before the one for which you are applying, you are independent.
The main number that results from the FAFSA is your Estimated Family Contribution. If you file as a dependent, your parents' income and assets affect how much your family is expected to pay. When you get to file as an independent student, your parents' assets and income do not count at all, so you will probably qualify for more financial aid.