MS HB1483

Waives tuition and mandatory student fees at Mississippi state institutions of higher learning for foster children, adopted children, and wards of the state who maintain a 2.25 cumulative grade point average and meet entrance requirements.

Eligible students must be currently in Department of Human Services custody, previously adopted through the state, or have had DHS as legal custodian at age 21; adopted children living outside Mississippi may apply for a waiver up to in-state tuition rates.

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and the waiver is reduced if combined financial assistance exceeds total cost of attendance, excluding loans and work-study programs.

Waiver eligibility limited to four years after high school graduation or GED receipt, five years after first admission to a state institution, and a maximum of 120 university semester credit hours.

Department of Human Services must report annual participant numbers to the Board of Trustees and Legislature by January 1; Board must report graduation rates of participating students; effective July 1, 2013.