USF Pearls
Waiver Information
The state of Florida offers free tuition and fee exemption to eligible former foster youth that have lived in the Florida foster care system and were a ward of (or was adopted from) the Department of Children and Families (DCF) after December 31, 1997 (view eligibility). At USF, this tuition and fee exemption waiver is commonly referred to as the DCF Waiver.
Information about the DCF waiver, including instructions for submission and deadlines, can be found on the University Controller's Office website.
Out-of-State Students
If you are an out of state student you will not qualify for the DCF Waiver; however,
we can work with you to help you navigate your state ward benefits to ensure you are
receiving all that you are entitled to by your home state Foster Care Department.