Waivers and Exemptions
Overview
There are ways to cover the cost of college in addition to obtaining financial aid.
Check the information below for programs that may apply to you.
Exemptions and waivers allow some groups of Florida residents or non-residents to pay less tuition and/or fees for classes depending on their specific circumstances. In order to receive the benefit of these waivers and/or exemptions, students must meet the requirements for the fee reduction by presenting documentation to the appropriate department listed below by the first day of the term for which the benefit is being sought.
Tuition Waivers
This waiver allows the out-of-state fees portion of tuition to be waived for transfer students with financial hardship who meet the following criteria and provide the appropriate documentation:
- Have applied for admission to SF and selected a degree or credential-seeking program of study, and
- Have determined that they do not qualify for Florida residency for tuition purposes at Santa Fe College, and
- Have demonstrated a well-founded fear of persecution on the basis of religion, as established by the demonstration that they have suffered, are currently suffering, or credibly fears suffering future discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or violence, either at their current institution or with a substantial nexus to their current institution, on the basis of religion; and
- Have a financial hardship, as demonstrated by the FAFSA standardized calculation, either on the FAFSA or, if unable to complete it due to citizenship status, on the FAFSA Alternative provided by SF;
- Have submitted final, official transcripts from all other colleges/universities attended to establish status as a transfer student.
Students who meet these criteria may complete a Religious Persecution Waiver Application and submit it to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at student.affairs@sfcollege.edu or at the Northwest campus in Building R, room 211. Supporting documents to help establish the well-founded fear of persecution on the basis of religion must be submitted at the time of application, and may include: a statement from the applicant, statements from witnesses, recordings or photographs, official records of complaints filed with law enforcement or the student's current college or university, and any other relevant information or material germane to an applicant's claim.
Students must make every attempt to meet Florida residency requirements and be determined ineligible by an Admissions Advisor before they will be approved for this waiver. Students who apply for this waiver will be sent a notification through eSantaFe upon approval or denial of the request for the waiver.
Students receiving this waiver will not only have their out-of-state fees waived; they will also be exempt from being required to take a placement test prior to enrolling in college-level coursework. Initial placement into advanced math classes may be based official college transcripts, AP test scores, or a score on the ALEKS math placement test.
Paperwork is generally approved and processed within 5 business days. Upon approval and processing, students who use this tuition waiver may register for classes at any time on or after their registration date. Students who are granted the waiver must contact Anita Edwards at the Office for Finance (anita.edwards@sfcollege.edu) AFTER they register for classes EACH TERM. The waiver itself does not need to be resubmitted (students must only apply one time), but the reduction in fees cannot be processed until the student has registered and the Office for Finance is notified.
Students have the right to appeal a denied decision to the Residency and Waiver Appeals Committee. Notices of appeal must be received by the Office of the Registrar within 10 business days of the denial notice. The appeal must be typed and must include any new documentation students want to be considered.
This waiver will be available until the expiration of Florida Executive Order 23-208, and any extensions thereto.
Students seeking this waiver must complete a Santa Fe College application for admission and complete all admission requirements. This waiver is handled by the Office for Finance and can be found online at State Employee Tuition Waiver Form. Proof of eligibility must be submitted through the Cashier’s Office in the Administration Building at the Northwest campus.
- If you are using this fee waiver, you may ONLY register on the last day of registration. If you register prior to that date, you will NOT be eligible for a fee waiver. These fee waivers do not cover access, technology, transportation, lab or distance learning fees.
- This waiver must be submitted each term of attendance.
- This waiver is for college credit or vocational credit courses only; it is not applicable to adult education or non-credit (continuing education) courses.
Students age 60 years or older are eligible for the Senior Citizen waiver, per Florida Statute 1009.26(4). Those eligible must complete a Santa Fe College application for admission, complete all admission requirements and be classified as a Florida resident for tuition purposes. This waiver is handled by the Office for Finance and can be found online at Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver Form. Proof of age must be submitted through the Office of the Registrar in room R-112 at the Northwest campus.
