Results of a 1984-1985 national study of independent students are presented, based on self-reported data from independent students. Independent students were identified by the following criteria: they were not claimed as dependent on their parents' tax returns, did not live with their parents for more than 6 weeks during 1984 or 1983, and did not receive more than $750 in support from their parents during either year. Questionnaires were mailed to 2,000 financial aid applicants, and a response rate of 42.2% was achieved. Characteristics of the respondents and their parents and sources of financial support reported by respondents are identified. Information is also provided on: changes in dependency status; the extent of purposeful manipulation of dependency status under current rules and associated attitudes and behaviors; alternative sources of funding that students deprived of aid might seek; the views of independent students on definitions of dependency; the impact that various models of the independent student definition might have on students and on dollars awarded, as well as the impacts such models might have on certain subgroups of independents. Appended are the questionnaire and detailed information on research methods. (SW)