Paying for College
Former foster care youth may qualify for tuition assistance or a tuition waiver for college.
Independent Status
If you plan on applying for college and you were in DCYF foster, relative, residential or shelter care placement on or after your 13th birthday you should be eligible for Independent Status when completing the FAFSA. Have your Child Protective Service Worker (CPSW) or Juvenile Probation and Parole Officer (JPPO) complete the FAFSA Independent Status Verification form as proof that you were in care and hold onto it until your college asks for it. If you are unable to contact your CPSW or JPPO contact the Adolescent Worker or Permanency JPPO nearest to your area and they will assist you.
Tuition Waiver for Foster Children Program
Provides a limited number of tuition and mandatory fee waivers to NH State schools for youth formerly in out of home placement through the New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth and Families. Participating institutions include
- The University of New Hampshire
- Keene State College
- Plymouth State University
- University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online (CPS Online)
- Community College System of New Hampshire.
The University and Community College systems of New Hampshire coordinate the program.
Education and Training Voucher Funds
ETV funds can be used for "cost of attendance items" such as tuition and fees, room and board, books and child care expenses.
You are eligible if you have an open Aftercare Case with DCYF.
You qualify for an Aftercare Case if:
- You are between the ages of 18-23 (up to 26 if attending an accredited college or career training school of at least one year in duration) with a previously open DCYF Child Protective or Juvenile Justice Services’ case and you exited DCYF foster, relative, shelter, group or residential care or secure detention* on or after your 18th birthday.
- You are between the ages of 18-23 (up to 26 if attending an accredited college or career training school of at least one year in duration) and you exited DCYF Child Protective or Juvenile Justice Services’ foster, relative, shelter, group or residential care or secure detention* for guardianship or adoption after your 16th birthday.
*(If you exited from secure detention you must have also previously resided in DCYF foster, relative, shelter, group, or residential care at some point on or after your 14th birthday.)