> If you're no longer a dependent of your parents, maybe you'll qualify for better financial aid. FWIW “dependent status” in regards to financial aid has nothi

> If you're no longer a dependent of your parents, maybe you'll qualify for better financial aid. FWIW “dependent status” in regards to financial aid has nothing to do with you tax classification and everything due to rigid, “unhackable” criteria. Save some extreme circumstances (homelessness, being an orphan, etc.) you are a dependent no matter what until 24 with no leniency. You can go read about people who’s parents disowned them, were incarcerated, etc. and basically being told “sucks to be you”. Not that I’ve seen anything to imply the OP is <24 though.