Grandparent Tuition Waiver
In 2021, the Florida Legislature amended Section 1009.26, Florida Statutes, to create the Grandparent Waiver. Out-of-state first-year students admitted for the summer or fall semester, whose grandparent(s) currently reside in Florida, may be eligible for a tuition and fee waiver of the out-of-state tuition costs up to 110% of total degree hours. Florida State University has been allocated a small number of Grandparent Waivers for first-year students. Eligible recipients will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis as determined by the date the student submitted all necessary documentation. The awards are renewable until graduation with continuous full-time enrollment (a minimum of 12 hours per semester for fall and spring). If a student enrolls part-time, waiver eligibility will be lost and may not be restored.
Eligibility requirements include:
- The student must have a grandparent who has a legal relationship to the student's parent as the natural parent, adopted parent, or legal guardian of the student's parent.
- The grandparent must be a legal resident of Florida as defined in Florida Statute Section 1009.21.
- Apply as a first-year student to be a full-time undergraduate student for the summer or fall term immediately following high school graduation.
- Have an SAT combined score (or ACT/CLT equivalent) no lower than the 89th national percentile. Though the term “national” appears in the statute, the intended percentile corresponds to the “SAT User” percentile.
Upon submitting the Grandparent Waiver Request Form, the following documentation will be requested via your Admissions Portal:
- Complete the Grandparent Waiver Verification Form to show the grandparent is a legal resident of Florida.
- Documentation evidencing student has met the minimum test score requirement. (Official or self-reported test scores).
Your request cannot be processed until everything has been received.
Grandparent Waiver Request Form
Policies for the Grandparent Waiver are maintained by the Board of Governors of the State University System.
Grandparent Waiver Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Grandparent Waiver at FSU?
The Grandparent Waiver allows eligible out-of-state students with a grandparent who is a legal Florida resident to have their out-of-state tuition waived, making their education at FSU significantly more affordable.
Who qualifies for the Grandparent Waiver?
To qualify, a student must:
- Have at least one living biological or legal grandparent who is a legal Florida resident.
- Be admitted as a first time in college undergraduate student.
- Have an SAT combined score (or ACT/CLT equivalent) no lower than the 89th national percentile.
- Submit all required documentation.
What if my grandparent recently moved to Florida-can I still apply?
To be eligible, your grandparents must have established and maintained legal residency in Florida for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the first day of classes of the term you are admitted for. Proof of this residency must be provided through acceptable documentation which can be found on our Residency webpage.
When can I apply for the Grandparent Waiver?
Once you submit your first-year application for admission, you are eligible to submit the Grandparent Waiver application and supporting documentation. You do not need to wait until you are officially admitted to begin the waiver process.
What documents are required to apply for the Grandparent Waiver?
A detailed list of required documentation can be found on our Residency webpage. All documents should be submitted promptly to ensure full consideration.
When is the deadline to submit the Grandparent Waiver application?
There is no single deadline for the Grandparent Waiver; however, waivers are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Students can apply for the Grandparent Waiver after they have applied to the university, and order is determined by the Grandparent Waiver Request Form submission and verification. Once all available waivers have been allocated, remaining eligible students are placed on a waitlist for consideration and more waivers become available.
What is the Grandparent Waiver waitlist?
Since the Grandparent Waivers are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and funding is limited, eligible students who apply after all waivers have been allocated are placed on a waitlist. If any additional waivers become available, students on the waitlist may be still considered. Students will be notified via email only if a waiver is awarded to them.
Please note that we cannot inform students of their positions on the waitlist, and placement does not guarantee that a waiver will be offered.
How will I know if I’ve been approved for the Grandparent Waiver?
Applicants will be notified of their Grandparent Waiver status at the time of their admissions decision. If you are placed on the waitlist, you will be notified via email if a waiver becomes available and is awarded to you.
When is the Grandparent Waiver awarded?
Students are notified if they are receiving the Grandparent Waiver at the time their admission decision is made available on the Admissions Portal.
Does the Grandparent Waiver cover all tuition and fees?
Does receiving the Grandparent Waiver change my residency to in-state?
No. The waiver only exempts you from paying out-of-state tuition during your time at FSU. It does not change your official residency classification. You will still be considered an out-of-state resident for tuition purposes unless you successfully apply for Florida residency after meeting the necessary requirements.
Is the Grandparent Waiver renewable?
Yes. The waiver is renewable for up to 110% of the required credit hours for the degree program, as long as the student maintains continuous, full-time enrollment, and remains in good academic standing per FSU policies.
Do I need to reapply for the Grandparent Waiver each year?
Students awarded the Grandparent Waiver do not need to reapply each year as long as that student maintains full-time enrollment at FSU and remains in good academic standing per FSU policy.