Applying to college can get expensive, but did you know you may not have to pay application fees at all?
Between college application fees, standardized test scores, campus visits, and other expenses, the cost of applying to college can add up quickly. Many colleges charge between $50 and $90 per application, and some charge even more.
For a high school senior applying to 8–10 colleges, those fees alone could total $400–$900!
The good news? College application fee waivers can help eligible students apply to colleges for FREE. And even students who don’t qualify for traditional fee waivers may have opportunities to avoid application fees.
Here’s everything high school seniors and parents need to know about college application fee waivers, including who qualifies, how to request them, and where to find colleges that don’t charge application fees.
What Is a College Application Fee Waiver?
A college application fee waiver allows a student to submit a college application without paying the school’s application fee.
Fee waivers are designed primarily to help students who demonstrate financial need, ensuring that application costs don’t prevent qualified students from pursuing higher education.
However, some colleges offer application fee waivers to all students during special promotional periods or for participating in certain admissions events.
Important: Application fee waivers cover the cost of submitting an application. They generally do not cover other college-related expenses, such as enrollment deposits, housing deposits, or tuition.
Who Qualifies for College Application Fee Waivers?
Students who demonstrate financial need may qualify for application fee waivers.
Common eligibility criteria include:
- Participation in the federal free or reduced-price school lunch program.
- Family income that falls within established income eligibility guidelines.
- Enrollment in a federal, state, or local program that supports students from low-income families, such as TRIO programs.
- Receiving public assistance.
- Living in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or experiencing homelessness.
- Being a ward of the state or an orphan.
- Receiving or being eligible for an SAT or ACT fee waiver.
- Receiving confirmation of financial hardship from a school counselor, college access adviser, or other authorized school official.
College Ready Tip: Even if you don’t meet one of these specific criteria, don’t assume you won’t qualify. Some colleges consider individual financial circumstances and may grant application fee waivers upon request.
1. Request a Fee Waiver Through the Common App
One of the easiest ways to request college application fee waivers is through the Common Application, commonly known as the Common App.
The Common App allows students to apply to more than 1,000 participating colleges and universities using one application platform.
How to Request a Common App Fee Waiver
Step 1: Log in to your Common App account.
Visit the Common App website and sign in to your student account.
Step 2: Navigate to the Profile section.
Find the section labeled “Common App Fee Waiver.”
Step 3: Indicate that you qualify.
Review the eligibility criteria and select the option indicating that you meet at least one qualification.
Step 4: Complete the required information.
Follow the prompts and provide any requested details.
Step 5: Ask your school counselor for assistance.
Your counselor may be asked to verify your eligibility.
Step 6: Submit your applications.
Once the waiver request is completed, eligible students can submit applications to participating colleges without paying the standard application fees, subject to each college’s policies.
College Ready Tip: Some colleges also offer their own fee waivers through the Common App, even if you don’t qualify for the general Common App fee waiver. Always review each college’s application requirements.
2. Use an SAT or ACT Fee Waiver
Students who receive SAT or ACT testing fee waivers may also qualify for college application fee waivers.
SAT Fee Waivers
The College Board offers college application fee waiver benefits to eligible students who receive SAT fee waivers.
Students can access information about participating colleges and how to use their application fee waiver benefits through the College Board.
Not every college automatically accepts these waivers, so students should confirm each school’s requirements.
ACT Fee Waivers
Students who qualify for the ACT Fee Waiver Program may also be eligible for college admission application fee waivers.
Students should work with their high school counselor to obtain the appropriate forms and confirm whether their selected colleges accept them.
College Ready Tip: If you received an SAT or ACT fee waiver, ask your school counselor about college application fee waivers before paying any application fees.
3. Apply to Colleges That Don’t Charge Application Fees
Here’s something many families overlook:
Some colleges don’t charge an application fee at all!
These schools allow students to apply for admission without paying an application fee, regardless of financial need.
Other colleges waive application fees for students who:
- Apply through a specific application platform.
- Submit applications during designated free application periods.
- Attend certain admissions events.
- Participate in approved campus visit programs.
- Meet specific academic or institutional eligibility requirements.
Before submitting an application, check the college’s official admissions website to determine whether an application fee is required.
College Ready Tip: When building your college list, consider including schools that offer free applications. Just make sure they are a good academic, financial, and personal fit.
4. Ask Colleges Directly for an Application Fee Waiver
Don’t be afraid to ask!
Many colleges have policies allowing admissions offices to grant fee waiver requests based on financial hardship or other qualifying circumstances.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, contact the college’s admissions office.
Here’s an example of what you can say:
“Hello, I’m a high school senior interested in applying to your university. I’m concerned about the cost of submitting multiple college applications and wanted to ask whether your school offers application fee waivers or has any upcoming opportunities to apply for free. Thank you for your assistance!”
A simple email could save you $50, $75, or even $100.
College Ready Tip: Contact the admissions office before submitting your application. Application fees are often nonrefundable, even if you later discover that you qualified for a waiver.
