College guide for foster youth

If you were ever in foster care, college may be far more affordable than you think. Between tuition waivers, automatic independent FAFSA status, vouchers, and dedicated campus programs, there's real, substantial support built for you. Here's how to claim it.

Tuition waivers & low-cost college

Arizona offers a tuition waiver for eligible former foster youth at public universities and community colleges — often covering tuition entirely.
Many states have similar waivers, so check the rules wherever you plan to attend.
Combined with other aid, this can make a degree close to free.

You're an independent student on the FAFSA

If you were in foster care at any point after age 13, you're automatically independent on the FAFSA.
That means you don't report parent information — which often qualifies you for significantly more aid.
Answer the dependency questions honestly; being independent is an advantage here.

ETV & extra funding

The federal Education and Training Voucher (ETV) provides up to about $5,000 a year for current and former foster youth.
Look for foster-youth-specific scholarships from states, nonprofits, and foundations.
Your caseworker or a college's foster-youth program can point you to what you qualify for.

Campus support programs

Many colleges have a dedicated foster-youth support program with a point person for academics, money, and housing.
These programs often include year-round housing help and a built-in support network.
Ask each school whether they have one before you enroll — it can make all the difference.

Built-in support — ask every school what you qualify for

Foster youth have some of the strongest college benefits available: a tuition waiver, automatic independent FAFSA status, the ETV voucher, scholarships, and campus programs with a real person in your corner. Ask each school's financial aid office and foster-youth program early, and build a plan around everything you're owed.

Keep going: find foster-youth scholarships, file the FAFSA without parent info, and get the financial aid basics.

College guide for foster youth

Tuition waivers & low-cost college

You're an independent student on the FAFSA

ETV & extra funding

Campus support programs

Related guides · For underserved students

College guide for foster youth

Tuition waivers & low-cost college

You're an independent student on the FAFSA

ETV & extra funding

Campus support programs