<p>You’re a dependent if you don’t qualify for one of these situations:</p>
<p>In order to file your financial aid application as an independent student, you must meet one or more of the following criteria:</p>
<pre><code>* Age 24 by January 1 of the aid year
- Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training
- Graduate or graduate/professional student
- Married prior to filing and signing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Orphan or ward of the court
- Have legal dependents other than a spouse
</code></pre>
<p>See the FAFSA instructions for additional information on these criteria. If you do not meet one of the above conditions, you must file as a dependent student and include your parents’ information.</p>
<p>You may have to chance to argue your status with the school itself. This is from the MSU financial aid site:</p>
<p>The only exception to the dependency rules at Michigan State is in very rare instances where it can be proven that there is a total breakdown in the relationship between student and parent(s). If you believe that this describes your situation, contact a financial aid advisor for advice on how to document your circumstances.</p>