Educational Fee Waiver

What is an Educational Fee Waiver?

National Park Service policy permits entrance fees to be waived for national and international academic institutions visiting parks for non-commercial educational purposes. However, Educational Fee Waivers are not issued automatically. Educational groups must apply and meet the criteria to receive a fee waiver. Only groups of students 16 years of age or older visiting Saguaro National Park require an Educational Fee Waiver.

Qualifying for an Educational Fee Waiver

There are three criteria an academic institution must meet in order to qualify for an Educational Fee Waiver—eligibility, educational purpose, and relevance of park resources or facilities.

Criteria #1: Eligibility

Applicants must prove they are an academic institution by submitting one of the following types of documentation.

• A statement confirming educational or scientific tax exemption from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the applicant's national, state or local tax authority.
• A statement from an academic institution meeting one of these eligibility standards confirming that the group is visiting for the purpose of providing transferable academic credit based on a curriculum.
• A statement of accreditation or recognition as an academic institution from a legitimate international, national, regional, state or local authority.

Criteria #2: Educational Purpose

Applicants must provide a written statement verifying that the visit supports a specific curriculum for which academic credit is offered. This requirement can be met by submitting the course number and description and/or a copy of the catalog description for college courses or an outline of student work required for grades K-12.

Criteria #3: Relevance of Park Resources or Facilities

Applicants must provide a written statement describing how specific park resources and facilities are relevant to the educational purpose of the visit. Course outlines, lesson plans, or a copy of the curriculum meet this requirement.

Submitting an Educational Fee Waiver

You may submit your completed application and required supporting documentation by

• Email: [e-mail]
• Postal Mail:

Saguaro National Park
ATTN: Fee Office
3693 S Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730

Download the Education Reservation Request Form

Application packets must be received by Saguaro National Park at least 30 days prior to the start date of your anticipated trip. Educational Fee Waivers will not be issued at the Rincon Mountain District Fee Kiosk or the Tucson Mountain District Red Hills Visitor Center Fee Desk.

Responses can be expected by email. Copies of approved Educational Fee Waiver applications must be present in all vehicles on park entry.

If you have any further questions, call [phone] or email us.