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Grandparent Waiver

The 深夜看片 sign on campus.

Incoming out-of-state freshmen with a grandparent residing in Florida may be eligible for a Grandparent Waiver. This waiver will reduce a qualifying student's tuition and fees for out-of-state costs to match the in-state tuition rate for up to 110% of their 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 they 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 or through the .

    2. Submit all required documents.

      Step 2

      Fill out the . This form proves the familial relationship. It must be signed by your parent or grandparent.

      Then, fill out the . This form proves that your grandparent is a Florida resident. It must be completed by your grandparent.

      Submit both of your completed PDFs by email 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 

    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 . The following terms apply:

  • Admitted students eligibility for a Grandparent Waiver will be determined by the date the student completed submission of all necessary documentation.
  • Eligible students will be awarded a Grandparent Waiver on a first-come, first-served basis based on the date the student paid the non-refundable $200 Admissions deposit or submitted a deposit fee waiver.
  • The waiver may not be applied retroactively.
  • The Grandparent Waiver cannot be combined with other merit-based scholarships awarded by the Office of Admissions if those scholarships are also meant to reduce the out-of-state tuition rate for that student.
  • The student is responsible for applying for the Grandparent Waiver and submitting all necessary documentation in accordance with university deadlines.
  • If a student transfers to another institution, they must apply for consideration for the Grandparent Waiver at the new institution.
  • Students who receive the Grandparent Waiver will be treated as Florida residents and will only be charged the same 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 the 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 . Under "Residency for Tuition Purposes":

  • Select "out-of-state" to see what your costs might look like as a traditional non-Florida resident.
  • Select "in-state" to see what your costs might look like if you were awarded the Grandparent Waiver.

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

No, students who would normally qualify for Florida residency should not apply for the Grandparent Waiver.

Who counts as a grandparent?

The term 鈥済randparent鈥 means a person who has a legal relationship to a student鈥檚 parent as the natural or adopted parent or legal guardian of that student鈥檚 parent. This person must be a legal resident of Florida as defined under .

Where can I submit my completed documents?

Submit your completed forms and any supporting documents by email to grandparentwaiver@usf.edu. Please use 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 that 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 like 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 happens to my Grandparent Waiver if I transfer to another Florida institution?

You will need to reapply for a Grandparent Waiver through your new institution.

Can international students apply for the Grandparent Waiver?

Yes, as long as the student meets eligibility requirements.