Student financial aid: waiver or deferment of fees and costs: foster youth

Foster youth and former foster youth may avoid financial barriers that can prevent initial enrollment while they wait for financial-aid disbursements.

What the law does ​

• Requires California State University, community college districts, and state-aid-recipient private and independent colleges to waive unpaid enrollment costs or defer them until initial financial-aid disbursement.
• Requests the University of California to provide the same waiver-or-deferral option.
• Covers registration and mandatory fees, housing and meal charges and deposits, health insurance, required course materials and equipment, and required summer-program costs.
• Requires colleges unable to waive or defer required books, supplies, materials, or equipment costs to provide clear information about available assistance.
• Encourages community college districts to use existing NextUp and Student Equity and Achievement Program funding.

Who it affects ​

• Foster youth and former foster youth whose status is verified by their college financial-aid administrator.
• Eligible students who submit a FAFSA or, when applicable, a California Dream Act Application at initial enrollment.
• California State University, community college districts, qualifying private and independent colleges, and the University of California.

Context ​

The requirements begin with the 2027–28 academic year.