A tuition waiver is a part of a financial aid package where the college or university waives part or all of your tuition costs, even if you still owe costs like fees and room and board. It is a form of financial assistance that reduces the amount of tuition charged by the college or university. Tuition waivers can be granted by the school, state governments, and the federal government, and they can be offered to various groups of students, such as military service members, nontraditional learners, Native American students, and students who grew up in foster care or are current employees or children of employees at a college or university. Tuition waiver qualifications can also include having a low expected family contribution (EFC) or meeting particular grade point averages or good academic standing.
Tuition waivers can be used in conjunction with other forms of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, to help pay for college expenses. However, tuition waivers only apply to the cost of tuition and cannot be used for other educational expenses. The value of a tuition waiver depends on the amount of tuition charged by the college or university, and it can be tax-free if it meets certain criteria.
To get a tuition waiver, students should check with their college or universitys financial aid office to determine if they qualify and what documentation is needed. The specific requirements for tuition waivers can vary by school, but some common reasons a school might grant a waiver include demonstrating a high financial need, being of Native American descent, overcoming a significant hardship, or being adopted or a foster child.
