Foster Youth
Support for Foster Youth
Arizona Tuition Waiver for Foster Youth
Arizona law requires community colleges to provide a tuition waiver scholarship to eligible current and former foster youth. At CCC, this waiver can cover tuition costs after other grants and aid are applied.
Who Is Eligible
You may qualify for the Arizona Tuition Waiver if you meet all of the following conditions:
- You reside in Arizona
- You are currently in foster care and are at least 14 years old, OR you were in foster care at any point after your 14th birthday, OR you were adopted from foster care with the adoption finalized after you turned 14
- You are a United States citizen or are lawfully present in the country
- Your personal assets, not including scholarships or grants, are worth less than $10,000
- You are under 23 years of age
- You are enrolled in or accepted into a degree, certificate, or other accredited program at CCC
- You have submitted a FAFSA for each year you receive the waiver
- After your first year, you have completed at least 30 hours of volunteer service during the previous academic year
- You remain in good academic standing with CCC policies
What the Waiver Covers
The tuition waiver covers tuition costs that remain after other federal aid, scholarships, and public grants are applied. The waiver is not reduced by Education and Training Voucher (ETV) funds received through the Arizona Department of Child Safety. citeturn60search74
The waiver does not cover course fees, books, or other materials.
How to Apply
To apply for the Arizona Tuition Waiver at CCC:
- Complete the CCC admissions application
- Submit your FAFSA at studentaid.gov
- Contact CCC’s Financial Aid office to request the tuition waiver application and provide documentation of your foster care status
Arizona Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program
The Arizona ETV program is a federally funded, state-administered program that provides additional financial support for current and former foster youth enrolled in accredited colleges, universities, or vocational programs. ETV funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, housing, and other education-related expenses.
ETV Eligibility
You may be eligible for ETV if you:
- Were in foster care in the United States on or after your 16th birthday, OR were adopted from US foster care with the adoption finalized after your 16th birthday
- Are under 26 years of age
- Are an Arizona resident
- Are a US citizen or qualified noncitizen
- Have personal assets worth less than $10,000
- Are enrolled in an accredited program and making satisfactory academic progress (minimum 2.0 GPA)
How to Apply for ETV
ETV applications are processed through Foster Success Education Services. Applications open October 1 each year. For questions: AzETV@fostersuccess.org or 219-426-2166
[MAKE THIS A BUTTON] Apply at: fseducation.fostersuccess.org/arizona-etv/
Additional Scholarships and Support
Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF)
The AFFCF offers scholarships to students who experienced foster care up until their 18th birthday. Scholarships are available for up to 10 semesters and are awarded prior to the start of each semester. The AFFCF Focus Forward Fund also provides emergency funding of up to $2,500 per semester for eligible students facing unexpected expenses.
Learn more at: affcf.org/scholarships
Extended Foster Care (EFC)
If you are between 18 and 21 years old and currently in Arizona foster care, you may be eligible to participate in Arizona’s Extended Foster Care program through the Department of Child Safety. EFC provides continued support and assistance while you pursue higher education or employment. Your DCS specialist can help you understand your options.
Your FAFSA Status as a Foster Youth
If you were in foster care at any point after your 13th birthday, you are automatically considered an independent student on the FAFSA. This means you do not report a parent's income, which typically results in significantly more financial aid eligibility.
When completing your FAFSA, answer the dependency questions honestly. Being an independent student is an advantage that can increase your Pell Grant and other aid amounts.
If you need help completing your FAFSA, CCC's Financial Aid office can assist you. You may also need documentation of your foster care history. CCC's Financial Aid office can help you understand what documentation is needed.
Next Steps:
- Apply for free to CCC
- Submit your FAFSA at studentaid.gov
- Contact CCC’s Financial Aid office to discuss your eligibility for the Arizon Tuition Waiver and other aid
- Apply for ETV through Foster Success Education Services
- Meet with an academic advisor to plan your coursework
Frequently ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I have to currently be in foster care to qualify for the tuition waiver?
No. You qualify if you are currently in foster care, if you were in foster care at any point after your 14th birthday, or if you were adopted from foster care after your 14th birthday. You do not have to currently be in the system.
What is the age limit for the Arizona Tuition Waiver?
You must receive your first tuition waiver disbursement before your 23rd birthday. Once you qualify, you may continue receiving the waiver as long as you meet all other requirements and demonstrate continuous progress toward your degree or certificate.
Does the waiver cover fees, books, and housing?
The tuition waiver covers tuition costs remaining after other aid is applied. It does not cover course fees, books, or housing. The ETV program may cover some of these additional expenses. Contact Financial Aid for information on what each program covers in your specific situation.
What if I do not have documentation of my foster care history?
Your DCS specialist or caseworker can help you obtain documentation, including birth certificates, Social Security cards, and records that verify your dates in foster care. CCC’s Financial Aid office can also help you understand what documentation is needed for each program.
Will receiving the tuition waiver affect my other financial aid?
The waiver is reduced by most other federal aid, scholarships, and public grants you receive. However, the waiver cannot be reduced by ETV funds from the Arizona Department of Child Safety. In most cases, combining the waiver with ETV and other aid can significantly reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket tuition costs.
Does CCC have a dedicated foster youth support program on campus?
Contact CCC’s Financial Aid office and Student Services to learn about available support resources. Staff can connect you with advising, emergency aid, and other services designed to help students facing financial or personal challenges.