- Admission requirements include submitting official transcripts, completing online trainings, submitting Florida Residency documentation, and completing the Registration Agreement.
- Registration using this waiver is limited to “audit” only; classes may not be taken for grades or academic credit. Adult Education, Continuing Education courses, Internships and, independent study classes are excluded from this waiver.
- Registration is on a space-available basis. If you are using this fee waiver, you may ONLY register on the last day of registration. If you register prior to that date, you will NOT be eligible for a fee waiver.
- These fee waivers do not cover access, technology, transportation, lab, distance learning, or out of state fees.
- This waiver must be submitted each term of attendance.
- Community Education students must wait to register, and submit form to professor on the first night class is held.
This waiver allows the in-state portion of tuition to be waived for recipients of the Purple Heart or other combat decoration superior in precedence. The student is responsible for paying all applicable fees. This waiver is handled by the Office of the Registrar and Office for Finance at the Northwest campus.
Students must meet all the criteria below:
- Admitted as a full-time, part-time, or summer school student in an undergraduate program of study leading to a degree or certificate;
- Is currently, or was at the time of the military action that resulted in the awarding of the Purple Heart or other superior combat decoration, a resident of Florida; and
- Submits to the college the DD-214 form issued at the time of separation form service as documentation that the student has received a Purple Heart or other combat decoration superior in precedence. If the DD-214 is not available, other documentation may be acceptable if recognized by the United States Department of Defense or the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as documenting the award.
This waiver is applicable for 110 percent of the number of required credit hours of the degree or certificate program for which the student is enrolled.
The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs has indicated that the following combat
decorations qualify students for the provisions of this waiver include:
- Purple Heart
- Bronze Star (must be “V” designation or device)
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Legion of Merit (must be “V” designation or device)
- Silver Star
- Air Force Cross
- Navy Cross
- Distinguished Service Cross
- Medal of Honor
Students must provide one of the following documents evidencing current residency in Florida or residency in Florida at the time of the military action that resulted in the awarding of the combat decoration:
- One or more state or federal documents evidencing legal ties to Florida (e.g., homestead exemption, driver’s license, vehicle registration).
- DD-214 form, military separation document
- DD-2058 form, military state of legal residence certificate
- Leave and Earning Statement (LES) or the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)
- Form 702, which specifies place of residence
- Letter or affidavit from the military administrative office verifying residence at the time of combat
- One or more state or federal documents evidencing legal ties to Florida (e.g., homestead exemption, driver’s license, vehicle registration).
The DD-214 and residency documentation must be submitted to registrar@sfcollege.edu.
This waiver allows the out-of-state fee portion of tuition to be waived. Students, therefore, only pay the tuition commonly referred to as the in-state portion. This waiver, however, does not classify the student as in-state. An official high school transcript and verification of an application to a Florida state college or university are required to prove eligibility for this waiver. This waiver must be approved through the Veterans Affairs Office in Room R-110 at the Northwest campus.
Veteran’s on benefits must physically reside in the State of Florida and provide the following:
- A current Florida driver's license or Florida identification card to demonstrate physical residence in Florida
- Military separation documentation such as the most recent Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty ( i.e., DD Form 214) to demonstrate veteran and discharge status (must have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Military, currently in the U.S. Reserve Forces or in the National Guard)
Dependent’s on benefits must physically reside in the State of Florida and be currently utilizing VA Educational Benefits for the semester you are requesting the waiver. You must provide the following:
- A current Florida driver's license or Florida identification card to demonstrate physical residence in Florida
- Documentation from the United States Department of Veteran Affairs that the student requesting the out-of-state fee waiver is eligible for educational assistance ( i.e., Transfer of Benefit Letter or Certificate of Eligibility)
- Each term you must bring in the summary of benefits provided by the VA so that we may certify the amount of benefits remaining under your entitlement.
If students are using this fee waiver, they may register at any time on or after their registration date. The above waiver is processed within 36 hours of submission and is immediately applied upon processing.
