Increasing College Access and Retention Rates of Youth in Foster Care: An Analysis of the Impact of 22 State Tuition Waiver Programs

ABSTRACT

Youth in foster care face educational disparities in terms of college access, retention, and graduation. To address this, 22 states have implemented tuition waiver programs targeting current and former foster youth. A comparative analysis was conducted of all 22 programs implemented since 2014. Similarities include student eligibility based on youth’s age upon foster care entry, university admission and time in care requirements. Differences include type of expenses covered, time limits on use, program oversight, and funding availability. No differences were found based on political party control, gubernatorial power, and state population composition. Recommendations for policy and practice reform are offered.

KEYWORDS:

• College access
• foster care
• policy analysis
• postsecondary education
• state tuition waivers

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Jarrod Grammel for his superb copy editing skills and Carly Brin, & Neoshua Butler for their assistance in collecting the data that was used to conduct this policy analysis.