Find Colleges With No Application Fees

Why Do I Have to Pay Application Fees?

There are several reasons a college or university may charge application fees. The primary motivation generally has to do with ensuring that applicants are serious about enrolling in a particular program. Without this requirement, there would likely be a huge influx of applicants who merely applied because they could. Arguably, these fees encourage students to be more selective and limit the number of frivolous applications.

Additionally, processing through applications requires significant time and resources. While technology advancements allow institutions to accept submission materials electronically, reviewing applications cannot be fully automated. This means that admissions professionals must read through each one individually, which is no small task. Most colleges and universities use application fees to offset related expenses. This is particularly relevant for private schools, which are, first and foremost, businesses.

It is important to realize, however, that there are ways around paying application fees. Some students from low-income families can qualify for waivers. Skip ahead for more information about avoiding this expense.

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Most Expensive College Application Fees

Some institutions charge significantly more than others, often in an attempt to curb the number of applicants each year. The schools with the highest application fees range from $75 to $90. It is important to carefully research this financial obligation before deciding which schools to apply to. Identifying the colleges and universities that have the highest fees can be helpful, especially for students planning to submit multiple applications.

While prospective students should never shy away from applying to a college or university that offers the education they want, limiting the number of high-cost applications may be a fiscally responsible decision. Students should consider making a list of the institutions they are interested in and the corresponding application fees. This will help them weigh their options more carefully.

Colleges in The US With No Application Fees

Not all colleges and universities charge an application fee. In fact, there are several top-ranked institutions with free submission options. There are a few reasons a school may choose to lower or eliminate application costs. In most cases, these schools want to encourage more students to apply. This may be in response to a low enrollment year, a growing or expanding campus, or a desire to appeal to more diverse populations.

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Additionally, some schools that charge a fee for traditional paper applications offer a free electronic submission alternative. This means that students who apply using the institution’s online platform can lock in significant savings.

Ways to Get Application Fees Waived

SAT Fee Waivers

Eligible students demonstrating financial need may be given a College Board SAT testing fee waiver by their school counselor. This lets students take the SAT and SAT Subject Tests for free, but it also has other benefits. Recipients also receive school reports to send to colleges and waived application fees at participating colleges. Students are usually provided with four college application fee waivers.

Eligibility is based on the following:

Students who are homeless or classified as a ward of the state or orphan may also qualify.

ACT Fee Waivers

Similarly, students may be eligible for an ACT fee waiver. Recipients can take the ACT (no writing) or the ACT with writing for free, as well as request up to 20 additional score reports without charge. Additionally, students can complete a Request for Waiver or Deferral of College Admission Application fee form for use during their application process. The requirements for eligibility are much like those for the SAT fee waiver.