Beginning in spring 2022, youth who have spent all or some of their teenage years in foster care will be eligible to have their college tuition waived at public Delaware in-state schools (University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Delaware Technical Community College).

What does this mean?

If you are eligible for the tuition waiver and get accepted to UD, DSU, or Del Tech, you can attend, without having to worry about how to pay for college.

What is included?

ALL tuition and fees (including books)

Year-round on-campus room and board (including meal plan) for full-time students at UD or DSU

Who is eligible?

You are eligible for the tuition waiver if you:

• Are eligible for DFS Independent Living Services
• Aged out of foster care in Delaware at 18
• Were in foster care in Delaware and went to guardianship or adoption between 16-18
• Spent 1 year or longer in foster care in Delaware between the ages of 14-18

Eligible students must apply for any and all financial aid before being granted the tuition waiver for any leftover tuition and fees. Students may use the tuition waiver until they turn 27.

How to apply

Once you are accepted to the school, or if you are a student currently enrolled at the school, please contact dscyf_highereducation@delaware.gov to obtain a letter verifying your eligibility. You will provide this letter to the school according to their procedures.

Each school is in the process of identifying a point of contact for students who are interested in applying for the tuition waiver after acceptance. Once those points of contact are identified, their information will be listed here. In the meantime, if you have questions about the tuition waiver program or eligibility, please send an email to dscyf_highereducation@delaware.gov.

Tuition Waiver FAQ

Related Topics:  DFS, Family Services, foster care, Foster Care Contact Information, foster care training link, Foster Care Tuition Waiver Program