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Most college application fees fall in the $40 to $50 range, with some costing as much as $90 (ahem, Stanford). For many students and their families, these fees present a serious obstacle along the already pricey path to college. If application fees are burdensome to you, you might qualify for college application fee waivers.

Just like SAT and ACT fee waivers, these college fee waivers allow you to send off your applications for free. This guide will go over how you can qualify for and use college application fee waivers; it'll also review how much college apps usually cost and how much you can save with fee waivers.

Here's the information we're going to be covering:

How Much Do College Applications Cost?

How to qualify for college application fee waivers.

• Common Application
• Coalition Application
• Alternative Fee Waiver Forms

How Do You Use College Application Fee Waivers?

This article is pretty hefty, so you might want to read through a few sections at a time and keep it bookmarked to use a reference, rather than trying to plow all the way through!

College applications cost, on average, around $50. Especially selective schools, such as NYU, Boston University, Harvard, Yale, and of course the pricey Stanford, ask for $75 or more. If you apply to just five of these expensive private schools, then you're already looking at application fees of more than $375!

Some public schools are less expensive; University of Arkansas and Michigan State University both have application fees of $40. Other schools are even cheaper with application fees of just $25 or $30. There's also a good number of schools to which you can apply for free !

But unless you're applying to primarily fee-free schools, the costs of applying can seriously add up, especially if you're looking at eight or more colleges.

Fee waivers can be a huge help, but they aren't available to everyone. Generally, fee waivers are only given to students and families who qualify. This can include international students as well. Read on to learn whether you're eligible!

First off, it merits saying that your fee waivers are actually fee waiver requests . Ultimately, each of your colleges must approve your request. For the most part, colleges will approve them if you have your school counselor's or another designated official's signature.

If your colleges have any doubts or questions, they might ask you to send along extra information demonstrating that you qualify—but this is rare. Mostly, this fee waiver process is done on the honor system. It's up to you and your counselor to determine whether you're eligible, so be sure to take a look at the criteria below.

There are a few criteria that must apply for you to be eligible for fee waivers. They're actually the same guidelines that apply to getting an SAT or ACT fee waiver . If you already got an SAT or ACT fee waiver, you should automatically be eligible for college application fee waivers. If you're using the Common Application and/or the Coalition Application , or your admission test of choice was the SAT, then the process should be especially easy.

Let's go over the qualifying guidelines . If any one of the following is true for you, then you qualify for an application fee waiver:

• You're enrolled in or eligible for the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program
• Your family income meets the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service*
• You're enrolled in a program that aids students from low-income families, such as Upward Bound
• Your family receives public assistance
• You live in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home, or you are homeless
• You're a ward of the state or an orphan

*For most states, the Income Eligibility Guidelines are as follows:

Note that international students may be eligible for college application fee waivers as well, usually as long as they meet at least one of the criteria above.

So if you already got an SAT or ACT fee waiver or are eligible based on the criteria listed above, how do you go about obtaining your college fee waiver?

First, you'll need a shovel, some gloves, and a sturdy pair of shoes ...

How Do You Get College Application Fee Waivers?

The easiest ways to get your hands on application fee waivers don't involve archaeological adventures, unfortunately. Instead, you'll find it fairly simple to get an application fee waiver if:

#1: You're applying to colleges with the Common Application, and/or #2: You're applying to colleges with the Coalition Application, and/or #3: You took the SAT with a fee waiver

If none of these scenarios applies to you, then you might be able to get an alternative fee waiver form. (For instance, students who took the ACT and are applying to a non-Common App and non-Coalition App school might need to find these other forms.) If you have trouble obtaining any form at all, you can simply fax, mail, or email your college a letter of request.

Since there are a few different options, we'll break it down with instructions for each scenario, starting with students who apply through the Common Application.

Scenario 1: You're Using the Common Application

The Common App streamlines the application process in a number of ways, one of which is asking for fee waivers. You can request fee waivers from any of your Common App schools!

To obtain a Common App fee waiver, you have to meet the same requirements as those described above. In your Profile section , you'll indicate whether or not you qualify for a fee waiver, and then you'll select your reason why. The screen will look like this:

If you select yes, you'll be prompted to select an indicator of economic need:

You'll electronically sign this section and receive the above reminder that your counselor will need to confirm your answer. If you already got an SAT or ACT fee waiver, then your counselor should be able to sign off on this automatically. If not, you might have to provide proof to your counselor that you qualify.

International students follow the same steps listed above. Be aware, however, that it's ultimately up to the school to decide whether they will accept your request for a waiver.

As previously mentioned, many schools use the honor system. As long as your counselor approves, you should be all set. If, for some reason, your school wants to see proof or has decided to deny your fee waiver request (this is rare!), they will contact you. If you don't hear from them, then everything should be good to go.

If your schools request a hard copy, they might accept a number of forms. The easiest would be a College Board fee waiver form , which you'll get automatically if you already took the SAT with a fee waiver. If you didn't, you can access other similar forms. I'll describe the different options below, starting with the College Board's application fee waivers.

Scenario 2: You're Using the Coalition Application

Like the Common Application, the Coalition Application streamlines the college fee waiver process to make it easier for you to get one each time you apply to a school.

To qualify for a fee waiver, you need to answer "yes" to at least one of the "Fee Waiver" questions, which are located in the "Profile" section of your MyCoalition account (and should be filled out as you make your account) .

Here's the page and questions you'll see:

After you check off the boxes that apply to you, you will be shown a list of Coalition App schools that will waive their application fees based on the answer(s) you selected. Here is what this list looks like, for example, when you check off "I am eligible for a Pell Grant" (note that you can scroll through this list of schools):

Once it's been determined that you're eligible for college application fee waivers, nothing more is required of you. Your counselor will receive your request for a fee waiver , and their approval will then be sent to the colleges you apply to through the Coalition App.

After your fee waiver request has been approved, you will just bypass the payment screen each time you apply to a college.

Scenario 3: You Took the SAT With a Fee Waiver

Maybe you need to send proof of your Common App fee waiver eligibility to a college. Or maybe you're applying to a college that doesn't use the Common App or Coalition App. For whatever reason, you need a separate college fee waiver form.

If you took the SAT with a fee waiver, you'll automatically get unlimited college fee waivers from the College Board (as long as the schools allow fee waivers to be used). These college app fee waivers will be available in your College Board account, where you can view them and—should your college request it—print out and send them to your schools.

If you took the SAT as a senior, you'll be able to access these waivers when your scores become available. If you took the SAT as a junior, however, you'll have to wait until the fall of your senior year.

You can also search for schools that accept application fee waivers or download this PDF of all the colleges that accept fee waivers to see whether your schools of interest allow you to use a waiver.

You also might need to use alternative forms if you didn't take the SAT and therefore didn't get any College Board waivers. Let's take a look at what these alternative fee waiver forms are.

Scenario 4: You Need Alternative Fee Waiver Forms

Fortunately, there are a few other forms you can use if you're applying to a school not on the Common App or Coalition App and you didn't get an SAT fee waiver.

You can always call admissions offices and ask for their advice on getting a fee waiver (always recommended, as colleges like to set unique policies). Your first stop, though, should be your high school counselor's office. Your counselor will have these forms so you don't have to go tracking them down yourself. Plus, you'll have to get his or her signature of approval anyway.

