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Colleges with no application fee may be available. Students who wish to attend a school may find the initial fee to just apply a bit off-putting. Some schools could offer a fee waiver. Others may not charge a fee at all. Unfortunately, many factors go into determining if the school should require an application fee.
College Application Fee Waivers
Some students may be able to request to not pay an application fee. This is done through an application fee waiver. Students may need to demonstrate financial need to obtain this type of waiver. It may be possible to obtain a fee waiver for applications done through the Common App. Some higher education students may also qualify for a fee waiver from the college directly. Should a student wish to obtain a waive, he or she should request one from the college financial aid office.
Why Do Colleges Offer No Application Fee?
The college admissions process may seem daunting. Filling out financial aid is hard in itself. Students applying to numerous schools may find it impossible to pay for all of their app fees. That is why some schools may not charge an application fee. Some schools may not charge a fee to help expand the pool of applicants. It could also help to make the application process more affordable – and that may mean more accessible to those who cannot or do not want to pay numerous fees.
Some schools may charge a fee for various reasons. This may be an admin fee to cover the cost of managing those applications. The app fee is non refundable. For students applying to numerous schools, this may become expensive over time.
What Is the Average Application Fee?
According to a survey conducted in 2021, which included 889 colleges, the average cost of application fee amounted to nearly $45. Notably, some schools charged higher fees, with all the top-tier institutions demanding at least $75, averaging around $78. Out of the 64 schools examined, 22 surpassed this average, and Arkansas Baptist College claimed the highest position with a fee of $100. These findings highlight the considerable variation in application costs across different educational institutions.
Consider the cost of applying to school. Many students hope to get into one or two schools. These may be their favorite or first choices. Yet, many students apply to up to 10 schools. These work well as a safety school. If the student does not get into one, they may have other options to choose. At the average cost of $45 to $75, applying to 10 schools may mean spending $450-$750 just to apply to schools. Remember, there is no guarantee of getting in. That means students are spending $450-$750 just for the benefit of applying and may not get anything back in return. That may be expensive for many people.
What is the Common App?
The Common Application, or Common App, is a helpful tool for some students. It helps make it easy for students to use the same information to apply to more than one school. Instead, they complete the info on the Common App. Then, that info is sent to each school they wish to apply to. The Common App is free to set up and use. However, there may still be fees associated with applying to some schools.
The Common App is not used by all schools. Over 1000 colleges and universities in the U.S. do use it. Using the Common App is rather easy to do. Here are a few tips on how it works.
Users create a profile. You input your high school courses. Include your activities. Students may have to complete one of five essay topics. All of your personal data is saved in your profile. This may include anything relevant to applying for school. Then, students create a list. They add schools to that list they wish to apply to. The database of schools may provide insight to help you find schools that offer the programs you are interested in. They tend to offer a good deal of info to help you decide where to apply.
You may need to provide some extra information. Even with the Common App, some schools require additional information. You may need transcripts. Some schools require SAT or ACT scores. You may also have to include references or letters of recommendation too. Once you are ready to, you submit the applications to the schools using the Common App. You apply to schools one by one or at one time. And, you may have to pay an application fee to some schools at this time.
Are There Application Fees with the Common Application?
Students using the Common App may not pay a fee to register for the tool itself. Students may create an account and then complete applications using the Common App without cost. Some schools may still charge a fee to apply even if the student is using the Common App. The student may need to pay this fee before he or she may submit their application to a specific school.
There are some schools that may not charge an application fee that also use the Common App. Some high schools provide students with funds they may use up to a certain amount to apply to high schools using the Common App. Students may wish to speak to their financial aid advisor about options for this.
Colleges with No Application Fee
Here is a list of some colleges that may not have an application fee. This is accurate as of 2023. Things may change. Be sure to follow up with the school to check for current info for the school year you plan to apply.
Check out these top colleges with no application fees.
