Am I considered an independent student for FAFSA?

So, I've been saving up and working on becoming financially independent from my family. When it comes to applying for college and financial aid, do you know if I'd be considered an independent student for FAFSA purposes? How does that work?

For FAFSA purposes, determining if you're considered an independent student is reliant on specific criteria, rather than just being financially independent from your family. It is necessary to satisfy at least one of the following conditions to be classified as an independent student on your FAFSA:

1. Be 24 years old by December 31 of the award year,

2. Be a graduate or professional student in a master's or doctoral program,

3. Be married or separated (not divorced),

4. Have children or dependents who receive more than half of their financial support from you,

5. Be an orphan, ward of the court, or in foster care since turning 13,

6. Be a veteran or active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces,

7. Be an emancipated minor under the court's jurisdiction,

8. Be homeless or at risk of being homeless as determined by your high school, the director of a homeless youth center, or the financial aid administrator at your school.

If you do not meet any of these criteria, you are classified as a dependent student, and you must provide your parents' financial information on your FAFSA application. However, if you believe you have extenuating circumstances that should make you independent and cannot obtain your parents' financial information, you can speak with the financial aid office at your school for further guidance.