Isn't the issue is financial aid, not taxation? They are not the same notions of 'dependent'. EG you can be off US tax forms and still have your parent's assets

Isn't the issue is financial aid, not taxation? They are not the same notions of 'dependent'. EG you can be off US tax forms and still have your parent's assets/income disqualify you for finacial aid (ie, large monetary discounts on tuition a/k/a handouts etc).