Tuition waivers your college offers
A tuition waiver lowers what your college charges rather than adding money to your account. Learn which waivers colleges commonly offer, which office handles each one and how to claim one in time.
How a waiver differs from a grant
A grant puts money into your student account, while a waiver lowers or removes the charge itself. The college gives up income it would otherwise collect, so waivers come from the college's budget or from rules a state places on its public colleges. Most waivers cover tuition only, leaving fees, housing and books to be paid in other ways.
Waivers still appear in your aid picture. The aid office usually counts a waiver as a resource when it builds your offer, which can affect need-based aid. Ask how the waiver shows on your offer and whether it changes any other award.
Common kinds of waivers
Many colleges waive tuition for their own employees and for employees' spouses and dependent children, sometimes after a period of service. Some colleges also belong to exchange arrangements that extend the benefit to employees' children at other member colleges. The human resources office runs these benefits, and the tax and graduate course rules can be detailed, so ask that office directly.
Public colleges in many states must offer waivers set by state law. Depending on the state, these may cover groups such as young people who have been in foster care, the children or spouses of veterans and first responders who died or were disabled in service, or members of a federally recognized tribe. The state law names who is covered, and the college applies it.
Many public colleges also let senior citizens audit classes, or take them for credit, at reduced or waived tuition when seats are open. The age and the type of enrollment vary by state and college, and the registrar's office usually handles requests.
Waivers are rarely applied without a request.
How to claim a waiver
Waivers are rarely applied without a request. Most need a form, proof of the status behind the waiver and a filing date each term or year. Start with the college's tuition and fees page, which often lists every waiver with the office in charge.
Some state waivers also require the FAFSA, a residency check or steady academic progress. Ask whether the waiver renews each year and what would end it.
Steps to take this week
- Read your college's tuition and fees page
- Ask human resources about employee benefits
- Check your state's list of required waivers
- Submit proof before the term deadline
Who decides
Your college's bursar, registrar or human resources office
A waiver lowers the charge rather than paying you, and it usually starts only when you ask the right office.
