To get fee waivers for college applications, you need to show that paying the application fee would be a financial hardship. Most colleges and the Common Application offer waivers for students who receive government benefits or have a low family income. You can request a fee waiver directly from the college or through your high school counselor.
Who qualifies for college application fee waivers?
Eligibility for fee waivers usually depends on your family’s financial situation. If you or your family receives certain government assistance, you likely qualify. Common qualifying programs include:
- Free or reduced-price lunch at school
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid or similar state health insurance
- Federal Pell Grant eligibility
You may also qualify if your family’s annual income is at or below the federal poverty guidelines. Many colleges use the same criteria as the College Board or the Common Application.
How do you request a fee waiver?
The process depends on how you are applying. If you use the Common Application, you answer a few questions about your financial situation inside the application. The system then automatically grants the waiver if you meet the criteria.
For individual college applications, you usually need to fill out a fee waiver request form. This form is often available on the college’s admissions website. Your high school counselor can also submit a letter or form on your behalf.
Fee waivers for the Common Application
When you create your Common Application account, you will see a section that asks about fee waivers. You can select the option that applies to you, like being eligible for free lunch or receiving SNAP. You do not need to provide proof right away, but you should have documentation ready in case the college asks.
Fee waivers for individual colleges
Some colleges have their own fee waiver form. You can find it on the admissions page or by calling the admissions office. Submit the form along with your application, or ask your counselor to email it directly.
What fees can be waived?
Most fee waivers cover the standard application fee for each college. This fee usually ranges from $50 to $100. Some waivers also cover the fee for the SAT or ACT when you send scores to colleges. However, fee waivers do not typically cover other costs like transcript fees or test prep materials.
| Type of Fee | Can it be waived? | How to get the waiver |
|---|---|---|
| College application fee | Yes, usually | Request through application or counselor |
| SAT/ACT score report fee | Yes, for eligible students | Use the fee waiver from the test provider |
| Transcript fee | Sometimes | Ask your high school directly |
| Application fee for housing | Rarely | Contact the housing office |
When should you ask for a fee waiver?
It is best to request a fee waiver as early as possible. Many colleges have deadlines for fee waiver requests, often a few weeks before the application deadline. For the Common Application, you can indicate the fee waiver when you submit your application. If you wait too long, you might miss the opportunity.
For early action or early decision applications, ask for the waiver before the early deadline. Do not wait until the regular deadline. Planning ahead gives you time to gather any needed proof.
Tips for securing a fee waiver
Here are four actionable tips to help you get a fee waiver successfully:
- Talk to your high school counselor early in your senior year. They handle many waiver requests and can guide you.
- Keep copies of any documents that show your financial situation, such as tax returns or benefit letters.
- Apply to multiple colleges using the Common Application so you only need one waiver request for all those schools.
- Check each college’s website for specific fee waiver instructions. Some schools require a separate form.
If you are not sure if you qualify, ask anyway. Many colleges are flexible and will grant a waiver if you explain your situation. Your counselor can help write a letter explaining your need.
What if you do not get a fee waiver?
If your request is denied, you can still apply to colleges that do not charge an application fee. Many community colleges and some four-year schools have no application fee at all. You can also apply to colleges that offer a limited number of fee waivers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Another option is to request a fee waiver after you have been admitted. Some colleges will waive the fee if you show proof of financial need after acceptance. This is less common, but worth asking about.
Final summary
Getting a fee waiver for college applications is a straightforward process if you understand the eligibility rules and request early. Start by checking your financial aid eligibility, talk to your counselor, and use the Common Application if possible. Fee waivers can save you hundreds of dollars, so do not hesitate to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to get a college application fee waiver?
You typically need proof of eligibility, such as a letter showing you receive free or reduced-price lunch, SNAP benefits, or Medicaid. Your high school counselor can also provide a verification form if you do not have documents.
Can I get a fee waiver if I am an international student?
Most fee waivers are for US citizens or eligible non-citizens. Some colleges offer limited waivers for international students based on financial need, but you must check each school’s policy.
How many fee waivers can I use for college applications?
There is no federal limit, but the Common Application offers up to 20 fee waivers per student. Individual colleges may allow unlimited waivers within their own system, but you must apply for each one separately.
Do fee waivers affect my chances of getting accepted?
No. Colleges never share whether a student used a fee waiver with the admissions committee. Your financial need does not affect the decision on your application.
