Every foster youth deserves tuition-free access to public colleges. We are building a nationwide movement to replicate Texas' model and establish cross-state reciprocity.
Texas offers one of the nation's strongest foster youth tuition waiver programs. Our movement works state-by-state to pass similar laws — and to honor waivers across state lines through reciprocity.
Learn how the Texas model works → · How youth can apply and pay for college today →
How we classify each state. Hover a state on the map for its status and notes.
Texas-style or similar law covering 100% of tuition for eligible foster youth at public colleges statewide.
No waiver of any kind, and/or youth are predominantly reliant on federal Chafee ETV grants only.
Multilayered or limited aid that does not guarantee 100% tuition coverage for every eligible youth.
Texas-style tuition and fee waivers give foster youth a stronger path through higher education than the federal Chafee Education and Training Voucher alone. Chafee tops out at $5,000 a year—an amount that has not kept pace with college costs and is often reduced, delayed, or unavailable when state funding runs short. Many states also prioritize students already receiving the voucher or already enrolled, so first-time applicants can wait in line. By contrast, a Texas-style waiver eliminates 100% of tuition and required fees at public institutions for eligible current and former foster youth. It is a clear statutory benefit, not a competitive grant that can run out mid-year.
Removing the largest fixed educational cost gives students real predictability and lets other aid—Pell Grants, state grants, and Chafee when available—stretch further for housing, books, and living expenses. For young people who already face housing instability and interrupted schooling, a full tuition waiver is more powerful than a limited federal voucher. Chafee remains a useful supplement; it should not be the primary foundation. States serious about college outcomes for foster youth should put robust tuition and fee waivers first—and use improved Chafee funding only to fill remaining gaps.
Tier 1 first (no waiver / ETV-reliant), then Tier 2 (multilayered but not guaranteed 100% tuition). Grey states on the map are Tier 0 — not campaign targets.