Scholarship Opportunity

DCF Foster Child Tuition Waiver and Fee Assistance Program

Offered by Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

The DCF Foster Child Tuition Waiver and Fee Assistance Program provides tuition and fee assistance to eligible young adults with qualifying Massachusetts Department of Children and Families foster care or guardianship histories. Eligible students can receive a waiver equal to 100% of the resident tuition rate and eligible fees for qualifying state-supported courses at Massachusetts public colleges and universities, subject to state appropriation.

EssayNot required
RenewableYes
Grade LevelHigh School Senior, College Freshman, College Sophomore, College Junior, College Senior, Adult Learner

Application Timeline

Important application dates

This scholarship offers more than one application cycle. Review each window carefully before applying.

2026–2027 Award Year

OpensTo Be Announced
DeadlineTo Be Announced

Eligibility

  • Have been in Massachusetts Department of Children and Families custody until age 18 and unable to return home, excluding qualifying status based solely on a voluntary placement agreement before age 18, or meet the program's qualifying DCF-sponsored guardianship criteria.
  • Not have been adopted or returned home under the Foster Child Tuition Waiver program criteria.
  • Be age 24 or younger at the start of the academic year.
  • Meet applicable Massachusetts residency and state financial aid eligibility requirements.
  • Complete the FAFSA or Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA), as applicable.
  • Be enrolled in an eligible undergraduate degree, certificate, short-term certificate, or qualifying non-credit program.
  • Attend an eligible Massachusetts public college or university.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress according to institutional and federal standards.
  • Not be in default on applicable federal or state student loans or owe a refund for previously received financial aid.
  • Not have previously earned a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.

Requirements

  • Complete the FAFSA or MASFA, as applicable.
  • Obtain eligibility documentation from the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.
  • Complete the DCF tuition waiver and fee assistance eligibility process.
  • Provide any documentation requested to verify foster care or guardianship eligibility.
  • Enroll in eligible state-supported coursework at a Massachusetts public college or university.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
  • Continue meeting applicable age, enrollment, and state financial aid requirements.

How to Apply

  1. 1Complete the FAFSA or MASFA for the applicable academic year.
  2. 2Contact the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families to establish initial program eligibility and obtain the required eligibility documentation.
  3. 3Provide the DCF eligibility documentation to the appropriate financial aid or student services office.
  4. 4Enroll in eligible state-supported courses at a Massachusetts public college or university.
  5. 5Complete any additional documentation requested by the institution or Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance.
  6. 6Review your student account and financial aid information to confirm that the tuition waiver and eligible fee assistance have been applied.