Law (RSA 188-D:43)

Purpose: To provide tuition and fee waivers, for up to 20 students per year, who are eligible foster children and enrolled full-time in a program leading to a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree at any 2- or 4-year NH public institution.

Eligibility Criteria: Be a NH resident; be less than 23 years old; be enrolled full-time at a 2- or 4-year NH public institution; be certified as an eligible foster child by the NH Division of Children, Youth and Families.

Award: Waiver of tuition and fees

Contact: Judith Knapp at (603) 271-2555, ext. 352

Download an application for the Tuition Waivers for Foster Children

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:        What institutions are considered NH public institutions of higher education?
A:         The NH public institutions are:
                        Granite State College, all campuses
                        Great Bay Community College
                        Keene State College
                        Lakes Region Community College
                        Manchester Community College
                        Nashua Community College
                        NHTI, Concord’s Community College                       
                        Plymouth State University
                        River Valley Community College
                        White Mountains Community College
                        University of New Hampshire
                        University of New Hampshire-Manchester

Q:        How do I know if I am an eligible foster child?
A:         Eligibility is certified by the Division of Children, Youth and Families using the following criteria:
                        Less than 23 years of age, who is or was:
                        (1)        In state foster care for the immediate 6-month period prior to his or her 18th birthday; or
                        (2)        In state guardianship or custody at the time of his of her 18th birthday; or
                        (3)        Adopted while in state guardianship or adopted from the care, custody, and control of the department of human services following a surrender of parental rights; or
                        (4)        In an out-of-home placement under the supervision of the division for juvenile justice services at the time of his or her 17th birthday.

Q:        Do I have to submit the FAFSA and be eligible to receive financial aid in order to receive assistance under this program?
A:         Yes, you must submit the FAFSA and meet the financial aid deadline for your institution.

Q:        Is there an application deadline?
A:         There is no deadline.  However, applications received after May 1st will only be considered if there are remaining places.

Q:        Must I reapply each year to be eligible for a waiver?
A:         Yes, each year’s applicants are considered separately.  While the fact that you received an award in one year does not guarantee future eligibility, priority will be given to prior recipients.

Q:        Do I have to maintain a minimum GPA to continue to receive my award?
A:         You must maintain a GPA that will enable you to continue enrollment at your college or university as a full-time student.