1
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY
Loyola University Chicago may offer a free application for freshman. They tend to have a full menu of online bachelor’s programs. To apply, you may need to send official high school transcripts. Also, ACT or SAT scores, a personal essay, and one reference. If admitted, you may need to send in a deposit to keep your space in the program.
- Tuition: $49,498
- Start Dates: Rolling
- Enrollment: 17,498
- School Type: Private
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- RN to BSN
- Biology
- Finance
- Marketing
2
Concordia University
Concordia in St. Paul, Minnesota, may offer a no fee applications and may have a test optional admissions policy. To apply for their online bachelor’s programs, you may need high school transcripts. You may also have to write a typed 500-word essay. Some programs also ask for other things.
- Tuition: $24,400
- Start Dates: 3
- Enrollment: 5,545
- School Type: Private
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- Computer Science
- Health Care Administration
- IT Management
- Criminal Justice
3
Siena Heights University
Siena Heights University is another college that usually has no application fee. They may offer online degree completion programs for adults in an array of majors. To apply, you may have to fill out an online form, and answer prompted questions.
- Tuition: $29,044
- Start Dates: 3
- Enrollment: 1,966
- School Type: Private
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- Communications
- Computer and Info Sciences
- Education
- Criminal Justice
4
Creighton University
Students may not have to pay a fee to apply to Creighton University. This private school offers a number of bachelor’s degree programs. Students may need to complete an essay. They may also need to provide transcripts and recommendations. GPA and ACT/SAT scores may be important here as well.
- Tuition: $45,590
- Start Dates: 3
- Enrollment: 8,735
- School Type: Private
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- Organizational Leadership
- Health and Wellness
- Nursing
- Dentistry
5
Cornerstone University
Cornerstone typically has a free application. It may ask for an essay stating your faith commitment and high school transcripts and at least a 2.0 GPA. You may also need an ACT, SAT, and Classic Learning Test scores. But that is if you are transferring in less than 24 college credits.
- Tuition: $28,300
- Start Dates: Rolling
- Enrollment: 2,131
- School Type: Private
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- Army ROTC Program
- Ministry, Education
- Human Services
6
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Students may be able to download the application for Kentucky Wesleyan College online. The school may require all official transcriptions. The application tends to require an essay. Students may also be required to submit their ACT composite or SAT total school.
- Tuition: $31,300
- Start Dates: 3
- Enrollment: 811
- School Type: Private
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- Business Administration,
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Design Arts
7
McKendree University
McKendree typically offers a range of online bachelor’s program with no application fee. They may also offer discounted tuition to eligible students. To apply, you may need a high school diploma or GED. And may need official SAT and ACT scores as well as a recommendation.
- Tuition: $33,430
- Start Dates: 4
- Enrollment: 1,958
- School Type: Private
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- Psychology
- Business
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
8
University of Maine – Augusta
Students hoping to apply to the University of Maine – Augusta may not have to pay an application fee. The application is online. Students may need to submit their high school or GED information. Any previous college transcriptions must typically be completed. Students may apply using the Common App.
- Tuition: $19,778
- Start Dates: 3
- Enrollment: 4,422
- School Type: Public
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- Liberal Arts
- Business Administration
- Information Technology
- Library Science
9
Johnson & Wales University
Johnson & Wales University typically does not have a fee requirement. Students may wish to use the Common App to apply to this school. High school transcriptions are usually necessary. College transcriptions may also necessary. The school is test optional. It encourages the use of ACT or SAT scores, though.
- Tuition: $38,492
- Start Dates: 2
- Enrollment: 5,117
- School Type: Private
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- Foodservice Systems Administration
- Business Administration
- Hospitality Administration
- Human Resources Management
10
Lindenwood University
Lindenwood typically has a free application. They may also offer a range of online bachelor’s degrees and more than 100 courses every semester. To apply, you may need official high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. You may also select “test optional” at the time of your application.
