Irving, TX info@americanfosterfutures.org
Education is a right

Financial Aid for Foster Youth

Federal and state resources designed to remove financial barriers so current and former foster youth can access higher education and training programs nationwide.

Federal Programs Browse by State
Nationwide Resources

Federal Financial Aid Programs

These programs are available to eligible foster youth across all states. Many states administer federal funds locally.

Chafee Education and Training Voucher (ETV)

Federal program providing up to $5,000 per year for post-secondary education, vocational training, or apprenticeships.

  • • For youth who experienced foster care (typically ages 14–23, state rules vary)
  • • Can be used for tuition, books, housing, transportation, etc.
  • • Must complete FAFSA or state equivalent
Find your state's ETV coordinator

FAFSA & Pell Grants

Former foster youth who were in care at age 13 or older (or met other criteria) are considered independent students on the FAFSA.

  • • Pell Grants: Need-based grants that do not need to be repaid
  • • Special priority in some states for foster youth
  • • No parent information required if independent status applies
  • • Can be combined with state waivers and Chafee ETV
Start your FAFSA

Other Federal Aid

  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Additional grant money for students with exceptional financial need.
  • Federal Work-Study: Part-time jobs on or off campus to help pay for education.
  • Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans: Low-interest federal loans (use only after grants).
Apply via FAFSA at studentaid.gov

Important Tips for Foster Youth

  • Mark the foster care question on the FAFSA for independent status
  • State tuition waivers often stack with federal grants
  • Contact your state's ETV coordinator early — deadlines vary
  • Many colleges have dedicated foster youth liaisons or support programs
  • Keep documentation of foster care history (DFPS letter, court documents)
State-Specific Aid

State-by-State Financial Aid

Alabama
Tuition Waiver: Alabama Foster Child Tuition Waiver at public colleges/universities. ACHE website
Chafee ETV: Up to $5,000. Contact Alabama DHR. dhr.alabama.gov
Other: Alabama Student Grant, various institutional aid.
Alaska
Tuition Waiver: Limited; check University of Alaska system for foster youth support.
Chafee ETV: Available through Alaska Office of Children's Services. dhss.alaska.gov
Other: Alaska Performance Scholarship, UA Scholars.
Arizona
Tuition Waiver: Arizona Foster Youth Tuition Waiver at community colleges and universities. azregents.edu
Chafee ETV: Up to $5,000 via AZ DCS. dcs.az.gov
Other: Arizona Promise Program, institutional foster youth grants.
Arkansas
Tuition Waiver: Arkansas Foster Youth Tuition Waiver. adhe.edu
Chafee ETV: Available. Contact Arkansas DCFS.
Other: Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship.
California
Tuition Waiver: California College Fee Waiver for Foster Youth (AB 12 / AB 130). csac.ca.gov
Chafee ETV: Up to $5,000 + additional state support. chafee.csac.ca.gov
Other: Cal Grant, Middle Class Scholarship, many campus-based programs for former foster youth.
Colorado
Tuition Waiver: Colorado Tuition Waiver for Foster Youth.
Chafee ETV: Available. cdhs.colorado.gov
Other: Colorado Opportunity Scholarship, institutional aid.
Texas (Model Program)
Tuition Waiver: Full waiver of tuition and fees at public colleges/universities. See dedicated page for details. Texas Tuition Waiver Legislation
Chafee ETV: Up to $5,000/year. DFPS ETV
Other: Texas Grant, Texas Educational Opportunity Grant, many local scholarships.
New York
Tuition Waiver: NYS Foster Youth College Tuition Waiver.
Chafee ETV: Available. ocfs.ny.gov
Other: Excelsior Scholarship, Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), many campus foster youth programs.
Illinois
Tuition Waiver: Illinois Foster Child Tuition Waiver.
Chafee ETV: Available.
Other: Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP), AIM HIGH scholarship.
Florida
Tuition Waiver: Florida Foster Care Tuition Exemption.
Chafee ETV: Available via DCF.
Other: Florida Bright Futures, various grants.
New York (continued)
See above + additional campus-specific foster youth scholarships at CUNY/SUNY.
All other states offer the federal Chafee ETV program (up to $5,000/year) and many have state-specific tuition waivers or scholarships. Search your state child welfare agency + "foster youth tuition" or visit the National Foster Youth Institute or FosterClub for the most current list. Most states also have designated higher education liaisons for foster youth.
This is a compiled overview. Eligibility and amounts change annually. Always verify directly with the institution and your state child welfare agency or financial aid office. For the most current coordinator list, visit childwelfare.gov.