College application costs can add up quickly depending on the number of schools you're applying to. Fortunately, there are a few different ways to receive fee waivers that reduce those costs! In this article, we share what you need to know about college application fee waivers. 

Income Fee Waivers

There are multiple ways a student can be identified as income-eligible for an application fee waiver:

• You are enrolled in or are eligible to participate in the Federal Free or Reduced-Price Lunch (FRPL) program.
• You have received or are eligible to receive an SAT or ACT fee waiver.
• Your family is receiving public assistance.
• You are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., GEAR UP or TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
• You live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or are experiencing homeless.
• You have received or are eligible to receive the Pell Grant.
• You can provide a supporting statement from a school official, college access counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader.

If you qualify for a fee waiver and have taken the SAT with a fee waiver or as part of an SAT School Day administration in high school, you’ll automatically receive college application fee waivers in your online College Board account. You can use these when applying to participating colleges for the next academic year. It's important to note that not all colleges accept application fee waivers, so be sure to do your research before applying. If you think you’re eligible for college application fee waivers but didn’t receive them in your College Board account, talk to an educator or guidance counselor at your high school.

Campus Waivers 

In addition to being income-eligible, some colleges will allow you to request an application fee waiver directly from them. While you could be denied a fee waiver, your request will not affect your admissions decision.

Common App

Nearly half of the colleges that use the Common App don't have an application fee. Use their college search tool to identify colleges with reduced or no application fees.

Have any questions about college application fee waivers? Text #College to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our advisors. If you're using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!