There are two main forms your counselor may distribute: the ACT waiver or the NACAC waiver. There used to also be a less common form that was sent directly to qualifying students called the " Realize Your College Potential" waiver. These forms are all pretty similar, but let's break each of them down so you can see where to find them and how to use them.

The ACT, Inc. Fee Waiver

Unlike the College Board, ACT, Inc. doesn't automatically grant its test fee-waiving students application fee waivers. However, it does have a fee waiver program! You can learn about the ACT fee waiver program on the ACT, Inc. website and find a copy of the fee waiver form on page 79 of this ACT User Handbook for Educators . 

This form is like most of the others: it asks for your basic information, such as your name, address, and high school, as well as your and your school official's (likely your counselor) signatures. You'll also indicate the college to which you're applying.

While the form doesn't clearly specify, it's probably safe to assume that you should only use this form if you took the ACT and, of course, qualified for an ACT fee waiver. However, you're not limited to this ACT waiver. You should use whichever form your counselor offers or your college requires.

The NACAC Fee Waiver

NACAC provides a useful fee waiver request form and a page of FAQs to help students. It's similar to the Common App page and the ACT waiver: it requires your basic information and asks you to specify an indicator of economic need. Y ou'll  also need your counselor or designated school official to sign it. Any student can use this form, regardless of the admission test they took. Just remember that NACAC recommends limiting your use of its fee waiver requests to four colleges.

International students who can justify their economic need can also use the NACAC fee waiver form. To fill out the form correctly, international students should check the “Other Request” box in the Economic Need section of the form and write an explanation of their financial barriers to paying the application fee in the space provided. NACAC provides more information about fee waivers for international students on their FAQ page . 

Individual College Fee Waivers

For most students in most scenarios, these forms, or a combination of them, should work to get their application fees waived. However, there are always unique circumstances that stand outside the typical process.

If you still have questions, contact the admissions offices of your prospective colleges. Find out whether they accept fee waivers and whether they prefer a specific form or simply a letter.

Some schools might suggest that you write and then mail, fax, or email a letter of request. Harvard , for instance, accepts Common App waivers, Coalition App waivers, and other waiver forms but also welcomes a personal letter if you can't obtain those forms for some reason:

"We are committed to making the application process accessible for all students. If the admissions application fee presents a hardship for you or your family, the fee will be waived. You can request a fee waiver directly through the Common Application or the Coalition application if you meet their respective indicators of economic need. If you do not meet these indicators, please fill out our Admissions Application Fee Waiver Request Form . This form is only open during the admission application period (August through March 1)."

Regardless of the form you use, the requirements are essentially the same: each form represents a request and usually asks for your basic info, signature, counselor's signature, and an indicator of economic need. Rarely do you have to provide supporting documentation, but you should have it on hand just in case.

Now that you have a sense of which fee waivers to use and how to get them, is there anything else you need to know about how to use them?

Don't worry, many colleges don't even ask to see your fee waiver!

We touched on this briefly, but let's review how to submit application fee waivers whether you're using the Common App, the Coalition App, a College Board waiver, or a different form.

How to Use Common App Fee Waivers

If you're applying through the Common App , all you have to do is indicate that you'll be using a fee waiver on your profile page , as pictured above, and give your reason. Your counselor will then be prompted to approve your request.

Both domestic and international students may apply for fee waivers this way.

If you already got an SAT or ACT fee waiver, you shouldn't have to do anything else since your counselor will have already double-checked your eligibility. If you didn't, then you might need to provide them with some supporting documentation , such as proof of income eligibility.

All Common App schools should accept fee waiver requests. For instance, here's what Cornell says:

"The Common Application will automatically send your fee waiver request to your high school counselor for confirmation. No additional documentation is needed after your counselor has approved your request."

Many colleges share this stance, though they reserve the right to ask for more info if they deem it necessary (more likely to happen if you're an international student).

If your college asks for more information, then you might have to fax or send your fee waiver form or whatever else they ask for.

How to Use Coalition App Fee Waivers

Coalition App fee waivers are pretty easy to use. All you need to do is make a MyCoalition account , go to your "Profile" section, and click "Fee Waiver" (pictured above) to check the boxes that apply to your situation and to determine which Coalition App colleges you can get a fee waiver from.

You don't need to submit documentation or proof of your eligibility, unless on the off chance your counselor won't approve your request without specific documents. If you've already gotten a fee waiver from the College Board or ACT, Inc., you shouldn't need to send in any other forms.

Most, if not all, Coalition App schools should accept fee waiver requests. For example, here's what Notre Dame says about fee waivers on its website:

"Your school counselor will receive notice of your intent to use the Fee Waiver, and will then need to verify that you meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the Common Application or Coalition Application. Once eligibility is confirmed, the Common Application or Coalition Application process will bypass the payment step."

The majority of colleges share this view, but they still have the right to ask for further info or documentation if they feel it's necessary.

How to Use College Board Waivers

Your College Board fee waivers will have a personalized code for you. If you're applying to a school that's not on the Common App or Coalition App, then it will likely ask you to enter this code or upload a scanned copy of your waiver in its online application.

If you used an SAT fee waiver, you should be familiar with this process. SAT registration also involves entering your personalized fee waiver code.

If you're applying by mail or if the college asks for an original hard copy, you'll want to send this signed form along with your application.

How to Use Other Fee Waiver Forms

If you're using an NACAC or ACT, Inc. form for non-Common App and non-Coalition App schools, you won't get a personalized code. In most cases, you'll be asked to upload a scanned copy of the signed form to your application. Again, if you're applying by mail or the school wants an original hard copy, you should mail this form.

If the school needs any more information, it will contact you and let you know. To prepare for this possibility, you should give them a call and ask about the process. A few colleges, like many in the California State system , only accept requests from in-state residents.

There are more than 2,000 colleges that approve fee waiver requests—you just have to figure out how your prospective colleges want you to submit your request.

Everyone's path to college is different. Similarly, there are several different options for requesting application fee waivers, some straightforward and others a little more complicated. To make sure you've got your bases covered, let's summarize the most important things to remember for students who want to waive the fees for applying to college.

What to Remember About College Application Fee Waivers

If and only if you're eligible, you can get your college application fees waived. All these college fee waiver forms constitute requests— ultimately, it's up to your colleges to approve your request.

For most schools, you shouldn't run into any roadblocks. It's probably safe to say most colleges welcome as many applications as they can get. The more applications they receive, the more selective they can appear to be!

The eligibility guidelines are much the same as they are for SAT and ACT fee waivers, with the most common being a certain yearly family income and/or being part of the Federal Free or Reduced Lunch program. If you already got a testing fee waiver, then your counselor can approve your college app request without any further input from you. If not, then you might have to show your counselor documentation that proves your eligibility.

Common Application and Coalition Application schools offer the easiest processes. For schools not on the Common App or Coalition App, you might need to enter your code and/or upload, fax, or mail your College Board, ACT, or NACAC fee waiver forms. A handful of schools only approve in-state residents' requests, so be sure to do the research on your prospective colleges.

If all else fails, simply send a request, signed by yourself and your counselor, to your college. Mail or fax this letter, and if you don't hear back from your college, give them a call and ask whether it was accepted. You might also be able to just email your request if the school allows it.

