College Application Fees: When to Pay and When to Ask for Waivers

In this article, we’ll discuss when and when not to pay college application fees. You’ll also know how to apply for a fee waiver and colleges without application fees.

This is a timely topic because application fees can be a financial burden. College applicants can pay almost $45, on average, as an application fee (US News). Now, if you apply to, say, five different colleges, that’s $225 total.

But the application fee isn’t all there is to it either. Transcript requests, SAT/ACT reports, and mailing fees add up, too. Applicants from low-income backgrounds will find these costs a significant barrier.

There’s also the uncertainty of admission that, in turn, means no return on investment. Add the fact that there’s limited financial aid for application costs.

Fortunately, you can overcome these challenges by asking for fee waivers. Read on and find out more about them and other cost-saving strategies.

What Are College Application Fees?

College application fees are charges that students pay when submitting their applications. Applicants must pay them whether they are accepted or not. These fees cover the administrative costs necessary for processing and reviewing applications.

As mentioned above, the average application fee is almost $45/application. But the costs vary widely depending on the college (i.e., public or private). Costs range from $24-$40 on the low end to $75-$100 on the high end.

Ivy League and elite schools usually charge the highest application fees. Stanford University charges $90 while Columbia and Duke charge $85. Arkansas Baptist University charges $100.

Again, if you apply to several universities, the fees add up. Students who applied to 6.14 colleges, on average, using the Common App paid almost $295, on average.

How Much Do College Application Fees Really Cost Students?

Indeed, application fee waivers are a boon to many students. But how much are college application fees really? Well, it depends on many factors, including:

• Public or private status of the college
• In-state vs. out-of-state
• Prestige and reputation
• Level of selectivity in the admission process
• Application method

The best way to know how much in application costs you’re going to pay: Ask the colleges. Every college you’re interested in has its specific fees and policies, so ask.

Comparative Look at Fees Across Different Schools

In general, public institutions have lower application fees. But there are also exceptions to the rule, especially among nationally ranked universities.

A few examples of the wide variation in application fees are:

• University of Florida $30
• University of North Carolina $85
• University of Massachusetts—Amherst $85

Private institutions usually charge higher application fees. This is particularly true for the Ivy League and selective schools, including:

• Syracuse University $85
• Boston University $80
• Dartmouth College $80
• Brown University $75
• Harvard University $75

Community colleges charge lower fees, too, and many even have free applications. Many four-year universities don’t charge application fees either.

Affordability Concerns

Applicants who fall into one of these categories will likely have affordability issues.

• Submitting applications to several schools
• Coming from low-income backgrounds
• Being the first in their families to apply to college (i.e., first-generation students)

Suffice it to say that application fees are a barrier to higher education for many students.

When You Should Pay the Application Fee

Paying for college applications makes sense in specific situations. Think of them as a smart investment in your future, especially if you get into a prestigious school.

Applying to “Dream Schools” or Highly Selective Colleges

There’s a price to pay for applying for admission into so-called dream schools. These include the Ivy League universities and highly selective colleges. Caltech, Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, and Princeton are a few examples.

Paying their college fees may be worth it because these institutions:

• Have a need-blind admissions policy
• Offer enrolled students generous financial aid packages
• Don’t always offer or grant automatic fee waivers

If you’re accepted, the benefits of admission outweigh the high application cost. You’ll have access to top-tier resources and networking opportunities.

After graduation, you can enjoy the school’s prestige and brand recognition. You’re more likely to enjoy access to better job opportunities.

Studies have shown that graduates from top schools can earn higher starting salaries. Their mid-career salaries are higher, too, especially those from Ivy League universities.

In short, paying the application fee – and being accepted – can set the ball rolling.

Why Sometimes Paying Is Worth It

You should also consider paying the application fee in these instances.

• You’re not eligible for a fee waiver, but it’s your dream school.
• You’re applying to a selective program where the returns outweigh the costs.
• You want to be a student and take advantage of the school’s best qualities. These can be its strong reputation, rigorous academics, or scholarship opportunities.
• You’re applying Early Action or Early Decision. By paying the application fee, you’re highlighting your keen interest. In turn, it can strengthen your application.

Remember, nonetheless, that paying the application fee isn’t a guarantee of acceptance. But it’s an investment in your future that can result in excellent returns.

Keeping Costs Reasonable by Limiting the Number of Applications

There’s no need to apply to 20 schools either. By the way, 20 schools is the maximum number of schools you can list on your online FAFSA. Not only is it time-consuming, but your application fees can be in the thousands.

Instead, keep your application fees reasonable by:

• Adopt a strategic and selective approach. Create a balanced list of reach, safety, and match schools.
• List schools that offer fee waivers and schools without application fees.
• Use the Common App. It offers a streamlined process for requesting fee waivers.
•  Set a budget for application fees.

Your goal is to maximize your opportunities while minimizing the financial burden.

When to Ask for a Fee Waiver

But if you can get something for free, why not? You should also look into fee waivers because it means saving your money.

Who Qualifies for a Fee Waiver?

