Tuition Waiver

What is a tuition waiver?

A tuition waiver is a form that allows the tuition, or cost, of attending a public college, university, or trade school, to be waived. This means you do not have to pay to attend a public school in Florida. The waiver can be used until the age of 28, and there is no GPA requirement or a limit to the number of credit hours (or classes) that you can take.

What types of schools will accept the tuition waiver?

• State universities
• Florida public colleges
• Trade Schools/ workforce education programs

What types of courses can I take?

• Undergraduate classes
• Graduate classes including a Master’s degree or PHD
• Professional school: example dental school, law school 

How do I qualify for a tuition waiver?

In Florida you will receive a tuition and fee waiver (meaning you do not have to pay the cost to attend college or trade school) if:

You were removed from your parents’ care and never reunified. (This means you could have aged out of foster care, been adopted, or been placed with a relative or non-relative.)

OR

You were reunified after age 14 and spent at least 18 months in foster care.

OR

After the age 16 you spent at least 6 months in the custody of the department and were placed in a guardianship.

How long do I have to use the tuition waiver?

Your tuition waiver can be used until the age of 28.

How do I get my tuition waiver?

You must contact your Community Based Care Agency (CBC) Independent Living Contact. Click HERE to see who to contact. They will ask you some questions to make sure you qualify to get a tuition waiver. If you qualify they will send it to you or to your school directly. If you do not know your Community Based Care Agency you can call the Hope line at 833-GET-HOPE ( 833 438 4673).