Tuition Waiver for Foster and Adopted Children Program
NH Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), with the University System and Community College System of New Hampshire
Tuition and mandatory fees waived at New Hampshire public colleges for up to 70 former NH foster youth and youth adopted from NH state care each year (35 at USNH, 35 at CCSNH).
- How much
- Full tuition and mandatory fees at NH public colleges
- Who qualifies
- Former NH foster youth, youth in NH state guardianship/custody or DJJS out-of-home placement at 18, or youth adopted from NH DCYF care
- Under 26 as of May 1 of the application year; placed or adopted through NH DCYF only; full- or part-time in a certificate/associate/bachelor's program at a NH public institution; meet the college's NH residency rules; satisfactory academic progress; max 6 annual waivers.
- For students starting college, undergrads, transfer students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- When to apply
- Open now · due May 1, 2027 Annual; submit to DCYF between October 1 and May 1 for priority consideration for the coming fall; notification typically by June 30.
- How to apply
- 1) Complete the NH Tuition Waiver for Foster Children application (DHHS PDF) and submit it to DCYF on or after October 1 and by May 1 for the fall you will attend
- 2) File the FAFSA by your college's financial aid deadline
- 3) Apply and be admitted to a NH public college (applying to both USNH and CCSNH schools improves your chances)
- Reapply every year
- Questions: Robert Rodler, DCYF Adolescent Program Administrator
- What you'll need
- state application + FAFSA
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (dhhs.nh.gov), page 2, page 3 and page 4
The details
Under RSA 187-A:20-b, eligible youth enrolled full- or part-time in a certificate, associate or bachelor's program at a New Hampshire public college or university (UNH Durham and Manchester, UNH College of Professional Studies Online, Keene State, Plymouth State, and the seven community colleges including NHTI) pay no tuition or mandatory fees. Eligible: under 26 as of May 1 of the application year and, at 18, in NH state foster care for the prior 6 months, in state guardianship or custody, in guardianship after state foster care, placed out of state through the interstate compact, adopted while in state guardianship or from DCYF care, or in an out-of-home placement supervised by the Division for Juvenile Justice Services. Only youth placed or adopted through NH DCYF qualify. At most 70 waivers a year (35 per system); returning recipients and full-time students get priority, and the systems give priority to greatest financial need. The waiver is applied before other aid. Reapply every year and keep satisfactory academic progress; maximum 6 annual waivers. Recipients may also apply for a room-and-board scholarship (RSA 187-A:20-a, II) where funds allow.
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont
- 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.