Foster Care Tuition Waiver Program

Scholarship Overview: Youth who have spent all or some of their teenage years in foster care in Delaware may be eligible to have their college tuition and fees waived at public Delaware in-state schools
Application Available: July 1, 2026
Deadline Date: June 30, 2027

Scholarship Details:

In coordination with the Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families (DSCYF), the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) is responsible for administering two educational scholarship opportunities for young adults who have experienced foster care in Delaware.

Delaware Fostering Independence Through Education Tuition Waiver Program – waives the cost of tuition and all mandatory fees at public Delaware in-state schools (University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Delaware Technical Community College) for eligible young adults.

Tuition Waiver Eligibility Criteria

  1. Current Delaware resident
  2. Under age 26
  3. One of the following:
    • Aged out of the Department of Children Youth and Their Families (DSCYF) custody at age 18 or;
    • Exited DSCYF custody to guardianship or adoption at the age of 16 or older or;
    • Was in DSCYF custody for 12 months or more between the ages of 14 and 18.

Eligible students must apply for any and all financial aid before being granted the tuition waiver for any leftover tuition and fees. Students are eligible until they turn 27.

Application Process:

  • To request a Verification of Program Eligibility letter, complete your request using this online portal.
  • If you have general questions about the tuition waiver program or eligibility, please send an email to OCA.Scholarships@Delaware.gov

 

 

Application Requirements: Delaware Residents Only

Award Amount: Full tuition, Fees, Books

Award Details:

The tuition waiver covers all tuition, fees, and books. It also covers year-round, traditional on-campus room and board (if enrolled full time).

Website/URL: https://courts.delaware.gov/childadvocate/scholarships.aspx

Scholarship Manager Information:

Contact Email: OCA.Scholarships@Delaware.gov

Filters:

Eligibility: Financial Need
Areas of Study: Open to All
Applicant’s Current Education Level: High School Senior, College Student, Workforce
Location Specific: Delaware
Institution Type: Delaware Institutions

 

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