Hopefully, fee waivers remove any financial hardship standing in the way of your applications to your favorite colleges. Of course, all the colleges to which you apply should be ones you'd really like to attend !

What's Next?

Another huge step in college financial planning has to do with financial aid. Check out this guide that breaks down all the steps you need to take to apply for various kinds of financial aid. You can also learn in-depth about preparing your FAFSA application.

If you're still picking out your colleges, you might be considering tuition cost as a factor. Check out these colleges that offer the best financial aid .

Remember to apply for scholarships as well! Our list of the easiest scholarships to apply for is a great place to start.

Rebecca graduated with her Master's in Adolescent Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has years of teaching and college counseling experience and is passionate about helping students achieve their goals and improve their well-being. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University and scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT.

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How to Get College Application Fee Waivers

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The price of applying to colleges can add up fast, but getting a college application fee waiver can help.

Students and their families should expect to pay an application fee ranging from $35 to $60 for each college they apply to. Registering for the SAT test costs $60, and the ACT costs up to $93.

» MORE: How to make an affordable college choice

And that’s just the bare minimum. Many students go on campus visits, enroll in pricey college admissions test prep services and take the ACT and SAT multiple times in pursuit of stellar scores, adding even more costs to applying to college.

In many cases, you have to front these costs in order to apply to colleges. But if you can prove that you have a financial need, there are ways to get around some of them. Here’s how.

» MORE: How many colleges should I apply to, by application fee?

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1. Ask for ACT and SAT fee waivers

Costs related to college applications start with standardized testing fees.

You can get up to two SAT fee waivers and four ACT waivers, allowing you to take each test multiple times for free. To get either, talk to your high school college or guidance counselor. Each test company allocates only a certain number of waivers to each high school, and it’s up to the school’s counselors to distribute them based on need.

There are several ways to qualify. You may be eligible if you:

Live in a foster home or public housing or are homeless.

Are in a free or reduced-price lunch program or qualify for one based on your family’s income.

Receive public assistance, including Medicaid or food stamps, or are in a government program for low-income families, such as Upward Bound.

» MORE: How to pay for college

2. Request college application fee waivers

The SAT fee waiver is a gift that keeps on giving: In addition to letting you take the test for free, it also lets you skip the application costs for as many colleges as you need. If you get an SAT waiver, the College Board will send you application waivers in the fall of your senior year or when you get your SAT test scores.

» MORE: 3 reasons to choose a college based on price

If you didn’t get an SAT waiver, there are other ways to potentially get those application fees waived. You can request some application fee waivers directly through the college application, or apply for a fee waiver from the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC).

Many college applications have a field where you can indicate that you want to be considered for a fee waiver. If a school’s application doesn’t have a fee waiver option, try the NACAC fee waiver request form. In both cases, you need to qualify based on your financial situation — the requirements are similar to the ACT and SAT waiver requirements. Your high school counselor may also need to verify that you have financial need, either electronically or with a signature.

However, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to get a fee waiver or that a college will honor it if you do; each campus can use its own discretion.

» MORE: Is college worth it? Here's how to do the math

3. Find colleges with no application fee

Not all hope is lost if you can’t get a fee waiver. Some colleges give out codes for a free application to students who attend certain college fairs or visit the school’s campus. And many colleges simply don’t charge application fees at all. For example, it’s free to apply to Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota; Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio; and Reed College in Portland, Oregon. The College Board has a list of colleges with no application fee and colleges that accept fee waivers.

Many schools accept the Common App , a standard application which can be used to apply to more than 1,000 colleges. About half of all schools that accept the Common App don’t require an application fee, according to a 2023 NerdWallet analysis. The Common App also allows you to be considered for a fee waiver.

4. Ask the college to waive the fee

If all else fails, it doesn’t hurt to directly ask the college to waive an application fee. Call the admissions office yourself or ask your high school counselor to help advocate in your favor.

In your request, explain that paying the application fee would create a financial hardship for you or your family.

As you’re thinking about your college applications, start thinking about financial aid too. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA , to open the door to grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities and federal student loans.

On a similar note...

Fee Waivers and Reductions

Every child deserves a good education regardless of how much money their family has in the bank. Our test fee waivers and reductions make it easier for students from low-income backgrounds to prepare for and apply to college.

Students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch at school are eligible for fee waivers and reductions, but they may qualify in other ways. To find out if your child qualifies, talk to their school counselor.

SAT Fee Waivers

If your child qualifies for an SAT fee waiver, they can take the SAT for free—twice. They can also take advantage of other benefits, like being able to send their SAT scores to as many colleges as they want—also for free.

After your child uses an SAT fee waiver for the first time, they'll see their remaining fee waiver benefits when they log in to their College Board account.

Learn more about SAT fee waivers.

PSAT/NMSQT Fee Waivers

Eligible high school juniors can take the PSAT/NMSQT for free with a fee waiver. Talk to your child's school counselor at the end of sophomore year to make sure your child has a fee waiver for the October PSAT/NMSQT test date.

Learn more about PSAT/NMSQT fee waivers.

AP Exam Fee Reductions

Advanced Placement (AP) Exam fee reductions allow your child to take the exams at a discount. Many states offer financial assistance to make it even easier for eligible students to take an AP Exam. To find out what assistance is available, talk to the AP coordinator at your child's school.

Learn more about AP Exam fee reductions.

College Application Fee Waivers

If your child uses a fee waiver to take the SAT, they'll get college application fee waivers automatically delivered to their College Board online account. They don’t have to apply, and they don’t have to talk to anyone. It's that easy.

Fee waivers allow your child to apply for free to over 2,000 U.S. colleges and universities.

Learn more about college application fee waivers.

What can my child do with a fee waiver?

College Board test fee waivers let your child take the SAT and the PSAT/NMSQT for free. College application fee waivers, which students automatically qualify for if they use an SAT fee waiver, exempt your child from the college application fee.

Your child may also be able to take advantage of AP Exam fee reductions, which reduce the cost of taking AP Exams. Talk to your child's AP coordinator for more information.

How do I know if my child qualifies for a fee waiver?

If your child qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch through the National School Lunch Program, they're eligible for any of our fee waivers or reductions. To learn about eligibility, contact your child's school counselor.

How does my child get a fee waiver?

To get a test fee waiver, your child should contact their school counselor. If your child is homeschooled, they can contact a counselor at a local high school. Counselors distribute fee waivers to eligible students.

College application fee waivers automatically appear in your child’s College Board online account after they use an SAT fee waiver.

Can my child use a fee waiver for SAT School Day?

No. SAT fee waivers are for weekend testing only. SAT School Day is when the SAT is provided during the regular school day. Schools and districts order SAT School Day and manage their own student registration. If your child qualifies for an SAT fee waiver, they can participate in SAT School Day and still take the SAT two more times during national administrations on weekends.

Learn more about SAT School Day .

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How to Get a College Application Fee Waiver

Lisa Freedland is a Scholarships360 writer with personal experience in psychological research and content writing. She has written content for an online fact-checking organization and has conducted research at the University of Southern California as well as the University of California, Irvine. Lisa graduated from the University of Southern California in Fall 2021 with a degree in Psychology.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

College applications looking pricey? Luckily for you, if you meet just a few general eligibility criteria and demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for a college application fee waiver at the colleges you apply to! Keep on reading to find out what college application fee waivers are, how you can get them, and how to use them!

