DCFS Tuition and Fee Waiver for Youth in Care

Illinois community colleges and public universities waive remaining tuition and fees for up to 5 years for current and former youth in care.

How much

tuition and fees remaining after Pell and MAP (up to 5 years)

Who qualifies

• Current or former youth in DCFS care
• Within the first five years of enrollment at an Illinois community college or public university; satisfactory academic progress.
• For students starting college, undergrads

When to apply

Open now · due January 15, 2027 Each term, first-come, first-served: submit by Aug 15 (fall), Jan 15 (spring), June 15 (summer).

How to apply

1. Email the waiver application and your class schedule (name, school, term, student ID) to DCFS.TuitionWaiver@illinois.gov
2. Requests are first-come, first-served, so send them by Aug 15 (fall), Jan 15 (spring) or June 15 (summer)
3. File the FAFSA so Pell and MAP are applied first

What you'll need

state application + FAFSA

Last checked

October 5, 2026, against the official page (dcfs.illinois.gov)