Definition of Independent Students Students who are not dependent on their parents for financial support are considered independent. Under the federal definition for the 2008-09 academic year, an independent student is one who meets one of the following criteria: is 24 years old (born before 1/1/85) is working on a master's or doctorate program at the beginning of the 2008-09 academic year is married as of the date of completion of the FAFSA has children who receive more than half of their support from student has legal dependents (other than a spouse or children) who live with the student and receive more than half of their support from student (and will continue to do so through June 30, 2009) both of the student's parents are deceased, or the student is a ward/dependent of the court (or was a ward/dependent of the court until age 18) is currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for other than training purposes is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces