Tuition Waiver for Current and Former Wards of the State (Foster Youth)
State of North Carolina (UNC System institutions and NC community colleges, G.S. 115B-2(a)(5))
Last-dollar tuition waiver at UNC System universities and NC community colleges for NC residents aged 17-23 who are, or were at 18, wards of the State and are eligible for Chafee ETV.
- How much
- Waiver of any tuition still owed after other financial aid
- Who qualifies
- Current or former ward of the State of North Carolina (foster youth) eligible for Chafee ETV
- Age 17-23; NC resident; must meet the institution's admission standards; UNC institutions admit on a space-available basis.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- When to apply
- Apply any time No deadline; request through the institution when enrolling
- How to apply
- Request the waiver through the college's admissions/financial aid office
- The college may ask for proof of eligibility
- Complete the FAFSA so other aid is applied first
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (ncleg.gov) and page 2
The details
Under G.S. 115B-2(a)(5), UNC constituent institutions and community colleges must waive tuition for a child who is at least 17 but not yet 24, is a ward of North Carolina (or was at age 18), is an NC resident, and is eligible for the Chafee Education and Training Vouchers program. It covers only tuition still owed after other financial aid. It covers tuition only, not fees or books. UNC institutions admit on a space-available basis.
More money from North Carolina
- Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities ScholarshipUp to $14,000 ($3,500 per school year for up to 4 years; transfers $3,500/yr for up to 3 years)
- Golden LEAF Community Colleges ScholarshipUp to $2,250 per school year (curriculum students); up to $1,850 per year (occupational/continuing education programs)
- NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College StudentsAmount varies
- Next NC ScholarshipAt least $5,000 per year at a UNC System university; at least $3,000 per year at an NC community college (federal Pell + state funds combined)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, 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.