Homeless Youth Waivers

The Maryland Tuition Waiver for Homeless Youth waives tuition and mandatory academic fees for eligible students who are pursuing bachelor’s degrees at TU.  Waivers are available for all semesters (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer).  

Application Process

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) includes questions about homeless status.  When Maryland residents indicate homeless status on their FAFSA, the TU Financial Aid Office contacts them to request verification of their homeless status. 

Students who didn’t report homeless status on the FAFSA, but think they may qualify for unaccompanied homeless youth status, should send an email to with the subject line “Homeless Youth Status Request.”  In the email, please provide a brief (1-2 paragraph) explanation as to why you believe you are eligible for this status.  If you prefer, you may also call 410-704-4236 to schedule an appointment with your Financial Aid Advisor.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Students must have been verified as homeless by an authorized official.
  2. Every year, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Students who are not eligible to complete a FAFSA based on their citizenship status, must submit the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) in the state's MDCAPS aid system. 
  3. Students must enroll at TU as a bachelor’s degree student before they reach age 25.
  4. Recipients can continue to receive these waivers until 10 years after first enrolling as candidates for an associate, bachelors, or a vocational certificate at a Maryland public institution of higher education.

Maximum Waiver Amount:

  • You may only receive a waiver for the cost of your tuition and mandatory course fees.
  • If you study abroad, this waiver may only be applied to TU Exchange programs.  For more information, review the study abroad/away aid requirements. 
  • The waiver can never be applied toward room, meals, books, or other non-course charges.
  • If you receive other grants or scholarships, this Tuition & Fees Waiver will not be reduced based on those grants/scholarships, but in some cases the regulations for your other grants and scholarships could require reductions to those grants and scholarships based on your Tuition & Fees Waiver.