Please note: Request for waiver must be submitted prior to the first day of class of the term for which you are requesting the waiver of fees.
This waiver allows the out-of-state fee portion of tuition to be waived. Students, therefore, only pay the tuition commonly referred to as the in-state portion. Students who meet the following criteria and provide the appropriate final, official documentation are eligible for this waiver:
- Reviewed the “Florida Residency Form” and determined that they do not qualify for Florida residency for tuition purposes at Santa Fe College, and
- Attended a Florida public or private high school for three consecutive years immediately prior to graduation from a public or private Florida high school, and
- Applied for enrollment (admission) in an institution of higher education within 24 months after high school graduation, and
- Submitted a final, official transcript issued by a Florida public or private high school as evidence of attendance and graduation, and
- Submitted proof of application for admission to an institution of higher education within 24 months of graduation from high school if that institution was not Santa Fe College.
Students who meet these criteria may complete a request for the Florida High School Graduate Out-of-State Waiver and submit it to an Admissions Advisor in the Office of Admissions at the Northwest campus in Building R, Room 101. Students must make every attempt to meet Florida residency requirements and be proven ineligible by an Admissions Advisor before they will be approved for this waiver. Students who apply for this waiver will be sent a notification through eSantaFe upon approval or denial of the request for the waiver.
Paperwork is generally approved and processed within 5 business days. Upon approval and processing, students who use this tuition waiver may register for classes at any time on or after their registration date. Students who are granted the waiver must contact Anita Edwards at the Office for Finance (anita.edwards@sfcollege.edu) AFTER they register for classes EACH TERM. The waiver itself does not need to be resubmitted (students must only apply one time), but the reduction in fees cannot be processed until the student has registered and the Office for Finance is notified.
This waiver covers up to 110 percent of the student’s program requirements. Credits over 110 percent will be charged at the out-of-state rate of tuition.
Students have the right to appeal a denied decision to the Residency and Waiver Appeals Committee. Notices of appeal must be received by the Office of Admissions within 10 business days of the denial notice. The appeal must be typed and must include any new documentation students want to be considered.
Full-time classroom teachers employed by a Florida school district, as defined in Florida Statute 1001.02(2)(a), are eligible for a Classroom Teacher Employee Waiver. Courses are limited to undergraduate courses related to special education, mathematics, or science as approved by the Florida Department of Education (see Course Prefix Listing Approved for the Teacher Waiver). In accordance with Florida Statute 1009.26(10), the waiver may not be used for courses scheduled during the school district’s regular school day. Eligible teachers may have tuition and course fees waived for a maximum of 6 credit hours per term. Registration is on a space-available basis.
- If you are using this fee waiver, you may ONLY register on the last day of registration. If you register prior to that date, you will NOT be eligible for a fee waiver. These fee waivers do not cover access, technology, transportation, lab, or distance learning fees.
- This waiver must be submitted each term of attendance.
College employees and their dependents may be eligible for a tuition waiver. Contact Human Resources for details.
Linkage Institutes between postsecondary institutions in the state of Florida and foreign countries are established by Florida Statute 288.9175. The primary purpose is to assist in the development of stronger economic, cultural, educational, and social ties between this state and strategic foreign countries through the promotion of expanded public and private dialogue on cooperative research and technical acceptance activities, increased bilateral commerce, student and faculty exchange, cultural exchange, and enhancement of language training skills between the postsecondary institutions in this state and those of selected foreign countries.
Students that have been awarded a Florida Linkage Institute scholarship should contact Anita Edwards (anita.edwards@sfcollege.edu) in the Office for Finance.
This waiver covers tuition and fees for a total of 120 credit hours for a student obtaining a career certificate or an undergraduate education. Students may attend on a full-time or part-time basis until reaching their 25th birthday.
Dependents of a Deceased Teacher or School Administrators are covered by this exemption if their parent is:
- a teacher or school administrator killed or injured and dies as a result of an unlawful and intentional act, provided that such killing or injury and death is the result of an act of violence inflicted by another person, as specified in Florida Statute 112.1915.
