Youth in foster care – “How does adoption affect my college money”?

AGE 13

Students that are 13 years of age and are in foster care are considered automatically independent on the FAFSA when college time rolls around.

This qualifies them for a full Pell Grant. Pell grants are not repaid. The requirements to FAFSA are subject to change. Independent student status is defined by section 480(d)(1) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 [20 USC 1087vv(d)(1)]. The College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-84) and Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-315) changed the definition of independent student to include any student who “is an orphan, in foster care, or a ward of the court, or was an orphan, in foster care, or a ward of the court at any time when the individual was 13 years of age or older”. The student is also eligible to apply for the Horatio Alger Missouri Scholarship. Go to: Horatio Alger Missouri for details. Ten $6,000 scholarships are given yearly and are dependent on funding and the student’s story of perseverance and integrity in overcoming personal adversity.

AGE 14

Students are qualified to select ‘Independent Status’ on the FAFSA and receive a full Pell Grant. Pell Grants are not repaid. The requirements to FAFSA are subject to change.

Student is now qualified for the MO REACH program - they qualify for this is they were 14 years of age and were eligible for adoption.This covers tuition only and does not pay for housing. They must be enrolled in a Missouri public college or university. The money does not have to be repaid, but the student must agree to complete 100 hours of community service or a public internship for 12 months. Email: for details. Program is subject to funding from the State of MO

AGE 15-18

Students are qualified to select “Independent Status” on the FAFSA and receive a full Pell Grant. Pell Grants are not repaid.

Students are qualified for the MO REACH program.

Students are now qualified for the ETV program. This national program through the John H. Chaffee Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 is federal funded, state administered program to aid with college funding for children in foster care. Missouri students may receive up to $5000 for qualified school related expenses. Students fill out forms and provide documentation every semester. To be eligible, students must meet one of the following:

Eligible for Chaffee services. This includes children that have exited CD custody at age 17 and a half or later till the age of 21.

-Were adopted from foster care with the adoption finalized AFTER their 16th birthday.

-Were placed in kinship guardianship from foster care AFTER their 16th birthday.

Students can reapply up to the age of 23. They must show progress towards a degree or certificate. The requirements to ETV are subject to change.