Foster Care Tuition Waiver
During the Fiscal Year 2000, West Virginia Legislature was enacted (HB-4784) which allows eligible youth in foster care to receive tuition waivers for the purpose of attending a West Virginia public college or university.
Who is eligible?
Within limitations of the governing boards for higher education, the waiver program is available to ANY youth who:
- graduated from high school or passed the GED examination while in the legal custody of the State Department of Health and Human Resources;
- was in family foster care or residential care for at least one year immediately preceding graduation;
- applies for the waiver within two years of graduating from high school or passing the GED;
- has been accepted to a West Virginia public institution of higher education;
- applies for other student financial aid, other than student loans, in compliance with federal financial aid rules, including the Pell Grant.
What does the waiver pay for?
The waiver covers tuition and fees after other sources of financial aid dedicated solely to tuition and fees are exhausted.
What is not covered by the waiver?
The waiver does NOT cover room and board or the cost of books.
Would a youth have to apply for a waiver each of the four years?
Yes. The youth must continue to meet the academic progress standards established by the West Virginia college or university they are attending in order to maintain waiver eligibility.
Where does youth apply for a West Virginia Foster Care Tuition Waiver?
At the financial aid office of the college or university where accepted. A letter on DHHR letterhead signed by the DHRR Regional Director will be required as proof of foster/residential care placement on year prior to graduation.
This initiative is composed as part of a collaborative between the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau for Children and Families and the Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
