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Grandparent Waiver

The University of South Florida sign on campus.

If you’re an incoming out-of-state freshman with a grandparent residing in Florida, you may be eligible for a Grandparent Waiver.

In other words, tuition and fees for out-of-state costs will be reduced to in-state tuition rate for up to 110% of 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 you 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?


  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 and 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 and must be completed by your grandparent.

      Submit both of your completed PDFs 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.


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.

  • Admitted students will be eligible for grandparent waivers as determined by the date the student has submitted all necessary documentation.
  • Eligible students will be awarded a grandparent waiver on a first-come, first-served basis as determined by the date the student pays the non-refundable $200 Admissions deposit or submits a deposit fee waiver.
  • The waiver may not be applied retroactively.
  • Scholarships awarded by the Office of Admissions are not stackable (can’t be combined with other Admissions merit based scholarships) with the grandparent waiver.
  • It is the student’s responsibility to apply for this waiver and submit all necessary documentation in accordance with university deadlines.
  • If a student transfers to another institution, they must apply for the waiver at the new institution for consideration.
  • Students who receive the grandparent waiver will be treated as Florida residents and will only be charged fees charged to resident students.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

How much is deducted with the Grandparent Waiver?

Tuition and fees for out-of-state costs will be reduced to in-state tuition rate for up to 110% of total degree hours, or 132 credit hours. If awarded, this waiver does not constitute a change in a student's designated residency status.

How can I calculate my cost of attendance at USF? 

Visit the Financial Aid Cost Calculator.

  • To view what your costs might look like as a traditional non-Florida resident, select "out-of-state".
  • To view what your costs might look like if you were awarded the Grandparent Waiver, select "in-state".

Cost Calculator

If both my parent(s) and grandparent(s) are Florida residents, should I still apply for the grandparent waiver?

No, students who would qualify for Florida residency through normal means should not seek the Grandparent Waiver.

Who counts as a grandparent?

The term “grandparent” means a person who has a legal relationship to a student’s parent as the natural or adopted parent or legal guardian of the student’s parent. This person must be a legal resident of Florida as defined under Florida Statute Section 1009.21. 

Where can I submit my completed documents?

You may submit your completed forms and any supporting documents to grandparentwaiver@usf.edu in PDF format.

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 the student maintains full-time enrollment at USF and remains in good academic standing per USF policy. 

Can I combine my grandparent waiver with other scholarships?

The Grandparent Waiver award cannot be combined with Non-Florida Admissions Merit-Based scholarships such as the Green & Gold Presidential, Directors, or Scholars Waivers. Both the Grandparent Waiver and the Green & Gold Waivers are meant to reduce the out of state tuition portion within the cost of attendance.

What if I transfer to another Florida institution?

You will need to reapply for grandparent waiver through your new institution.

Can international students apply for the grandparent waiver?

Yes, as long as the student meets eligibility requirements.