Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program

“We want to give students the ability to achieve a better life, but too often students from the foster care system do not have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed. The Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program makes it so that students from the foster care system only need to focus on adjusting to college life and getting good grades.” – Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller

The Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program, created by Act 16 of 2019, seeks to remove barriers in accessing postsecondary education for youth who are or have been in foster care.

All Pennsylvania colleges and universities, including public, private, community colleges, and state-related schools, will award the waivers beginning in the fall 2020 semester. The waivers, which also cover college application fees, can be used for up to five years or until a student reaches age 26.

This program will help those who are eligible to complete their studies, graduate with less debt, and build a network of support.

The program is being administered collaboratively by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) in conjunction with the Pennsylvania departments of Education, Human Services, and Labor & Industry.

To learn more and apply, visit the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) website.

Guidelines for implementing the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program are available for colleges and universities on the PHEAA website.