Out-of-State Tuition Waiver Programs for Veterans, Undocumented Immigrants Now in Effect

Posted on by Polk Newsroom

The start of July also brought the start of two new out-of-state tuition waiver programs that will dramatically reduce costs for veterans and undocumented immigrants.

The Congressman C.W. Bill Young Veteran Tuition Waiver Program went into effect July 1. The program requires public universities, career centers and colleges — including Polk State — to waive out-of-state fees for honorably discharged veterans who are living in Florida while they attend that institution.

Previously, veterans who had not established Florida residency had to pay out-of-state fees.

Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about the Congressman C.W. Bill Young Veteran Tuition Waiver Program

Also effective as of July 1 is House Bill 851, which directs public universities, colleges and career centers to waive out-of-state fees for students who are undocumented for federal immigration purposes but meet certain criteria. To be eligible, students must have attended a Florida high school for three consecutive years immediately before graduating from a Florida high school; apply for enrollment in an institution of higher education within 24 months of graduation; submit an official Florida high school transcript as evidence of attendance and graduation.

Previously, undocumented immigrants also had to pay out-of-state rates.

Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about House Bill 851.

Polk State’s current tuition and fees can be found here.

For more information, about either of these tuition waiver programs, call 863.297.1000.