Applying to college can be an expensive endeavor, with application fees often adding up to hundreds of dollars. For students from low-income families, these fees can be a significant obstacle to pursuing higher education.
Fortunately, a growing number of colleges are recognizing this financial burden and eliminating their application fees entirely. These institutions are committed to making college more accessible and affordable for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Why Apply to Colleges with No Application Fee?
- Save money: The average college application fee is $40, and for students applying to multiple schools, the costs can quickly add up. By choosing colleges with no application fee, you can save hundreds of dollars.
- Increase your application pool: Reducing the financial barrier to applying can encourage more students to apply to college, potentially increasing your chances of admission to your top choices.
- Reduce stress: Applying to college can be a stressful time, and financial concerns can only add to the anxiety. By eliminating application fees, you can reduce one less source of stress.
List of Colleges with No Application Fee
According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), over 800 colleges and universities in the United States have eliminated their application fees. Here is a comprehensive list of these institutions:
| Institution | Location |
|---|---|
| American University | Washington, D.C. |
| Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ |
| Boston University | Boston, MA |
| California State University (all campuses) | California |
| Columbia University | New York City, NY |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, NY |
| Duke University | Durham, NC |
| Emory University | Atlanta, GA |
| George Washington University | Washington, D.C. |
| Harvard University | Cambridge, MA |
| Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Cambridge, MA |
| Northwestern University | Evanston, IL |
| Princeton University | Princeton, NJ |
| Rice University | Houston, TX |
| Stanford University | Stanford, CA |
| University of California (all campuses) | California |
| University of Chicago | Chicago, IL |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL |
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA |
| University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX |
| University of Virginia | Charlottesville, VA |
| Yale University | New Haven, CT |
Other Colleges with Low Application Fees
In addition to colleges with no application fee, there are also a number of institutions that charge low application fees. These fees typically range from $25 to $50, which is significantly lower than the average. Here is a list of colleges with low application fees:
| Institution | Location | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | $25 |
| Brigham Young University | Provo, UT | $25 |
| Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO | $30 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, GA | $25 |
| Indiana University | Bloomington, IN | $25 |
| Iowa State University | Ames, IA | $30 |
| Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS | $25 |
| Louisiana State University | Baton Rouge, LA | $25 |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | $25 |
| Ohio State University | Columbus, OH | $25 |
| Pennsylvania State University | University Park, PA | $30 |
| Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN | $25 |
| Texas A&M University | College Station, TX | $25 |
| University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | $25 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | $25 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $30 |
| University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH | $25 |
| University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | $25 |
| University of Delaware | Newark, DE | $30 |
Tips and Tricks for Applying to Colleges with No Application Fee
- Check your eligibility: Not all students are eligible for free application waivers. Some colleges have income requirements or other criteria that students must meet to qualify.
- Apply early: Many colleges have rolling admissions, which means they review applications as they come in. Applying early can increase your chances of getting accepted and receiving financial aid.
- Proofread your application: Even though there is no application fee, you should still put your best foot forward. Proofread your application carefully before submitting it to ensure that it is free of errors.
- Consider applying to multiple schools: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to multiple colleges to increase your chances of getting accepted to at least one.
- Contact the admissions office: If you have any questions about the application process, don’t hesitate to contact the admissions office. They can help you with any questions you have.
Conclusion
Applying to college is a major milestone in a student’s life. By choosing colleges with no application fee, you can remove one less financial barrier to pursuing higher education. Take advantage of this opportunity to save money, increase your application pool, and reduce stress. By doing your research and following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting into the college of your dreams without breaking the bank.
Additional Resources
- NACAC’s List of Colleges with No Application Fee
- The College Board’s Application Fee Calculator
- How to Get College Application Fees Waived