What is a college application fee waiver?

Great question! Simply, college application fee waivers allow you to apply to colleges without having to pay the usual fee. These are very beneficial as applying to colleges can be expensive and serve as a barrier to applying for some students. Before we get into common eligibility requirements for college application fee waivers, let’s go over the cost of college applications.

How much do college applications cost?

College applications vary in price by school. On the higher end if the $100 and over application fees for elite schools. On the lower-end, some applications are in the $30 range, and some are even free. Thus, applying to many (or even a few) colleges can be quite costly. This is where college application fee waivers come in. If you sense that applying to colleges will be a burden for you or your family, consider college application fee waivers. So, let’s get into it!

Do I qualify for a college application fee waiver?

Good question! First, knowing whether you qualify for fee waivers is of utmost importance. So, don’t waste any time applying in case you don’t meet the eligibility requirements. 

So, what are the criteria to qualify? Well, they’re actually the same as those needed to get a fee waiver for the SAT or ACT. In fact, if you’ve already gotten a fee waiver for one of those exams, you’re automatically eligible for college application fee waivers! However, for those who haven’t received a fee waiver for one of those exams yet, let’s review the criteria.

If any of the following are true for you, you qualify for a college application fee waiver:

• You’re eligible or enrolled in a Federal Free/Reduced Price Lunch Program
• Your family meets the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service Income Eligibility Guidelines , which are as follows (for most states):
• You’re enrolled in a program which helps students from low-income families (e.g. Upward Bound)
• Your family gets public assistance
• You live in federally subsidized public housing, live in a foster home, or are homeless
• You’re an orphan or a ward of the state

Once again, you only need to meet a single one of those criteria, and you qualify! International students are also eligible for these fee waivers, typically so long as they meet at least one of the criteria.

Now, let’s go over how you go about getting your fee waivers. Even for those of you who’ve already qualified for fee waivers when taking the SAT or ACT still have to go through the process of obtaining the college application fee waivers, so, let’s get into how you would do that.

How can I get college application fee waivers?

There’s a number of ways you can get college application fee waivers, as universities are unique and have different fee waiver processes. However, some of the easiest ways to get college application fee waivers are: 

• If you’re applying to schools on the Common Application
• Whether you’re applying to schools on the Coalition Application

If you took the SAT with a fee waiver

Keep in mind, if none of these apply to you, don’t worry! These are not the only ways to obtain college application fee waivers, as you can also request alternate fee waiver forms. Or, if you have trouble getting access to these forms online, you can also directly contact your prospective schools by email and ask for one.

Now, let’s get into the specifics! Keep on reading to find out how to get fee waivers on the common app, coalition app, and other common ways of requesting fee waiver forms.

While filling out college applications

On both the Common and Coalition Applications, there are questions which will ask you to select which college application requirements (yes, the ones we went over earlier!) apply to you. The processes are slightly different for each application, though, so we’ll go over the steps now.

Common Application: Steps to obtain a fee waiver

• In your “Profile” section, indicate whether or not you qualify for a fee waiver (click “Yes” or “No”)
• If you click “Yes”, you will be prompted to answer why you qualify (this is where you select which eligibility requirement(s) applies to you!) and will be asked to enter your signature

And that’s it (just don’t forget to hit “continue” or “submit”)! Keep in mind, though, that your counselor may also have to confirm your answer. If you have already received a fee waiver for the SAT or ACT, your counselor should be able to sign automatically. However, if this is not the case, you may need to provide additional proof to your counselor that you qualify for a fee waiver.

After your counselor approves, you should be all good to go! In the very rare case that your school wants additional proof or denies your request, they will contact you directly.

International students: all the above steps should be the same for you as well! 

Coalition Application: Steps to obtain a fee waiver

• When making your Coalition Application account , you will be prompted to select which of the fee waiver eligibility requirements apply to you once you reach the “Profile” section
• Once you select which requirements apply to you, you will be shown a list of Coalition Application schools that will waive their application fees according to the answer(s) you selected

Then, you’re done! Your counselor will receive a request for your fee waiver, and if they approve, it will be sent to the colleges you’re applying to through the Coalition Application.

Once this is done, whenever you apply to a college on the Coalition Application, you will be able to skip the payment screen.

If you’ve already taken the SAT with a fee waiver, you’re in luck! Doing so makes you automatically eligible to receive unlimited college application fee waivers from College Board, so long as the schools you’re applying to allow the use of fee waivers. These fee waivers are available in your College Board account, where they can be viewed and printed (if you need to send them out to colleges).

If you took the SAT with a fee waiver yet are unable to find the fee waivers in your College Board account yet, it may be because you’re in the wrong grade. These fee waivers only become available in your senior year. So, if you’re currently a junior, just wait until the Fall of your senior year, and you should be good to go!

Didn’t take the SAT? Don’t worry – There are alternate fee waiver forms available! 

Getting alternative fee waiver forms

In the case that you’re not applying to colleges through the Common or Coalition Application and haven’t taken the SAT, there are other ways of getting fee waiver forms.

If you’re in this situation, we recommend you first head to your counselor’s office. They likely have the forms themselves or can print them for you, and you’ll end up needing their signature anyway.

The two forms they’re most likely to hand to you are the ACT, Inc. and NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) fee waiver form. 

ACT, Inc. Fee Waiver

ACT, Inc., unlike College Board, does not automatically give application fee waivers to its students who received a test fee waiver. 

Although somewhat buried on the site, page 85 of this ACT User Handbook for Educators provides a fee waiver form for students who qualified for an ACT fee waiver. It asks you to fill out some information about yourself, including your name, address, high school, as well as your own and your counselor’s (or school official’s) signature. You will also need to note which university you’re applying to.

Note: Qualifying for a fee waiver on the ACT does not mean that this is the only fee waiver form you can use! Feel free to use whichever your counselor has on hand or whichever your prospective college(s) will allow.

NACAC Fee Waiver Form

Like the Common Application page and the ACT fee waiver request form, the NACAC fee waiver form also requests some basic information and asks you to specify which indicator(s) of economic need applies to you. After filling this in, you will need your counselor or a school official to sign off on these forms (in non-COVID times).

The NACAC form can be used by any applicant, no matter what standardized test they took. However, NACAC recommends that students only use their form for a maximum of four colleges. It is unclear whether or not international students can use this form.

If you need help filling out the NACAC fee waiver form or run into any issues, NACAC provides its own helpful FAQ for any questions you may have while filling it out. 

Individual college fee waivers

If, by chance, your prospective college(s) do not allow any of the fee waivers we’ve listed out so far, there are other ways you can go about getting your application fees waived. 

If this happens to you, you should first contact the colleges directly (through email, calling, etc.) and ask (1) if they accept application fee waivers and (2) what type or form of fee waiver they would prefer.

Although uncommon, some universities allow applicants to write a letter of request for a fee waiver instead of filling out a form. In your letter, you should include: why you want to attend that university, your future goals, your financial situation (the hardships that would qualify you for a fee waiver), your family’s annual income, how many people live in your household, and contact information for both yourself and your counselor.

