In some states, adopted children may also qualify for tuition waivers.
Tuition Waiver is the cancellation of tuition and fees associated with a college education for eligible students, generally only for public schools. Waivers allow students to attend college when they could not otherwise afford it. Financial aid offices have information on tuition waivers available at their institutions and can help students apply. Students can qualify even if they think they don’t, and it’s always wise to ask.
A single mother may qualify for tuition waivers at some institutions.
Many regions offer tuition waiver programs for low-income students, allowing them to attend public colleges and universities for free as long as their income is below a certain level. Members of certain groups of people may also qualify; in the United States, for example, American Indians, veterans, and blind students can attend public institutions for free. In some states, adopted children may also qualify for tuition waivers, and there may be additional programs to finance college for other students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In order to receive the tuition waiver, the student must complete the application paperwork and provide documentation. For an American Indian, for example, it would be necessary to provide information from the Bureau of Indian Affairs certifying the student’s tribal affiliation and status. Veterans also need letters from the government that provide information about their service and discharge status; Dishonorably discharged military personnel generally do not qualify for benefits such as tuition waivers.
Enrollment waivers may cover enrollment only or enrollment and fees. Students still need funding for living expenses. They may be eligible for other financial assistance, such as grants and loans, and can discuss options with a financial aid counselor. Many public colleges and universities also offer tuition fee waivers for faculty and staff, as well as their children. Children of college and university staff who are preparing for college may want to ask about these programs if they are concerned about affordability.
In private educational institutions, it is possible to obtain exemptions from tuition fees. Some private organizations provide tuition assistance to disadvantaged students, and colleges may also fund low-income students or members of minority groups with internal scholarship programs. Students concerned about the cost of a private education can discuss their options with a financial aid advisor. These schools may also offer fee waivers for their applications, and in the process of applying for a waiver, the student may want to ask about student aid programs and financial aid.