Want free college tuition? A tuition waiver could be the answer.

By Sasha Bulatskaya | Published on October 21, 2025

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It’s no secret that college is more expensive than ever. In a 2022 survey from The Princeton Review, 98% of respondents said that they would need some kind of financial aid to afford college. These numbers are striking, considering that one in four adults believe a college degree is still the best way to get a well-paying job.

So, how do the majority of students afford a degree in today’s world? Most turn to scholarships, grants, and student loans, but there’s a specific type of financial aid that gives you free tuition – a tuition waiver.

In this guide, we’ll explain tuition waivers, who can benefit from them, and how they differ from other financial aid options.

What does a college tuition waiver mean?

A tuition waiver is a financial aid tool designed specifically to help students cover the cost of tuition. This fee waiver can erase part or all of your tuition costs. The specifics of this benefit depend on the school and its eligibility criteria. Different colleges have different qualifying requirements, such as being a full-time or part-time student.

Who can get on a tuition waiver program?

The eligibility requirements for a tuition waiver vary by school. Each university has its own set of requirements for this type of financial assistance, so you’ll have to check with your financial aid office to find out if you qualify.

There are various types of tuition waivers, each with its own eligibility criteria. Here are some common categories:

Low-income students

When you fill out the FAFSA or free application for federal student aid, some schools may offer you a tuition waiver based on your family income. But remember, you must fill out the FAFSA to qualify.

Military veterans or their family members

If you’ve served in the military, you may be eligible for tuition waivers aimed specifically at veterans. Some schools give discounted or free tuition to children of military members. In Connecticut, for example, members of the National Guard get a waiver from the University of Connecticut if they’re state residents.

Every school is different, so it’s important to ask for additional information if you or your family member served in the military.

Educational employees and their children

Many colleges and universities offer an employee tuition waiver to their employees and their dependents. So, if your parent or spouse works in the education sector, this could be a potential path to savings for the academic year.

Financial assistance for underrepresented students

Some states have implemented tuition waiver programs to support specific groups, such as children in foster care, Native Americans, senior citizens, children of deceased or disabled heroes, or residents from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to encourage enrollment.

State programs for tuition discounts

Some colleges have tuition waiver programs for out-of-state students. If you’re looking to go to school out of state, some schools will waive tuition or give you in-state tuition rates.

There are also 2-year community colleges that give free tuition to both in-state and out-of-state residents, like California’s College Promise Grant.

The eligibility criteria for tuition waivers may vary depending on the institution and program, so it’s essential to research and reach out to your financial aid office for accurate information.

Is there a tuition waiver application?

The application process differs by school. If your waiver is financial, you will likely need to fill out the FAFSA, but your school might ask you to complete additional paperwork or a tuition waiver form.

How is it different from other types of financial aid?

Tuition waivers are distinct from other forms of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. Here’s how they differ:

Scholarships and grants cover other types of costs

Scholarships and grants are generally based on merit, financial need, or a combination of both. They can come from foundations, organizations, or the college itself. Unlike tuition waivers, scholarships and grants do not directly cover tuition costs but can be used towards other educational expenses, like books or housing.

Another key difference is scholarships and grants are not taxable income. In some cases, you can get taxed on tuition waivers.

Student loans need to be repaid

Unlike scholarships, grants, and tuition waivers, student loans are money you’ll need to pay back – even if it comes from the federal government. Many people use them to pay for higher education, but they should be last on your list. With tuition waivers, you can lower the amount you need to borrow, thus reducing your future student loan debt.

Maximize your aid package

Now that you know what tuition waivers are, you can include them in your financial plan. Start by investigating the types of tuition waivers available at your institution or your state. Contact your college’s financial aid office for guidance on eligibility and application processes. Get all the free money you can to cover your education, the less you’ll have to borrow in student loans ¹.

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About the Author

Sasha Bulatskaya

Sasha is the Senior Manager of Brand and Content at Earnest. She has been writing for ten years and has been focused on educational finance and financial aid for over three. Her passion for mission-driven companies brought her to Earnest in 2020, and she's been helping make student finance more accessible ever since. She strives to demystify personal finance and student loans to help borrowers make the best decisions for their financial situation.

Disclaimer

This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.