Pennsylvania’s Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program (FosterEd)
The Pennsylvania Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program (FosterEd), created by Act 16 of 2019, seeks to remove barriers in accessing a postsecondary education for youth who are or have been in foster care. It helps eligible students complete a postsecondary degree with less debt and provides youth with a central point of contact for assistance and support.
The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Departments of Education, Human Services, and Labor and Industry.
Questions about tuition waivers?
Call 1-800-692-7392, email [email protected], or visit PHEAA’s FosterEd webpage at
PHEAA: Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program
FosterEd Higher Education Point of Contact (POC)
Each postsecondary institution must have a POC listed on their institution’s webpage and available to support eligible students throughout their college careers. Responsibilities of a POC include:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all potentially eligible individuals applying to or attending the institution.
- Assist potentially eligible students in completing admissions and financial aid applications and identifying other scholarship and grant opportunities.
- Assist potentially eligible students in contacting the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services at [email protected], if needed, for verification of foster care status on or after age 16.
- Obtain verification of foster care status on or after age 16 if needed for program eligibility.
- Provide referrals for on and off-campus resources and support services.
Learn and find more information about:
- The Chafee ETG Program
- FosterED
- Resources for students, foster parents, and counselors
- FAQ
- FASFA Tips
- Pennsylvania Student Aid Guide
- Funding Opportunities
This initiative promotes awareness and increases public knowledge of PHEAA-administered programs for Pennsylvania students who are eligible for benefits under the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood.
Additional Foster Care to College Resources
2019 Act 16 Legislation
State legislation outlining Fostering Independence Through Education Tuition Waiver Program (FosterEd.)
Campus Programming Directory for Foster Youth
The Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice & Research at the University of Pennsylvania has created a directory of Pennsylvania postsecondary institutions that provides information on institutional supports and programs that can assist students with experience in foster care.
Foster Care to Success Scholarships
Foster Care to Success (FC2S) partners with organizations, foundations, and individuals to deliver scholarships to foster youth across the country.
FosterEd Brochure
The official program brochure that may be printed and shared.
Foster Care Point of Contact Directory
The directory contains the following contacts and directories: LEA School Point of Contact, CCYA Education Liaison Directory, Regional Foster Care Office Directory, and Higher Education Point of Contact Directory.
Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program (FosterEd) Point of Contact (POC) FAQ
This FAQ provides an overview of commonly asked FosterEd questions.
Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program (PDE)
The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s webpage for the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program.
Fostering Independence Report
Annual FosterEd Reports provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Higher Education Guide: Introduction (Juvenile Law Center)
This guide aims to provide information for advocates and supporters of youth in the child welfare system about how to leverage key resources available to youth with experience in foster care in Pennsylvania including the tuition waivers available through the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program.
Higher Education Point of Contact Directory
In higher education, single points of contact are designated safe and supportive college administrators committed to helping foster care youth successfully navigate the college-going process.
Resource Library by the Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice and Research
The Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice & Research at the University of Pennsylvania has compiled a foster care to college resource library, focused on making higher education more accessible and successful for youth with experience in the foster care system.