Does It Cost Money to Apply to College?
Updated April 7, 2025 · 4 Min Read
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While many colleges charge application fees, some have no-cost application policies, and others waive fees for applicants who meet certain criteria. You could save hundreds of dollars by focusing on schools that waive their application fees or don't charge them at all.
This page explores average college application fees and how to get fee waivers for college applications. It also includes a list of accredited colleges without application fees. Use this resource to find ways to save money from the very beginning of your educational journey.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How Much Do College Applications Cost?
A 2023 NBC News report cited a typical college application fee range of $60-$100, while Peterson's Data put the average cost of an undergraduate college application at $48 for the 2022-2023 school year.
Some schools automatically waive application fees for students who apply online, while others will excuse you from paying them if you meet specific criteria. College Board's College Application Fee Waiver FAQ can help you navigate the no-cost-application landscape.
You can also use the information below to save money.
Can You Apply to College for Free?
You can deploy three main strategies to save money on application fees for colleges:
- Qualify for application fee waivers.
- Take advantage of special state-sponsored programs.
- Apply to colleges without application fees.
Learn more about each option:
Fee waivers
The Common App allows you to apply to multiple schools with a single application. The platform includes a Common App fee waiver program that offers many eligibility pathways. Students with limited financial resources can also receive application fee waivers from the National Association for College Admission Counseling.
Additionally, check for school-specific waivers at each school you plan to apply to. Some institutions will waive application fees if you apply online or meet other eligibility criteria.
State-sponsored programs that eliminate application fees during special periods (e.g., College Application Month)
Some states hold special promotions designed to encourage residents to pursue higher education. For example, Minnesota holds College Knowledge Month each October, prompting many in-state schools to waive their application fees for a limited time. Many other states participate in College Application Month every November, with some participating state college systems offering no-fee application windows.
Learn more by consulting this tuition waiver guide.
Colleges that don’t charge application fees
Recognizing the increasing cost burdens students face, many colleges have eliminated application fees entirely. Below is an updated list of the best online colleges that do not charge application fees.
Best Online Colleges With No Application Fees
Most colleges and universities charge a nonrefundable application fee of $60-$100, even if the applicant is not admitted. This can add up. Luckily, several online colleges allow applicants to submit their applications free of charge.
If you plan to attend college online, you'll have a greater number of schools and programs to choose from. You can enroll in an online program at any school nationwide without needing to relocate, including the institutions below.
Bay Path University
Private nonprofit institution in Longmeadow, Massachusetts
Tuition: $38,731 per semester for full-time undergraduates taking 12-18 credits
Bay Path University's American Women's College offers more than 40 online associate and bachelor's degrees, plus certificates. Career-focused majors include business, communication, cybersecurity, and education. The university's WELL program prepares women for leadership through courses on boundary-setting and team dynamics.
Brenau University
Private nonprofit institution in Gainesville, Georgia
Tuition: $773 per credit
Brenau University launched its online programming in 1998, featuring 31 self-paced associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs. Enrollees can choose from six start dates annually to pursue a two- or four-year degree. Brenau charges no application fee, and students pay a flat fee for textbooks through the Barnes & Noble rental program.
Florida Institute of Technology
Private nonprofit institution in Melbourne, Florida
Tuition: $510 per credit
Florida Institute of Technology offers over 200 online programs for distance learners in convenient eight-week terms. Online learners can choose from various STEM-related bachelor's and graduate programs, such as aeronautical science, information technology, oceanography, and software engineering.
McKendree University
Private nonprofit institution in Lebanon, Illinois
Tuition: $330 per credit for elementary education for paraprofessionals degree program; $420 per credit for all other online undergraduate degree programs
McKendree University, offering distance learning since 1970, partners with corporations and organizations to offer a 10% community tuition discount. Online learners at McKendree can pursue associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees without traveling to its Illinois campus.
Metropolitan State University
Public institution in Saint Paul, Minnesota
Tuition: $286 per credit
Metro State University, boasting 25 online undergraduate, graduate, and graduate certificate programs, waives application fees for low-income students and active-duty military service members. The virtual bachelor's degrees include completion programs in dental hygiene and an RN-to-BSN nursing program. Students in states participating in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements can take online courses at Metro State University.
Mount Mercy University
Private nonprofit institution in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Tuition: $582 per credit
Mount Mercy University's online learners can complete undergraduate and graduate degree programs through live or on-demand courses. Students can also opt for accelerated online degrees in management, business, healthcare administration, and management marketing.
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Private nonprofit institution in Standish, Maine
Tuition: $900 per credit for accelerated BSN program; $390 per credit for all other online undergraduate degree programs
Saint Joseph's College's five online undergraduate degrees incorporate academic guidance and feedback to support distance learners. SJC Online provides 15% off tuition to students enrolled in partnerships with roughly 600 employers. Enrollees can start most programs every 10 weeks. The nursing and graduate-level theology programs begin every 12 weeks.
Saint Leo University
Private nonprofit institution in Saint Leo, Florida
Tuition: $425 per credit
Saint Leo University has offered distance learning for more than 20 years. This private Catholic college offers 75 online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Candidates pay no application fee and receive free access to the college's scholarships and grants guide, which provides over 60 award links.
Saint Louis University
Private nonprofit institution in St. Louis, Missouri
Tuition: $650 per credit
Saint Louis University awards 14 online bachelor's, 19 master's, and four doctoral degrees at nearly half the cost of its on-campus programs. This Catholic research university's undergraduate degree programs include computer information systems, cybersecurity, emergency management, and project management.
Siena Heights University
Private nonprofit institution in Adrian, Michigan
Tuition: $570 per credit
SHU Global's 11 undergraduate degrees offer online coursework as well as hybrid programs. Only the bachelor's in applied science, RN-to-BSN degree, and professional communication degree are fully online. Full-time undergraduate and graduate students pay locked-in tuition for two years through the Siena Tuition Advantage program.
Southern New Hampshire University
Private nonprofit institution in Manchester, New Hampshire
Tuition: $330 per credit
Southern New Hampshire University offers more than 200 online degree programs. SNHU's popular undergraduate programs include business, education, engineering, psychology and counseling, and technology. Associate degree-holders can transfer up to 90 credits toward an online bachelor's degree at SNHU. Applications and transfer credit evaluations are free.
Are No-Fee Colleges a Good Option?
Some students associate no-application-fee schools with lower educational quality. This is a misconception. In reality, many reputable accredited colleges don't charge application fees.
However, as part of your due diligence, you should always check a school's accreditation standing with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many colleges can you apply to with Common App?
You can apply to a maximum of 20 colleges with a single Common App application, and your Common App waiver will automatically transfer to any participating school you're eligible to apply to at no cost.
How do I request an application fee waiver?
Apply through the Common App Fee Waiver in your Common App profile, contact the school's admissions department, or speak to your high school guidance counselor or a qualified social service or community agency representative to request an application fee waiver.
What colleges have free applications?
Hundreds of accredited colleges offer no-cost applications or fee waivers, including these free-to-apply online schools. You can also take advantage of limited-time fee waivers during events like College Application Month or request a waiver from college reps when they visit your high school to recruit students.
When is Free College Application Week 2025?
It varies among states. For example, Alabama's program runs during the last week of February, while Tennessee and Indiana run similar initiatives in September. Perform additional research specific to the school or state where you'd like to attend college.
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