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Foster Care Exemption Program

HomeFinancial AidFoster Care Exemption Program

Program Purpose

To provide college financial assistance to students who once were in foster care when they turned 18 years of age.

Eligibility Requirements

Students who:

  • Were under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services:

            A.  On the day preceding the student’s 18th birthday,

            B.  On or after the day of the student’s 16th birthday, if the student was also eligible for adoption on
                 or after that day; or

            C.  On the day the student graduated from high school or received the equivalent of a high school
                 diploma; or

            D.  On the day preceding:

                 i. The date the student is adopted, if that date is on or after September 1, 2009; or

                 ii. The date permanent managing conservatorship of the student is awarded to a person other
                     than the student’s parent, if that date is on or after September 1, 2009;

             E.  During and academic term in which the student was enrolled in a dual credit course or other
                  course for which a high school student may earn joint high school and college credit; and

  • Enrolls in an institution of higher education as an undergraduate student or in a dual credit course or other course for which a high school student may earn joint high school and college credit NOT LATER THAN the student’s 25th birthday.

Eligible Institutions

Available only for use at a Texas public college or university.

Award Amount

Tuition and fees for courses for which the college receives tax support.

Application Process

Provide the Financial Aid Office written proof, from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS), of eligibility. To obtain a letter of eligibility from TDFPS, contact a representative in one of the district offices:

Additional Information

                To read more about this program check out: Texas Education Code, 54.366

                    Note: The new SB 1210 SAP rules do NOT apply to students eligible for the Foster Care 
                          Exemption.


Please see the Fostering Success webpages for information about events, resources, mission, and to meet your Fostering Success Team!


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