What if there are more than 30 new students?
If there are more than 30 “new students” (freshman) in an academic year who are planning to attend one of the schools covered by the tuition waiver, DHHS will provide financial assistance for those students, if the following conditions are met:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for each academic year.
- Remain in good academic standing (i.e. not failing courses, or on academic probation).
- Complete the DHHS application for college financial assistance. (This form may be obtained through your DHHS caseworker or Transition Worker).
What if I am attending a college that is not covered by the tuition waiver?
If you are attending a college that is not covered by the tuition waiver the Department of Health and Human Services will continue to provide post-secondary education financial assistance provided that you meet the conditions described above. Please also see the page, “What are additional ways to pay for college?”
What are the Educational and Training Voucher (ETV) funds?
The Office of Child and Family Services is provided with federal Educational and Training Voucher (ETV) funds to assist eligible youth in paying for accredited college and training programs. ETV funds are made available to youth from foster care who:
- were adopted or entered permanent guardianship from care at age 16, or older
- are on a Voluntary Extended Care (V-9) Agreement with DHHS.
Youth must be complete their FAFSA and must be attending an accredited college or training program to receive ETV funds—in state or out-of-state. Youth must also be making satisfactory progress toward completing their program (as determined by the institution—usually that means a minimum GPA of 2.0)
Youth who are receiving ETV funds at age 21 are eligible to continue to receive funds until age 23 if they continue to make satisfactory progress in an accredited program. ETV regulations allow for a maximum of $5000 per academic year (that includes fall, spring, and summer) after all other financial aid (except loans) is applied. The amount available to each student will depend on available funds and the number of students each year and could be less than $5000 in a given year.
Remember…
If you plan to spend a semester of college abroad as an exchange student, talk with your worker in advance in order to make financial plans!