How can I use my college application fee waivers?

Now, for the most important part – putting your fee waivers to use! The processes differ depending on what platform you’re using, so we’ll go over each individually.

However, first, it is important to note that fee waivers are fee waiver requests – and that it is up to each school to approve of your request. Luckily, colleges will typically approve of these so long as you have the signature of a counselor or another designated official.

Colleges may sometimes ask you for more information or proof that you qualify, but this is uncommon. The fee waiver process is largely based on an honor system, in which schools will take your word for it if you and your counselor deem that you’re eligible for a fee waiver.

Common Application fee waivers

The process is SUPER simple on the Common App! All that you need to do is go to your “Profile” page and indicate that you’ll be using a fee waiver. Then, you simply need to give your reason why, submit, and your counselor will be reminded to approve of your request. 

Yes, this is the same process we mentioned earlier (under “How Can I get College Application Fee Waivers”), so you may have already done it at this point.

If your counselor approves, you’re good to go (for both domestic and international students)! 

Similarly, if you’re already eligible for fee waivers as you qualified for an SAT fee waiver, you shouldn’t have to do anything else (your counselor has probably already checked your eligibility for that waiver).

All schools on the Common App should accept fee waiver requests, and typically don’t request any additional information after your counselor has approved. If they do, however, want more information, they will contact you directly (this is more common for international students).

Now, on to the Coalition App!

Coalition Application fee waivers

Just like the Common Application, these steps are the same as the ones we went over earlier (under “How Can I get College Application Fee Waivers?”)! If you need a refresher, simply set up your MyCoalition account, head to your “Profile” section, and check the boxes of the eligibility requirements that apply to you.

You likely won’t have to submit additional proof of your eligibility unless your counselor happens to request something. If you’ve already qualified for a fee waiver for the SAT or ACT, you also shouldn’t need to send in any additional forms.

Most colleges on the Coalition Application accept fee waiver forms, so you should be set once your counselor approves of your request.

College Board fee waivers

College Board fee waivers are unlike any of those previously mentioned, and give students a personalized code. If you’re applying to any schools that aren’t on the Common or Coalition Application, you will likely be asked to either (1) enter this code or (2) upload a scanned copy of your fee waiver form on your application.

When your college(s) require you to apply by mail or ask for a hard copy, send the signed fee waiver form with your application.

Have questions about the College Board fee waiver or are unsure if your college(s) accept them? Check out these helpful tools from the College Board itself:

• College Application Fee Waiver FAQ
• Search for Colleges that Accept (any) Application Fee Waivers – this also tells you which colleges you can apply to for free and if a college has any special instructions for accepting fee waivers!
• Directory of Colleges that accept the College Board fee waiver

Other fee waivers

If using a NACAC, Act, Inc., or any other alternate fee waiver form, you will likely be instructed to upload a signed copy of the form to your application (if your school(s) don’t request a hard copy).

If you have any questions about the fee waiver process at a particular school, we recommend giving them a call. Alternatively, if they have any more questions for you, they will likely contact you.

We should also note that some schools, though not many, only accept fee waivers from certain students. For example, many of the universities in the California State system only allow fee waivers for in-state students.

That just about covers it! Now, you should know everything you need to know about getting college application fee waivers. We wish you luck on your college application process, and more specifically, your college application fee waiver process. Have fun at college!

Keep reading:

• When should I apply for college?
• Scholarships360’s scholarship directory
• Top scholarships for high school seniors
• How to choose a college
• Finding a financial safety school

Frequently asked questions

Can i get a fee waiver for graduate school, are fee waivers guaranteed once i apply for them, can i get a fee waiver for multiple colleges, scholarships360 recommended.

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What is a Common App fee waiver?

Jul 25, 2023 • knowledge, information.

Common App and our colleges want to make sure that application fees do not pose a barrier for any student. If you meet certain qualifications, you can request a Common App fee waiver.

• You are enrolled in or eligible to participate in the federal free or reduced price lunch program (FRPL).*
• You have received or are eligible to receive an SAT or ACT fee waiver.
• Your annual family income falls within the income eligibility guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
• Your family receives public assistance.
• You are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., GEAR UP, TRIO such as Upward Bound or others).
• You live in a federally subsidized public housing, a foster home or are homeless.
• You are a ward of the state or an orphan.
• You have received or are eligible to receive a Pell Grant.
• You can provide a supporting statement from a school official, college access counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader.

*You must enroll or be eligible for the FRPL. Students who attend schools where all students receive free lunch do not automatically qualify for a Common App fee waiver.

Some of these government programs have websites that are hard to navigate. Please reach out to a counselor or another trusted adult if you're unsure if you qualify.

How do I get a Common App fee waiver?

You can use the Common App Fee Waiver section of your Profile to request a fee waiver. If you select that you are eligible for the Common App fee waiver, you will not be charged any application fees when you submit through Common App.

Can international students use a Common App fee waiver?

International students may be eligible for a Common App fee waiver.

Each college has varying policies, so it is not guaranteed that they will accept your fee waiver request as an international student. If a college does not accept your fee waiver, they may ask you to pay the application fee after you submit your application.

What can I do if I don't meet the Common App fee waiver criteria?

Almost half of all Common App colleges do not charge an application fee. You can use the application fee search filters in the College Search tab to find those schools.

Many colleges also offer a college-specific fee waiver. You can contact colleges directly or look for a fee waiver question on their application in the My Colleges tab.

Does it look bad on my application if I apply for a fee waiver?

Definitely not! Colleges don't want application fees to prevent you from applying to your desired school.

How to Get a College Application Fee Waiver

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The cost of a college education gets a lot of attention these days, and for good reason: Simply applying to college can be an expensive undertaking. There's the cost of standardized tests, the application fee and travel costs for campus visits. Before you know it, you may have to spend $100 or more for each school you apply to. One way to reduce this financial burden is to obtain an application fee waiver.

What is a Fee Waiver?

Most college applications require a fee. The exact amount depends on the school, but the fees commonly hover around $50 to $60. The purpose of the application fee is to help the college or university you are applying to pay for the cost of reviewing your application and making an admissions decision.

The Cost of Applying to College

According to US News & World Report, the average college application fee in 2022 was $45, while $50 was the most common application fee amount. The most expensive schools have fees around $80 to $100, including Stanford University, Duke University and Arkansas Baptist College.

There are colleges that charge no application fee, such as Averett University, Kenyon College and Carleton College. Of the colleges that do charge a small application fee, such as Wofford College, you can expect to pay around $35.

The number of colleges students apply to depends on a variety of factors, such as financial ability and type of decision status a student is applying to. For instance, if you apply during the early decision process and get accepted, you may only apply to one school. But those who strive to get into their preferred schools but want a backup should apply to at least three schools. One school will be their “safety” school, one school will be their “probable” school and one will be their “reach” school. For students who obtain a fee waiver or can afford to apply to more schools, applying to six or 10 schools isn't uncommon. A student who applies to 10 schools (two safety schools, two probable schools and six reach schools) can easily spend over $500 on application fees, assuming no fee waivers were used.

