Next Steps

Grandparent Waiver

Incoming out-of-state freshmen with a grandparent residing in Florida may be eligible for a Grandparent Waiver. This waiver will reduce a qualifying student's tuition and fees for out-of-state costs to match the in-state tuition rate for up to 110% of their total degree hours, or 132 credit hours.

If awarded, this waiver does not constitute a change in a student's designated residency status. Students awarded the Grandparent Waiver do not need to reapply each year as long as they maintain full-time enrollment at USF and remain in good academic standing per USF policy.

The Grandparent Waiver applies to out-of-state students who were admitted starting in the 2022-23 academic year.

What are you interested in learning more about?

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1. Steps to Apply for the Grandparent Waiver

   1. Submit an application to USF.

      Step 1

      You can complete an application to USF using our institution application or through the Common App.

   2. Submit all required documents.

      Step 2

      Fill out the Grandparent Waiver Application. This form proves the familial relationship. It must be signed by your parent or grandparent.

      Then, fill out the Grandparent Florida Residency Declaration. This form proves that your grandparent is a Florida resident. It must be completed by your grandparent.

      Submit both of your completed PDFs by email to grandparentwaiver@usf.edu.

   3. Achieve a qualifying test score.

      Step 3

      Achieve the following or higher on either of the following tests
      

      • SAT combined score of 1340 or greater or
      • ACT combined score of 29 or greater or
      • CLT score of 96 or greater

      
      For information about Grandparent Waiver guidance pertaining to required scores/percentiles, please visit the Florida Board of Governors guidance document.
      

   4. Earn a high school diploma.

      Step 4

      Earn a high school diploma comparable to a Florida standard high school diploma, or its equivalent, or complete a home education program.

   5. Enroll as a full-time student.

      Step 5

      Enroll as a full-time undergraduate student in the Summer or Fall term immediately following high school graduation.
      
      You must be enrolled full-time (minimum 12 credits) at the end of drop/add in each term to maintain eligibility.* If you enroll part-time, you will lose your Grandparent Waiver eligibility. 
      
      

      *Summer enrollment is not required for continuing students.

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Awarding

USF Office of Admissions will determine eligibility for the Grandparent Waiver based on policies maintained by the Board of Governors of the State University System. The following terms apply:

• Admitted students eligibility for a Grandparent Waiver will be determined by the date the student completed submission of all necessary documentation.
• Eligible students will be awarded a Grandparent Waiver on a first-come, first-served basis based on the date the student paid the non-refundable $200 Admissions deposit or submitted a deposit fee waiver.
• The waiver may not be applied retroactively.
• The Grandparent Waiver cannot be combined with other merit-based scholarships awarded by the Office of Admissions if those scholarships are also meant to reduce the out-of-state tuition rate for that student.
• The student is responsible for applying for the Grandparent Waiver and submitting all necessary documentation in accordance with university deadlines.
• If a student transfers to another institution, they must apply for consideration for the Grandparent Waiver at the new institution.
• Students who receive the Grandparent Waiver will be treated as Florida residents and will only be charged the same fees charged to resident students.

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