What is an Academic Fee Waiver?

The National Park Service regulations allow school groups and other bona fide national and international academic institutions to obtain a waiver for park entrance fees, provided that the visit is for educational purposes, and the resources or facilities the group proposes to use support those purposes. A school or educational institution is defined as one which grants some type of educational credit.

In order to qualify for a waiver, a group must meet all of the following criteria:
Educational and scientific groups must submit proof of official recognition as an accredited institution by a federal, state, or local government entity. Private schools or other scientific institutions may submit documentation of tax-exempt status granted for educational purposes.

The intended trip must relate directly to the educational or scientific purpose of the visit and to the unique features and resources of Fort McHenry. The visit "shall not be primarily for recreation purposes".