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Do I qualify for the Maryland Tuition Waiver for Foster Care Recipients?

You may qualify for the waiver if you meet enrollment, age, and residency requirements.

Basic requirements

  • Enroll (or plan to enroll) in a UMGC certificate, associate, or bachelor’s program.
  • Be under age 25 or show proof you’ve used the waiver at another Maryland school.
  • Submit your FAFSA for the current year.

Foster Care Waiver eligibility (one must apply)

  • In foster care at age 18, or when you finished high school/GED.
  • Lived in foster care for at least one year after age 13, then adopted, placed in guardianship, or reunited with a parent.
  • Adopted/placed in guardianship with the same family as an older sibling who qualifies.

Homeless Youth Waiver eligibility

  • Proof of Maryland residency for one year before enrolling.
  • Verified as homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act within 24 months before or during UMGC enrollment.

Apply online at the Maryland Tuition Waiver site.

Learn more at Homeless Youth/Foster Care Tuition Waiver.

Ways to Contact Support for More Assistance

By Chat

Live chat support is available
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. ET.

The UMGC Help Bot is available for FAQs 24/7.

By Phone

Call 855-655-8682 for student services (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. ET).

Call 888-360-8682 for technical support (24/7).

By Email

Email the support team or submit documents using the UMGC Help Center.