Other Costs of Applying to College

At a minimum, students will need to spend around $55 for the SAT or ACT and another $12 to have their standardized test score sent to the college they are applying to. If the student intends to mail in a paper application, there will also be postage fees.

Students who want to go “all out” can expect to pay a few hundred to a few thousand dollars in test preparation, then there's the cost of an on-campus visit; depending upon how far you live from the school, this might be the cost of driving across town or the cost of a round-trip plane ticket and hotel room.

Which Students Qualify for Fee Waivers?

Fee waivers are generally given to students who demonstrate financial need. However, some schools will allow any student to avoid paying the application fee if they meet certain requirements, such as making an official on-campus visit.

For students who request a fee waiver based on financial need, the exact requirements to qualify will depend on the waiver process the student is using. For example, some schools have their own fee waiver application process. However, students can expect a fee waiver if they receive government assistance based on their participation in programs for low-income families.

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How to Get a Fee Waiver

There are several methods by which students can obtain college application fee waivers. Many of these will require students to complete a separate application process for each waiver.

The College Board's SAT fee waiver

Students eligible for the College Board's SAT testing fee waiver will automatically be eligible for four college application fee waivers. Students are eligible for SAT testing fee waivers if they are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program, have a family income that falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines , are enrolled in a government program for low-income students, are a member of family that receives public assistance, are living in federally subsidized public housing or living in a foster home, or are homeless, a ward of the state, or an orphan.

Apply online

Many colleges will waive the application fee if you apply online. Examples include:

• College of Southern Idaho
• Wesleyan College
• Manchester University
• Washington and Jefferson College

If students prefer not to apply online, they can mail in a paper application, although the regular application fee will apply.

Request one directly from the school based on financial need

Most schools with application fees will allow students to apply for an application fee waiver. The process will differ for each school, but often includes completing a separate form outlining the student's financial situation.

Legacy applicants

A few schools will grant a fee waiver for students who have parents or grandparents that attended and graduated from a particular school. One such school with this policy is Western New England University .

Visit the school

Many schools, such as the University of Pittsburgh , will provide an application fee waiver if you visit the school. The granting of this waiver does not require showing financial need. The exact process will depend on the school. For instance, the University of Pittsburgh application fee waiver requires a campus visit between June15 and August 31. Other schools do not advertise this type of fee waiver, so you may have to contact the admissions office directly and ask for details.

If you are eligible for the ACT test fee waiver , you may also be eligible for the Request for Waiver or Deferral of College Admission Application Fee. The requirements for the ACT test fee waiver are very similar to the SAT test fee waiver.

Simply ask for one

If you are a prized candidate with great test scores and a stellar high school GPA, ask for a fee waiver and you just might receive. This strategy will usually work best when you have numbers well above the average for accepted students.

Apply as an international student

If you're applying as an international student, some schools will waive the application fee. Ithaca College is an example of a college with this benefit.

National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) fee waiver

The NACAC allows students to apply to up to four colleges without having to pay the application fee. A student will be eligible for a NACAC college application fee waiver if they meet the requirements for an SAT or ACT testing fee waiver. While most colleges and universities will accept a NACAC college application fee waiver, not all of them will.

Realize Your College Potential program

High school students in the top 10-15% of their class but bottom third in family income may be eligible to participate in the Realize Your College Potential program, sponsored by the College Board. Eligible students will receive special packets with information about choosing, applying and attending college, as well as application fee waivers.

Special invitation

Students who express interest in a school, such as by providing contact information at a college recruitment fair or considering playing a sport at the school, may receive a special invitation to apply for free. In other instances, the invitation to apply with a waived application fee can be unsolicited.

Avoid the application fee

One way to reduce the costs of applying is to choose schools that don't have an application fee. Some of these schools include:

• Grinnell College
• Centre College
• United States Naval Academy
• Oberlin College & Conservatory

An Expert Discusses Fee Waivers

Dr. michele scott taylor.

Dr. Michele Scott Taylor is the Chief Program Officer at College Now Greater Cleveland, the nation's oldest college access organization. She is an expert in college access and higher education policy and programming.

Some students fall into the unfortunate position of having too much family income to qualify for a waiver, but still being unable to afford it. What's the best way to ask the admissions office for an exception?

Students should write a special circumstances letter to the admissions representative at the school who is assigned to them. In the letter, the student should explain their personal situation and the difference between how things look on paper versus how they actually are in real life. Better yet, if the school is local, the student should go for an in-person interview with their admissions representative to make his or her case. It doesn't work 100 percent of the time, but the majority of the time, talking to someone works. And if the student is a strong applicant, a school usually does try to come through.

If the school itself doesn't offer a fee waiver, what can a student do to get help from other sources?

If a school doesn't offer a fee waiver, a student or family should reach out to the local college access organization (like College Now). There are many college access organizations across the country that work to guide students and families through the college application and financial aid process. Here is a list of college access organizations that are members of the National College Access Network (NCAN): NCAN Membership List .

Another resource is The College Board, which offers up to four free college application waivers to students who are income-eligible to receive an SAT fee waiver.

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How to get college application fee waivers

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Students experiencing economic hardship often find it difficult to cover the cost of college application fees. The College Board recommends that students apply to five to eight colleges and universities to guarantee acceptance, but this can add up to $250 to $400, since most application fees are close to $50 each.

Costly application fees may initially deter students from applying to certain institutions, but college application fee waivers allow qualifying students to apply to college for free.

How to get a fee waiver for college applications

There are a few different ways to find fee waivers for college applications.

SAT and ACT fee waivers

Qualifying for SAT and ACT fee waivers automatically qualifies you for unlimited college application fee waivers through the College Board and on the Coalition, Common and Universal Applications.

Low-income high school juniors and seniors are eligible for the SAT fee waiver if one or more of the following conditions applies:

• Student participates in or is eligible for participation in the federal National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
• Student’s family’s annual income is within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service Income Eligibility Guidelines .
• Student is enrolled in a federal, state, or local program providing aid to students from low-income families.
• Student’s family receives public assistance.
• Student is homeless or lives in a foster home or federally subsidized public housing.
• Student is an orphan or ward of the state.

Most of the time, you don’t need to complete any extra information to get an SAT or ACT fee waiver; your school counselor will identify eligible students and distribute waivers from there. If you haven’t gotten a waiver and you need one, talk to your guidance counselor.

NACAC fee waivers

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) offers fee waivers to those with an economic need. You’ll need to apply for these waivers using an online form that can be either printed or saved as a PDF. Once you complete the form, it must be signed by a school counselor, postsecondary support personnel, a principal at your school or an official from a community-based organization. From there, you’ll send the form to your college’s office of admissions. Students are encouraged to limit the number of forms sent to four.

While the NACAC lists basic eligibility criteria, you may qualify by getting a specific request from a principal, guidance counselor, financial aid officer or another similar official who can vouch for your circumstances.

College financial aid office

If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for fee waiver programs, it’s worth reaching out to the financial aid offices of the colleges you’re applying to. Some colleges are willing to waive the application fee if you reach out directly and explain your circumstances.

Who qualifies for a college application fee waiver?

