If you spent time in foster care in Kansas, you may be able to attend a Kansas public college, technical college, or vocational school without paying tuition or required fees. This is written into state law and it is significantly underused, largely because eligible students never hear about it.
What it covers. The Kansas Foster Child Educational Assistance Act authorizes payment of tuition and required student and wellness fees for eligible undergraduate students, at Kansas educational institutions including area vocational schools, area vocational-technical schools, community colleges, the municipal university, state educational institutions, and technical colleges. You remain responsible for other costs such as books and room and board, though other aid may help.
How long it lasts. Undergraduate enrollment through the semester in which you turn 23.
Who is eligible. Generally, you may qualify if any of these describe you:
- You were in the custody of the Secretary and in a foster care placement on the date you turned 18
- You were released from custody before turning 18, after graduating high school or completing a GED while in foster care placement and in custody
- You were adopted from a foster care placement on or after your 16th birthday
- You left a foster care placement subject to a guardianship under chapter 38 or 59 of Kansas statutes on or after your 16th birthday
You must also have enrolled in a Kansas educational institution on or after July 1, 2006.
What is expected. Remain in good academic standing and make satisfactory progress toward completing your program.
How to apply. Complete form PPS 7260 and return it to the registrar’s office at the school you will attend. The registrar submits it to the Kansas Department for Children and Families.
Beyond tuition. DCF Independent Living Services offers additional support for higher education costs and for the broader transition to independence.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, apply anyway and let the process determine it.
Sources: Kansas Board of Regents foster care application PPS 7260, kansasregents.gov/resources/PDF/2739-current-fostercareapp.pdf; Kansas Department for Children and Families, dcf.ks.gov, including the Independent Living Self-Sufficiency Program brochure; K.S.A. 74-32,161 and K.S.A. 75-53,111 et seq., ksrevisor.gov; KU Office of the Registrar, registrar.ku.edu/kansas-foster-child-education-assistance-act.