What Is a Tuition Waiver?
A tuition waiver is an arrangement under which a college does not charge all or part of a student's tuition. Instead of receiving money to pay the bill, the student has the charge reduced or removed. Waivers are offered to different groups and for various reasons, and they are an important form of funding, especially for graduate students and employees.
Common types
- Graduate student waivers: in the US, many PhD students and some master's students receive tuition waivers as part of assistantships or fellowships, often with a stipend.
- Employee waivers: colleges commonly offer free or reduced tuition for staff, faculty and sometimes their spouses and children.
- Veterans and military waivers: states or institutions may waive tuition for veterans, service members or their families.
- State and public programs: waivers for residents in particular groups, such as foster youth, older adults, or children of public safety officers who died on duty.
- Special program waivers: for students in specific programs, such as honors, teacher education or community colleges with promise programs.
- Out-of-state tuition waivers: allowing some nonresident students to pay in-state rates.
What is covered
Waivers vary. Some cover full tuition, others a percentage, and some apply only to a set number of credits per term. Mandatory fees, housing, books and health insurance may not be covered, and students may owe these costs.
Conditions
Many waivers have conditions such as a minimum GPA, full-time enrollment, continued employment or satisfactory progress. Failing to meet them may mean you have to pay the waived amount. Some come with work obligations, such as teaching or research.
Tax and aid effects
Tuition waivers may affect your financial aid package and taxes, depending on the rules. In the US, some graduate waivers are not treated as taxable income, while stipends are. Waivers may count as a resource, reducing need-based aid. Ask the financial aid office and consult tax guidance.
How to apply
Check the college's financial aid, graduate school, human resources or veterans pages. Deadlines and forms differ.
Related terms
See assistantship, stipend, fellowship, full-ride scholarship and tuition.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tuition waiver the same as a scholarship?
Similar in effect, but different in form. A waiver reduces the charge on your bill, while a scholarship is money awarded to pay it. Both lower what you pay.
Are tuition waivers taxable?
Tax treatment depends on the country and the type of waiver. In the US, some graduate tuition waivers for teaching or research are treated differently, so ask a tax adviser.
Do waivers cover fees?
Often not. Many waive tuition only, leaving mandatory fees and living costs. Check what the waiver includes.