Most fee waivers require demonstrated financial need. If you don’t have any financial concerns or issues paying for college applications, you probably won’t be eligible for fee waivers. In general, waivers are available to:

• Students who currently or have previously gotten free or reduced lunch.
• Students who are enrolled in a government program for low-income families.
• Foster children.
• Residents of subsidized housing or students experiencing homelessness.
• Students in families with annual incomes that qualify for the U.S. Food and Nutrition Service.
• Students who receive public assistance.

If you don’t qualify for a waiver based on need, you could have a high school or college official vouch for you, saying that the application cost would cause financial hardship.

What happens if you don’t qualify for a fee waiver?

If you don’t qualify for a college application fee waiver, you can still try to limit the amount you have to spend to apply for schools. For one, you can narrow your search to schools that don’t charge you to apply; PrepScholar maintains a list of colleges without application fees that you can reference as you begin your search.

You can also curate your list of colleges to avoid applying to more than you need to. Research approval statistics and financial requirements beforehand to limit your applications to the top schools that you’re truly invested in and likely to be admitted to. Although the College Board recommends applying to five to eight schools, you can adjust this number as needed.

Bottom line

The cost of attending college doesn’t just include tuition, books and housing. Application fees are one of the first college expenses you will have, and they can get to be expensive. Although some institutions no longer charge application fees, including the University of Wisconsin System, which eliminated application fees for all but four of its schools, many colleges and universities expect this fee to be paid before an application is reviewed. Luckily, students can rely on application fee waivers to give them the chance to attend the school of their choice.

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Application Fee Waivers & Other Resources

NACAC offers application fee waivers allowing students with limited financial resources to apply for college. The purpose for these forms is to ensure equitable postsecondary access and thus is intended for undergraduate applicants with financial need.

For first-time undergraduate applicants:

Nacac request for admission application fee waiver form.

STEP 1 – Click on the link above and download the form on your computer. If the link above doesn’t work, please download the form here (zip file).

STEP 2 – Open the form you downloaded and complete it with the instructions below.

• Name of the college or university: The student completes this part . The student writes the name of the college or university. Students can submit to a maximum of four universities. (One form for each university they are applying to).
• Student: The student completes this part. The student can sign by using the “Fill & Sign” tool on the PDF or simply type up the initials.
• Authorized official: The authorized official completes this part . A school counselor, postsecondary support personnel, or principal at the student’s school OR an official from a community-based organization completes the Authorized Official section and verifies the student’s economic eligibility. Note: CEEB# or PROGRAM# field can be found on the College Board website: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/k-12-school-code-search . If not found, this field can remain blank.
• Economic Need: The student completes this part. International students should check the “Other Request” box in the Economic Need section and explain their financial barrier(s) to paying the application fee on the lines provided.

STEP 3 – Save the form. The completed form must be sent directly to the institution’s office of admission. The student should contact the office of admission to determine the school’s accepted mode of delivery (e.g., mail, email, fax). The student should follow up with the office of admission 2-4 weeks post submission to check on the approval status.

For undergraduate transfer applicants

Nacac request for transfer admission application fee waiver form, nacac request for transfer admission application fee waiver form ​.

STEP 2 – Open the form you downloaded and complete it with the instructions below. Note: There are two columns to this form. If you are Eligible for Pell Grant focus on the left column. If you are not eligible for Pell Grant complete the right column.

1. Office of Admission at: The student completes this part . The student writes the name of the college or university. Students can submit to a maximum of four universities. (One form for each university they are applying to).

2. On page 1- Certificate Statement: The student completes this part. The student completes the Certificate Statement and sign by using the “Fill & Sign” tool on the PDF or simply type up the initials.

3. On page 1 (RIGHT COLUMN) – Ineligible for Pell Grant: If not Pell Grant eligible, student can check one of the indicators. If the family income falls within the income eligibility guidelines , the student may self-certify their eligibility.

4. On page 2 (LEFT COLUMN) – Eligible for Pell Grant: If student is Pell Grant eligible, follow Option 1 or Option 2.

• Option 1: Student performs this step. The Student Aid Report (SAR) will confirm the economic need. If student applied for FAFSA, log into FAFSA by using your FSA ID and download the SAR into your computer OR
• Option 2: Financial Aid officer completes this part. Student visits the current financial aid officer at the current institution to confirm Pell Grant eligibility.

5. Email the completed form to the institution you are transferring to. Please ensure to attach the Student Aid Report (SAR) or Option 2 financial aid official information to your email.

6. Follow up with your university’s admission representative that all has been received and obtain a timeline when the application will be processed.

Other NACAC waivers

Enrollment deposit fee waiver.

NACAC’s former Inclusion, Access, and Success (IAS) Committee crafted an article addressing the financial micro-barriers students from low-income backgrounds face in the college admission process. Given these obstacles, the committee suggested NACAC offer an enrollment deposit waiver for students experiencing significant financial hardship. Similar to NACAC’s current application fee waiver, the enrollment deposit waiver is used by students to request a fee waiver or deferral. NACAC and the former IAS Committee understand the importance of the enrollment deposit and acknowledge waiving the fee is not feasible for every postsecondary institution. The hope is colleges and universities will continue to be supportive and flexible regarding financial hardships for our most marginalized students, especially during these uncertain times.

NACAC Enrollment Deposit Fee Waiver

If the link above doesn’t work, please download the form here (zip file).

Students should download the form on their computers, fill out the form, add a signature using the “Fill & Sign” button on the top right of the PDF, and save it on their computers. The form must be sent directly to the institution’s office of admission.

Applicants who are not eligible for a Pell Grant, but whose annual family income falls within the form’s alternate income eligibility guidelines , may self-certify their eligibility.

Testing Fee Waivers

• College Board’s SAT Fee Waiver  
• ACT Fee Waiver

Still have questions? We have you covered.

Frequently asked questions.

ELIGIBILITY

What are the income eligibility guidelines for the Free and Reduced Lunch (FRPL) program? Current guidelines effective through June 30, 2023 are available here. Please note, some high schools provide Free or Reduced Lunch to all students who attend. These individuals may not automatically qualify to use a NACAC fee waiver.

Can I still use the fee waiver request if I have not met the financial eligibility guidelines? NACAC understands the presence of extenuating circumstances for which the form does not account. If the designated school official is aware of a situation that, within the context of professional judgment, warrants a fee waiver, they may sign the form. The school official should check the “Other request…” box in the Economic Need section and provide written justification as to why the student should have their application fee waived.

I have been out of high school for a while and want to apply to college. Can I use the fee waiver form? Yes. Applicants must seek out a professional who can certify their economic eligibility to complete the Authorized Official section on their behalf. Examples of appropriate professionals include a community-based organization staff member (e.g., social services) and a pastor.

I am a current college student who is interested in transferring to another institution. Can I use this fee waiver form? Transfer students should use the NACAC Request for Transfer Admission Application Fee Waiver Form.

I am a homeschooled student. How can I obtain the necessary signature to complete the form? Try to have the form signed by a designated official at a local high school. Students are encouraged to contact the school in advance to schedule an appointment. Remember to bring documentation of your eligibility to use the form.

If you’re unable to obtain permission from a designated school official, the individual responsible for oversight of the homeschooling may complete the form. The individual completing the form should provide their contact information along with a letter of explanation as to why the student is eligible to use the NACAC Request for Admission Application Fee Waiver.

