Maryland Tuition Waiver for Foster Care Recipients
Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Free tuition and mandatory fees at any Maryland public college or university for current and former foster youth who enroll before age 25.
- How much
- Full tuition and mandatory fees at Maryland public colleges
- Who qualifies
- Current or former Maryland foster youth (DHS out-of-home placement), including youth adopted or placed in guardianship after 13
- Enroll at a Maryland public institution before age 25 in an associate, bachelor's or vocational certificate program.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- When to apply
- Apply any time No fixed deadline; arrange through your college's financial aid office each term.
- How to apply
- Contact the financial aid office at the Maryland public college you attend or plan to attend (DHS sends eligibility information to colleges)
- Filing the FAFSA or MHEC One-App is encouraged
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (mhec.maryland.gov), page 2 and page 3
The details
Waives tuition, registration fees and other mandatory fees (not room, board, books or transport) at Maryland public institutions for associate, bachelor's or vocational certificate (credit or non-credit) programs, all terms including summer and winter. Eligible: youth placed out of home by the Maryland Department of Human Services who resided in out-of-home placement in Maryland at high school graduation/GED or at their 18th birthday; or were in placement on their 13th birthday and later adopted or placed in guardianship; or spent at least 1 year in placement on/after age 13 before returning to their parents; plus a younger sibling concurrently adopted or placed with the same family. Must enroll (full- or part-time) before turning 25. Other grants can't be applied to tuition since it's already waived.
More money from Maryland
- Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access (GA) GrantUp to 100% of financial need; maximum $18,000 for 2026-27 (minimum $100)
- Delegate Scholarship (Maryland legislative scholarship)$200 to $14,086 for 2026-27
- Senatorial Scholarship (Maryland legislative scholarship)$400 to $14,086 for 2026-27
- Graduate & Professional Scholarship Program$1,000 to $5,000 per year
- Maryland Community College Promise ScholarshipUp to $5,000 per year (remaining tuition and mandatory fees after other aid)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: District of Columbia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.