Key Takeaways
- Tuition waivers allow eligible students — such as veterans, adopted students, or students with disabilities — to reduce or eliminate their tuition costs.
- Waivers may be funded by schools, states, or the federal government and can sometimes count as taxable income, particularly for graduate students.
- Students should also explore other financial aid options like Pell Grants, scholarships, and workplace tuition assistance.
What are Tuition Waivers?
College students can explore scholarships, grants, and loans to fund their education. Tuition waivers provide another form of financial assistance. Learners may qualify for a waiver for various reasons, such as military service or nontraditional learner status. Adopted degree-seekers are also eligible for tuition waivers. Schools, state governments, and the federal government fund waiver programs.
Unlike scholarships and grants, some waivers count as taxable income. However, taxes may not apply if learners' aid packages do not exceed a cutoff. Although this stipulation applies primarily to tuition waivers for graduate students, learners should research potential tax consequences before requesting a waiver.
The following sections detail populations eligible for a tuition waiver. This page also covers financial assistance and provides answers to common questions. Prospective and current students with financial need can speak with a financial aid advisor to determine their eligibility for a tuition waiver.
Eligible Populations
The following table highlights some student populations that qualify for a tuition waiver. Colleges and universities may offer them to additional or fewer groups, depending on their financial aid funding. The embedded links provide examples from U.S. schools, federal agencies, and private organizations offering waivers.
Keep in mind that schools' financial assistance policies differ. An admissions or financial aid advisor can provide information about eligible populations, the application process, and award amounts.
Other Tuition Assistance
Students interested in tuition waivers should explore other forms of aid. Grants, federal programs, loans, and workplace tuition assistance can lower learners' out-of-pocket expenses significantly. Eligibility requirements may include the FAFSA results and official transcripts. Advisors help learners research and apply for these and other forms of financial assistance.