5. Look for Free College Application Weeks
Some states and colleges offer special periods when students can apply to participating institutions without paying application fees.
These events may be called:
- College Application Month
- Free College Application Week
- College Application Week
- Free Application Days
During these events, participating colleges may waive their application fees for eligible students or, in some cases, all applicants.
Dates, eligibility requirements, and participating institutions vary by state and year.
Check with your high school counselor, your state’s higher education agency, and individual college admissions offices for current opportunities.
College Ready Tip: Many free application events take place during the fall, making October and November especially important months to watch for fee waiver opportunities.
6. Ask Your High School Counselor for Help
Your high school counselor can be one of your best resources when it comes to saving money on college applications.
Counselors can often help students:
- Determine whether they qualify for application fee waivers.
- Complete Common App fee waiver requests.
- Obtain SAT or ACT-related application fee waiver forms.
- Identify colleges offering free applications.
- Verify financial hardship when required.
- Locate state-specific application fee waiver opportunities.
If application fees are creating a financial burden for your family, schedule a meeting with your counselor before submitting your applications.
7. Don’t Forget About College-Specific Fee Waivers
Even if a college charges an application fee, it may have additional waiver opportunities.
For example, some institutions offer application fee waivers to students who participate in certain admissions programs, attend qualifying events, or meet specific institutional criteria.
These policies vary significantly from college to college.
Check each school’s admissions website for a section titled “Application Fee Waivers” or “Application Fee Assistance.”
Remember: A college’s fee waiver policy can change from year to year, so always verify the requirements for your application cycle.
Common College Application Fee Waiver Mistakes to Avoid
Before submitting your applications, make sure you aren’t making these common mistakes.
Mistake #1: Assuming you don’t qualify.
Some students qualify for fee waivers without realizing it. Review the eligibility requirements before paying.
Mistake #2: Waiting until the last minute.
Some waiver requests require counselor verification or additional documentation. Start early to avoid missing application deadlines.
Mistake #3: Paying before requesting a waiver.
Many application fees are nonrefundable. Always explore fee waiver options before submitting payment.
Mistake #4: Assuming every college accepts the same waiver.
Fee waiver policies vary by institution. Confirm which waivers each college accepts.
Mistake #5: Forgetting to check for free application events.
A college that normally charges an application fee may offer a limited-time opportunity to apply for free.
How Much Money Can College Application Fee Waivers Save?
Let’s look at an example.
Suppose a high school senior applies to eight colleges, each charging a $75 application fee.
| Number of Colleges | Fee Per Application | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 4 colleges | $75 | $300 |
| 6 colleges | $75 | $450 |
| 8 colleges | $75 | $600 |
| 10 colleges | $75 | $750 |
With approved application fee waivers, eligible students could potentially save hundreds of dollars!
That money could instead go toward college visits, textbooks, supplies, or other college expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions About College Application Fee Waivers
Can anyone get a college application fee waiver?
Not everyone qualifies for financial-need-based fee waivers. However, some colleges offer free applications or promotional fee waivers regardless of financial need.
Do college application fee waivers affect admission decisions?
Requesting an application fee waiver should not negatively affect your chances of admission. Fee waivers are intended to improve access to higher education.
Can I use a fee waiver for multiple colleges?
Yes. Eligible students can often request fee waivers for multiple colleges. However, the number of applications covered and acceptance policies depend on the waiver program and individual institutions.
Do I need to submit proof of income?
Not always. Some fee waiver programs rely on student eligibility information and counselor verification, while individual colleges may request additional documentation.
Can I request a fee waiver after submitting my application?
Policies vary, but application fees are generally nonrefundable. It’s best to request a waiver before submitting your application.
Can international students receive college application fee waivers?
Some colleges offer fee waivers to international applicants, but eligibility varies. International students should check each institution’s admissions policies.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Application Fees Limit Your College Options
Applying to college is an exciting milestone, but the costs can quickly become overwhelming.
The good news is that college application fee waivers can make the admissions process more affordable and accessible.
Whether you qualify through the Common App, receive an SAT or ACT fee waiver, participate in a free application event, or contact colleges directly, there are several ways to reduce or eliminate application fees.
For high school seniors: Before you hit submit, take a few minutes to research your fee waiver options.
For parents: Encourage your student to explore available resources and speak with their high school counselor.
Remember, every dollar saved during the college application process is a dollar that can be put toward your future education.
Your Next Step
Before submitting your next college application, review the school’s fee waiver policies and ask your high school counselor whether you qualify for assistance.
College Ready is here to help high school seniors and parents navigate the college admissions process with confidence—one step at a time!
Helpful Resources
- Common App: https://www.commonapp.org — Learn about Common App fee waivers and application requirements.
- College Board: https://www.collegeboard.org — Explore SAT fee waivers and college application fee waiver benefits.
- ACT: https://www.act.org — Find information about ACT fee waivers.
- NACAC: https://www.nacacnet.org — Explore college admission application fee waiver resources.
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