Who is eligible to apply for the Maryland State Foster Care Tuition Waiver?

Students who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for MD State Foster Care Tuition Waiver consideration:

• Must have resided in a Maryland foster care home at the time of high school graduation or successfully completed a general equivalency development (GED) examination;
  
  or
  
• Must have resided in a Maryland foster care home on their 14th birthday and were then adopted after their 14th birthday.
• Must enroll as a degree-seeking student at a public two-year or four-year higher education institution in Maryland on or before age 21.

The Maryland State Department of Human Resources must also confirm that the student is eligible to receive the Foster Care Waiver.

How does an eligible student apply for the Foster Care Tuition Waiver?

STEP 1
The student is required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online between January 1 and March 1 each year.  Apply on time! Students who file the FAFSA after the March 1 priority filing date are not eligible for the Foster Care Tuition Waiver.

STEP 2
The student must notify Financial Aid Services that s/he meets the eligibility requirements to receive the Foster Care Tuition Waiver.

How are Foster Care Tuition Waivers renewed?
Students may renew their award for an additional four years or until completion of a bachelor’s degree, whichever occurs first. Students are required to meet Howard Community College’s satisfactory academic progress standards and remain enrolled in an eligible program of study.

What does the Maryland State Foster Care Waiver cover?
Students who are eligible for the Maryland State Foster Care Waiver are exempt from paying tuition and mandatory fees at a public college in Maryland.  The tuition waiver applies to any balance on tuition and fees minus any grants and scholarships received by the student.  Books and supplies are not covered by the Foster Care Tuition Waiver.

Are students who receive a Foster Care Tuition Wavier also eligible for other forms of financial assistance?
Yes. Students are encouraged to complete the financial aid application process by going to our "How to Apply" web page. Students may be eligible for additional resources.

Research other options...

The Maryland Education and Training Voucher Program