Free to Apply: How to Get a College Application Fee Waiver
Applying to college is an exciting process, but did you know that application fees can range from $50 to $90 per school? It adds up fast! Fortunately, many students can qualify for application fee waivers, significantly reducing the financial burden. Here's a guide on how to get waivers so nothing stands in the way of your higher education goals!
Request Fee Waivers From Your College
Sometimes, the most straightforward approach is the most effective – ask! Many colleges will waive application fees if you reach out directly, especially if you explain your financial situation. Colleges want to ensure that application fees don't stop you from attending college. Contact the admissions office of the schools you're interested in and ask about fee waivers or programs.
Participate in College-Specific Programs
Many institutions hold a "College Application Week" or "Free Application Days," when fees are automatically waived for all applicants. Each school chooses when they will host these events. Some states and/or regions celebrate for a week or more. Research your schools of choice to see if they host a waived tuition event.
Additionally, some colleges provide automatic fee waivers to students who meet specific academic or demographic criteria. These criteria may apply to high-achieving students, students from low-income households, students from traditionally underserved racial/ethnic groups, or students of other historically underserved backgrounds.
Leverage Your ACT Fee Waivers
If you received a fee waiver for the ACT, you’re in luck! Students who qualify for test fee waivers often automatically qualify for college application fee waivers at participating institutions.
- If you meet the following eligibility requirements for the ACT fee waiver program, you may request a Deferral of College Admissions Application Fee to the college you are applying to:
- Be currently enrolled in high school in the 11th or 12th grade.
- Be testing in the United States, US territories, or Puerto Rico.
- Meet one or more of the indicators of economic need listed below:
- Enrolled in a federal free or reduced-price lunch program at school, based on US Department of Agriculture (USDA) income levels.
- Enrolled in a program for the economically disadvantaged (for example, a federally funded program such as GEAR UP or Upward Bound). Note: If the student participates in a program, but is not economically disadvantaged, they are not eligible for a fee waiver.
- Resides in a foster home, is a ward of the state, or experiencing homelessness.
- Family receives low-income public assistance or lives in federally subsidized public housing.
- Family’s total annual income is at or below USDA levels for free or reduced-price lunches on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
Explore NACAC Fee Waivers
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) offers fee waivers if you qualify for ACT fee waivers. With NACAC waivers, you can apply to up to four colleges without paying the application fee. Since not all colleges participate, check if your top schools accept the NACAC fee waiver.
Use the Common App
One of the most straightforward ways to get a fee waiver is through the Common Application platform, or "Common App" for short. It offers a built-in fee waiver request process for students who demonstrate financial need.
Part of your profile includes a series of questions that help determine your eligibility. If you qualify, your school counselor will receive a confirmation request. Then, you're good to go!
Waivers are widely accepted by colleges that use these applications, making it easy to apply to multiple schools without application fees. The Common App benefits students for many other reasons. Check them out!
Consider Schools With No Application Fee
Finally, some colleges don't charge application fees at all. These schools are often smaller, lesser-known institutions or community colleges that understand the financial strain higher education can have on students and have chosen to make the application process free.
Navigating the college application process can be challenging, but financial barriers shouldn't stand in anyone's way. By taking advantage of fee waivers, you can apply to your chosen colleges without the stress of application costs adding up. If you cannot obtain a fee waiver – you still have options! Explore scholarships, financial aid, and other financial resources to help make your college dreams a reality. You've got this!