But you must look into the fee waiver eligibility requirements first. In general, the following applicants are eligible for fee waivers.

Low-income background

Many colleges use the eligibility guidelines for government assistance programs for this reason. But check with your college, as it may have specific criteria.

The following cohorts qualify for fee waivers.

• Families with income at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. This is about $59,500/year for a family of four.
• Families or students who live in federally subsidized public housing
• Participants in SNAP, WIC, Medicaid/CHIP, and free or reduced-price lunch programs.
• Students who are enrolled in GEAR UP, TRiO, and Upward Bound programs
• Students who are wards of the state, orphans, homeless, or in foster care 
• Students who are Pell Grant-eligible or who received SAT/ACT fee waivers

Verification and documentation may be necessary.

First-generation college students

Neither of your parents must have earned a four-year bachelor’s degree.

Here are other groups that may qualify for fee waivers.

• Military-connected applicants, such as active-duty service members, veterans, and their dependents
• Applicants affected by economic hardship or natural disasters (i.e., case-by-case basis)
• Students from partner programs or organizations (e.g., Posse Foundation)
• Recommended by the principal or school counselor
• Students who received a waiver code through special considerations or promos

Again, check with your school for specifics.

How the Common App and College Board Fee Waiver Systems Work

You can also explore the Common Application fee waiver. Here’s how it works.

• Log in to your account. If you don’t have an account yet, create one.
• Go to the “Profile” section.
• Click on “Fee Waiver”.
• Choose “Yes” to the question (Do you feel that your financial circumstances might qualify you for a fee waiver?).
• Select your reason for eligibility. If you don’t find one on the list, you can provide an explanation (“Other”).
• Wait for counselor verification. Your school counselor must approve your fee waiver application.

Once you get approval, you can apply to colleges for free. Check for “Fee Waiver Granted” on your application.

If you apply through the College Board, you can also apply for a fee waiver. This is possible if you fall in one of these categories:

• You received a SAT fee waiver. More than 2,000 participating schools accept the fee waivers.
• You qualify for an application fee waiver (i.e., refer above for specific cohorts).

Applying for the College Board fee waiver is a straightforward process.

• Log in to your College Board account.
• Go to the “My SAT” section.
• List down or save your application fee waiver codes.
• Enter your code in your college application form, usually in the payment section.

The College Board grants up to four application fee waivers. There’s no expiration date and no counselor verification necessary. Eligible students also enjoy free CSS Profile submissions and unlimited score sends.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to the admissions office if you have questions. You may even get insider tips on how to get a fee waiver.

How to Apply for a Fee Waiver

Besides the Common App and College Board, you can also apply for the NACAC fee waiver.

• Download the application form from the NACAC website.
• Complete and sign the application form.
• Request your school counselor to complete and sign it, too.
• Submit the form to your preferred college.

What if your preferred college isn’t on the College Board or Common App network? You can contact its admissions office and ask about waivers.

Keep these tips in mind when preparing your documentation.

• Have a copy of your enrollment or participation in federal or state assistance programs.
• Secure your FAFSA Student Aid Report showing your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
• Get a letter from your counselor about your economic hardship or other qualifying circumstances.

Start as early as possible with your applications for fee waivers, too.

Colleges with No Application Fee

If application fees are a significant issue, explore colleges with no application fee. Here are a few examples that you may want to consider.

• University of Alaska Anchorage (i.e., for online applications)
• Auburn University at Montgomery (i.e., for undergraduates only)
• Arkansas Tech University (i.e., for first-time freshmen applicants)
• University of Texas at El Paso (i.e., for domestic applicants only)
• Wellesley College (i.e., need-blind admissions for US citizens and permanent residents)

Choosing colleges that offer free applications is a smart strategy, too. There’s no upfront cost to apply, for starters, meaning reduced costs. You’ll then be able to spend the money on other essentials, such as campus visits.

Being able to build a more diverse list of colleges is a bonus. You can apply to as many schools as possible without wasting money.

Saving Money on Applications: Other Tips

Fee waivers aren’t the only way to save money on application fees. Here are more ways that you can do so.

• Narrow down your list of colleges. Prioritize colleges that are a good fit with your budget, interests, and goals.
• Research in advance to avoid wasted fees. Check if, indeed, you’re a realistic candidate for admission.
• Apply for financial aid for application fees.
• Pair fee waivers with scholarship opportunities.

Keeping your college costs down demands strategic planning. Seek reliable information and support, too.

Making Smart Choices About Application Costs

In conclusion, reducing college application costs is only one part of the picture. Yes, you’ll want to pay as little in application fees as possible.

But you must also weigh value vs. cost – if you pay the fee, what’s its return on investment? If you’ll enjoy good returns, then the cost of the application fee pays for itself. Also, consider if the school is a good match with your goals and generous with its financial aid.

There’s nothing to be ashamed of about taking advantage of fee waivers, either. Fee waivers are common among colleges and, in fact, are used by many to attract students.

Fee waivers are just the start, too. You’ll agree that taking advantage of them will carry over to your financial aid strategies.