How to Go to School Tuition-Free for High School Juniors and Seniors Aging Out

Attention students wrapping up your 11th or 12th-grade year! Did you know there are opportunities to attend college or trade school tuition-free?

Yes, that’s right—you can pursue your education without worrying about tuition costs, especially if you are aging out of the foster care system.

But here’s the thing: even if you’re not aging out of foster care, there are still ways to access tuition-free education. Let’s break it all down and get you started before these resources become harder to access due to possible changes in government priorities. Many students miss out simply because they don’t know these programs exist. Let’s make sure you’re not one of them!

The Education and Training Voucher (ETV)

One of the best resources available is the Education and Training Voucher (ETV), which provides $5,000 annually to cover school-related expenses. This federal funding can be used for college, university, or any official training program that leads to a certification or degree.

States like Texas, California, and New York offer additional support, including tuition waivers for all publicly funded schools. 

Two Key Benefits for Eligible Students

1. State sponsored Tuition Waiver: Covers tuition costs and, in some states like Texas, can be used unlimitedly if activated before age 25—and it’s valid for life once activated.

2. federally funded ETV Grant: Provides $5,000 annually for books, supplies, and living expenses only for students in school or a training program.

Example of What You Can Receive

If you’ve ever been in the foster care system, you could attend a school like the University of Houston or Houston Community College tuition-free. Additionally, you’ll get $5,000 annually to help with expenses like room and board between ages 16 and 21.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite these incredible opportunities, only about 3% of students use these resources to finish their education. Here’s why:

1. Lack of knowledge about available programs.

2. Uncertainty about where or how to start.

3. Lack of a support system to navigate the process.

How to Overcome These Barriers

Visit your local Transition Center—especially if you’re in Texas, where these centers are organized by region. Transition centers provide resources like:

• Help with tuition and financial aid applications.

• Access to academic support and tutoring for students with learning challenges.

• Assistance with securing housing, food, and transportation support.

Pro Tip: Download our checklist to help you stay on track as you prepare for college or trade school.

Other Tuition-Free Education Options

If you’re not eligible for foster-care-specific programs or you’re past the age limit, here are some additional resources:

• University of the People

This tuition-free, online university offers degree programs supported by top institutions like NYU and Harvard. You’ll only pay minimal fees, making higher education accessible to everyone.

• Job Corps

This government-funded program provides free education, housing, food, and job training. It’s highly structured and designed to prepare students for successful careers.

Why It’s Important to Act Now

Many of these resources have strict deadlines. The earlier you start, the more doors you’ll open for additional support, including housing and transportation. Sadly, about 40% of students aging out of foster care experience homelessness—not because resources aren’t available, but because they don’t know how to access them or lack the support to navigate the process.

Don’t let this happen to you. Start planning today, and give yourself the freedom to explore your future options.

Your Must Do Next Steps

1. Finish High School or Get Your GED

If you’re struggling to graduate due to frequent school changes, consider enrolling in Connections Academy, an online high school program. Alternatively, transition centers can help you earn your GED.

2. Contact Your Local Transition Center

For Houston residents, reach out to the Hay Center for guidance and support.

Final Thoughts

The most valuable assets you have are your mindset and momentum. Don’t wait until next year to take action. Every day you delay is an opportunity lost. The resources available to you now may not be there in the future, so start taking advantage of them today to set yourself up for success.