Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program (FosterED)
Pennsylvania’s Fostering Independence Through Education, known as FosterED, aims to reduce tuition barriers for students who are or were in foster care. State law requires participating public, private, community, and state-related colleges to apply an eligible waiver. It can cover tuition and mandatory fees after other available aid is applied; actual coverage depends on eligibility, balance, and coordination rules. It is not cash for living expenses. The state page says the
About Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program (FosterED)
Pennsylvania’s Fostering Independence Through Education, known as FosterED, aims to reduce tuition barriers for students who are or were in foster care. State law requires participating public, private, community, and state-related colleges to apply an eligible waiver. It can cover tuition and mandatory fees after other available aid is applied; actual coverage depends on eligibility, balance, and coordination rules. It is not cash for living expenses.
The state page says the benefit may be used for up to five years or until age 26, under the applicable rule, and also covers college application fees. The program works with PHEAA and state education, human-services, and labor agencies. DHS explains that FosterED is linked to Chafee ETG eligibility and that students must apply for other federal and state aid, making annual FAFSA part of the process.
Do not wait for the final bill to notify the college. Contact the financial-aid office and campus FosterED coordinator, confirm your status with a caseworker or custody records, and ask how eligibility is verified. Also request mentoring and campus supports. Housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses are not automatically covered by the waiver.
Before choosing a college, confirm in writing that it participates, which charges it treats as mandatory, and the order in which it applies Pell, Chafee ETG, other scholarships, and the waiver. If you transfer, request a new review; administrative eligibility may not move automatically. Use the official PHEAA and campus links and keep records, since billing questions are easier to resolve before an account is sent to collections.
Who it serves and what it can cover: Pennsylvania’s Fostering Independence Through Education, known as FosterED, aims to reduce tuition barriers for students who are or were in foster care. State law requires participating public, private, community, and state-related colleges to apply an eligible waiver. It can cover tuition and mandatory fees after other available aid is applied; actual coverage depends on eligibility, balance, and coordination rules. It is not cash for living expenses. The state page says the benefit may be used for up to five years or until age 26, under the applicable rule, and also covers college application fees. The program works with PHEAA and state education, human-services, and labor agencies. DHS explains that FosterED is linked to Chafee ETG eligibility and that students must apply for other federal and state aid, making annual FAFSA part of the process.
How to apply or get help: Do not wait for the final bill to notify the college. Contact the financial-aid office and campus FosterED coordinator, confirm your status with a caseworker or custody records, and ask how eligibility is verified. Also request mentoring and campus supports. Housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses are not automatically covered by the waiver. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
College financial-aid program