Documentation must be presented for each major term for which an exemption is requested. Students eligible for the exemption should contact Anita Edwards (anita.edwards@sfcollege.edu) in the Office for Finance.
Consistent with Florida Administrative Code 6A-14.0306, these waivers cover tuition and fees for a total of 120 credit hours for a student obtaining a career certificate or an undergraduate education. Students may attend on a full-time or part-time basis until reaching their 25th birthday.
Educational expenses as stated above are covered for an eligible child or spouse of the following individuals:
- A deceased law enforcement, correctional, or correctional probation officer as provided in ss. 112.19 and 112.1912, F.S.;
- A deceased firefighter as provided in ss. 112.191 and 112.1912, F.S.;
- A deceased emergency medical technician or paramedic as provided in ss. 112.1911 and 112.1912, F.S.;
- A deceased active duty United States Armed Forces member as provided in s. 295.061, F.S.; and
- A deceased Florida National Guard member as provided in ss. 250.34, 112.19, and 112.1912, F.S.
Documentation must be presented for each major term for which an exemption is requested. Students eligible for the exemption should contact Anita Edwards (anita.edwards@sfcollege.edu) in the Office for Finance.
Tuition Exemptions
Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Exemptions
DCF exemptions cover all undergraduate tuition and fees until the student reaches 28 years of age.
This exemption form originates at the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and only covers students who were in the care of the Florida DCF. It does not cover students who were adopted, wards of the state, or in foster care outside of the state of Florida.
Forms approved by DCF may be submitted to the Office of Admissions in Room R-101 at the Northwest campus, emailed to admissions@sfcollege.edu, or submitted through the student's eSantaFe account under the Documents tab. Log into eSantaFe, click Documents--Public Documents--Admissions Documents--Tuition Exemption Document Submission.
A notification is sent to the student via SF’s eSantaFe notification system upon approval or denial of this exemption. Students may register at any time after the paperwork is approved.
The following students are covered by this exemption:
- Under 18 and currently in the custody of DCF
- Over 18 and was in the custody of DCF on his or her 18th birthday
- Any student who is under 18 and currently in the custody of a relative pursuant to FS 39.5085
- Any student who is over 18 and was in the custody of a relative on the 18th birthday pursuant to FS 39.5085
- Any student who is over 18 and was in the custody of a non-relative on the 18th birthday pursuant to FS 39.5085
- Any student who spent a minimum of six months in the custody of DCF after reaching 16 years of age who was subsequently placed into a guardianship by the dependency court and
- Any student who was adopted from DCF on any date after May 5, 1997
The SF Liaison for DCF is Dr. Bea Awoniyi.
The homeless exemption is available to students who lack a fixed, nighttime dwelling and are certified as “homeless” by a certified homeless facility or the Santa Fe College Ombudsperson. A letter from a certified homeless agency or Santa Fe College Ombudsperson certifying the student’s homelessness must be submitted to the Office of Admissions. Each homeless letter must contain specifics about the student’s situation, such as:
- Date of move-in at the facility or residence
- Lease period if student has a signed lease with the agency
- Percentage and/or amount of rent paid to the agency by the student (if applicable)
- Type of living arrangement, i.e., dorm-style or apartment setting
- Whether or not funding is being provided for Housing
- Any length of stay limitations and/or conditions
- Any intent of institutionalization (if applicable)
Letters can be submitted in person to Room R-101 at the Northwest campus, emailed to admissions@sfcollege.edu, or submitted through the student's eSantaFe account under the Documents tab. Log into eSantaFe, click Documents--Public Documents--Admissions Documents--Tuition Exemption Document Submission.
Any student who is determined to be experiencing homelessness for a preceding award year is presumed to be a homeless student for each subsequent year, unless the student informs the institution that the student's circumstances have changed, or the institution has specific information about the student's independence and has informed the student of this information.
The SF Liaison for Homeless Students is Dr. Bea Awoniyi.