- Tuition: $19,300
- Start Dates: 5
- Enrollment: 7,003
- School Type: Private
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- Finance
- Business Administration
- Criminology
- Game Design
11
Southeast Missouri State University
The Southeast Missouri State University application fee is typically zero. Both an online and paper application is available. Students may need to apply with an essay. An ACT or SAT score may be necessary for some students. The school may also require all transcripts.
- Tuition: $20,320
- Start Dates: 3
- Enrollment: 9,851
- School Type: Public
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- Nursing
- General Studies
- Business Administration
- Health Care Administration
12
Campbell University
Campbell is another college with typically no application fee. To apply, you may need transcripts and to set up a user account. You may also need at least a 2.0 GPA and or military experience. There may be a range of online bachelor’s degrees, including ones in applied science such as Pre-Law. For some of them, you might have to fulfill prerequisites or submit standardized test scores.
- Tuition: $39,230
- Start Dates: Rolling
- Enrollment: 5,622
- School Type: Private
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Info Technology
- Homeland Security
13
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville University often does not require an application fee. This private school aims to make applying as easy as possible. Students may do this online or in person. Students generally create an online account. They provide personal information. They could also provide ACT or SAT test scores if applicable. Some students may need to provide transcripts of any college courses they completed.
- Tuition: $26,100
- Start Dates: 2
- Enrollment: 10,238
- School Type: Private
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- Social Work
- Business
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
14
Concordia University-Saint Paul
Concordia typically offers a no fee applications and has a test optional admissions policy. To apply for their online bachelor’s programs, you may need high school transcripts. You may also have to write a typed 500-word essay. Some programs also ask for other things.
- Tuition: $24,400
- Start Dates: 3
- Enrollment: 5,545
- School Type: Private
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- Computer Science
- Health Care Administration
- IT Management
- Criminal Justice
15
Houston Baptist University
Houston Baptist University typically does not charge an application fee for undergrad students. Students may apply through the school’s website. The programs may have perquisites for some. Students may need to provide ACT or ACT scores. Students may have a GPA requirement to meet if they do not have testing scores.
- Tuition: $36,750
- Start Dates: 2
- Enrollment: 4,120
- School Type: Private
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- Nursing
16
Loyola University New Orleans
Students applying to Loyola University – New Orleans may not have to pay an application fee. The Loyola Application or the Common App may be available. Students who attended high school using the Naviance program are encouraged to use the Common App. Other users may need to create an account. An essay and test scores may be necessary.
- Tuition: $45,030
- Start Dates: Rolling
- Enrollment: 4,570
- School Type: Private
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- Nursing
- Criminology
17
Champlain College
Champlain typically offers a no fee application. To apply, you tend to need at least a 2.5 GPA and an aptitude for success in their online programs. You may also need English language proficiency, transcripts, and a resume. Plus, CCO’s online bachelor’s degree programs are fully online and come in 7-week sessions.
- Tuition: $44,220
- Start Dates: Rolling
- Enrollment: 3,825
- School Type: Private
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- Business
- Cyber Security
- Accounting
- Computer Science
Are You Looking for More Schools to Consider?
Here are a few more schools to apply to that may not require an application fee. Click on the name of the school. Then, find their application information on that page.
- West Point
- College of Wooster
- Depauw University
- Earlham College
- Gustavus Adolphus College
- Illinois Wesleyan University
- Juanita College
- Ohio Wesleyan University
- Thomas Aquinas College
- University of St. Thomas
- Bryn Mawr College
- Butler University
- Centre College
- Hobart and William Smith Colleges
- Luther College
- Michigan Technological University
- Presbyterian College
- Southwestern University
- Ursinus College
- Colby College
- Carleton College
- Grinnell College
- Tulane University in Louisiana
- Denison University
- Drake University
- Hendrix College
- University of Dayton
Previous No Application Fee Schools
This list of colleges used to offer no fee applications to students. Some may have changed their policy. Others may have put in place new fees for some students. It may be worth looking into these schools to find out if they now offer no fees again. Click on the school’s name. Then, follow the application info to learn more. Some of the best colleges change these application guidelines every few years.