Next Steps

Grandparent Waiver

The University of South Ƶ sign on campus.

Incoming out-of-state freshmen with a grandparent residing in Ƶ 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. Ƶ 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 Ƶing 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 Ƶ 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 Ƶ 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.
  • Ƶ who receive the Grandparent Waiver will be treated as Ƶ 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-Ƶ 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 Ƶ residents, should I still apply for the Grandparent Waiver?

No, students who would normally qualify for Ƶ residency should not apply for 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 that student’s parent. This person must be a legal resident of Ƶ 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?

Ƶ 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-Ƶ 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 Ƶ 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.