I am an international student who is applying to a US college or university. Can I use the form? Yes, international students who will be first-time undergraduate students and can justify their economic need for a fee waiver are welcome to use the fee waiver form. International students should check the “Other Request” box in the Economic Need section and explain their financial barrier(s) to paying the application fee on the lines provided. Remember that fee waiver forms must be submitted directly to the college or university and that it is ultimately their decision whether the fee waiver is approved.

Students may also wish to consult with an EducationUSA advising center in their home country, that offers support and advice to international students interested in studying in America. EducationUSA advising centers are supported by the US government.

The EducationUSA Opportunity Funds program assists highly qualified students who are likely to be awarded full financial aid from US colleges and universities, but lack the financial resources to cover the upfront costs to apply, such as testing, application fees, or airfare.

FILLING OUT THE FORM

Does my school counselor need to sign the fee waiver form? It is preferable that a high school counselor completes the Authorized Official section. However, an independent counselor or community-based organization official who is in a position to verify the student’s economic eligibility can complete this section on behalf of the student.

My counselor is not a NACAC member. Can I still use the form? Although not required, it is preferable that the form is used by a NACAC member or member institution.

Is the school seal required? No, the school seal is no longer required.

SUBMITTING THE FORM

How many fee waiver requests may I submit? The Request for Admission Application Fee Waiver is intended to be used at the colleges or universities a student is most interested in attending. NACAC recommends limiting the use of the form to four schools. If the Request for Admission Application Fee Waiver is not accepted by the college or university, the student will be responsible for paying the application fee to the institution in order to have their application reviewed.

I plan on applying to more than four colleges. Can I use more than four fee waiver forms? The final decision regarding the submission of fee waivers rests with the designated school official (i.e., the person at the high school who authorizes the form). NACAC recommends limiting use of the form to no more than four colleges.

Where do I mail the form? Mail the fee waiver form directly to the admission office of the institution to which you are applying.

Is there a directory of colleges/universities who accept the forms? Does every school accept the form? NACAC does not maintain a directory of institutions that accept the fee waiver form. Some colleges have their own institutional application fee waivers. If you are seeking information about an institution’s fee waiver policy, contact that college directly.

What happens if I apply to a school and they do not accept the NACAC fee waiver? Each institution makes the final decision to accept or decline fee waiver forms. If a fee waiver is declined, the institution will ask the student to pay the application fee.

AFTER SUBMISSION

When will I hear from the college that they have accepted my fee waiver? In most instances, colleges will only initiate contact with a student if a fee waiver has been denied.

A college denied my fee waiver request. What should I do? Each institution reserves the right to accept or decline the request form. Some colleges do not grant fee waivers at all, which is a common reason for a denial. Clerical errors and illegible/incomplete forms also have a higher incidence of denial. If you have questions about why your request was denied, please contact the institution that administered the denial.

OTHER FEE WAIVERS

Can the NACAC form be used in conjunction with College Board fee waivers? The NACAC Request for Admission Application Fee Waiver form and SAT Fee Waiver are mutually exclusive. As such, students may use both the NACAC and College Board forms when requesting fee waivers. In other words, students may theoretically use the NACAC form at four colleges and the SAT Fee Waiver at a maximum of four separate colleges.

About NACAC

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), founded in 1937, is an organization of more than 27,000 professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing postsecondary education.

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The Internal Revenue Service recognizes the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION COUNSELING INC as a 501(c)(3) exempt organization and public charity. NACAC’s tax identification number is EIN: 26-1909449

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The Complete Guide to Fee Waivers in the College Application Process

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What’s Covered:

Standardized test fee waivers, college application fee waivers.

• How to Prepare to Apply for Fee Waivers

How to Save Money on College Tuition

Aside from the well-known tuition fees, many additional costs come up during the college applications process. College applications, standardized tests, and some financial aid applications require an additional fee from students.

These costs can be daunting, particularly for low-income students. After all, even if you qualify for college financial aid, it will not apply to any of the pre-college fees.

Luckily, various institutions and organizations offer fee waivers. Each fee waiver has its own requirements and attainment processes, so we’ve outlined the most common ones and their eligibility requirements. The college application process doesn’t have to be expensive with these waivers!

SAT Fee Waiver

The SAT waiver covers the cost of up to two SAT’s, two SAT subject test administrations, four score reports, and four college application fee waivers.

To be eligible for this fee waiver, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• enrolled in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program (FRPL)
• take part in a federal, state, or local program aiding students from low-income families
• receive public assistance
• live in federally subsidized housing or a foster home or are homeless
• are a ward of the state or an orphan
• have an annual family income below the USDA Income Eligibility Guidelines

If you meet one of the above requirements, simply contact your high school counselor or a representative of an authorized community-based organization to get your fee waiver. The waiver will come in the form of a 12-digit code, which you will enter when you register for the SAT/SAT subject test. For more information, see our post on the SAT waiver .

ACT Test Waiver

The ACT fee waiver covers the two registration fees for both the ACT and writing section. In addition, you get one free score report to your high school and up to four score reports to colleges. This fee waiver also gives students access to extra test prep tools and a Request for Waiver or Deferral of College Admission Application Fee form, which could negate your application fees or one or more universities.

To be eligible for this fee waiver, you must be an 11th or 12th grade student, testing in the United States, and be able to show economic need based on you or your family’s income level. One can show economic need by meeting any of the criteria listed for the SAT Fee Waiver above.

If you qualify, you simply need to contact your high school counselor and fill out an ACT fee waiver form. Once you are approved for the waiver, you’ll be given a serial number. This will serve as an indication of your fee waiver when you register to take the ACT. For more in-depth information, take a look at our post on the ACT fee waiver .

AP Test Waiver

Unfortunately, there is no waiver that covers the entire cost of an AP test. There is, however, a Fee Reduction Program that, thanks to the Every Student Succeeds Act, lowers the cost of each AP test by $33.

To receive this fee reduction, you must prove your financial need by meeting any of the requirements mentioned under “SAT Fee Waiver” or proving that your family is at or below 185 percent of the poverty level issued annually by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Also, if you belong to a school district that is part of The Community Eligibility Provision program, you automatically qualify for the fee reduction.

To learn more about AP Exam Fee Reductions, speak to your high school counselor.

College application platforms also offer a waiver option for college application fees. The process of obtaining the waiver may depend on the college or university, and may have some specific requirements other than financial need. You will need to look up each university’s specific fee waiver requirements and plan accordingly, but here’s an overview of two common waivers that many universities use.

Common App Fee Waiver

Common App fee waivers are intended for college applicants whose financial circumstances would pose a major barrier to applying to college. You will need to prove your eligibility for the fee waiver and formally request it through your Common App account. Learn more about the Common App Fee Waiver and whether you qualify.

Coalition Application Fee Waiver

For the Coalition Application , there is a fee waiver component built into the application itself. This consists of a few short questions that will be used to determine whether your financial situation meets the criteria for waiving your application fees. Some colleges have their own requirements as well. For instance, some Coalition Schools require you to be an in-state resident of the college to be eligible for the fee waiver. Be sure to clarify each school’s fee waiver requirements before applying.

Individual Fee Waivers

Some colleges will give out fee waivers to high-achieving students via email or mail. Now is the time to dig through your mountains of college pamphlets or search your inbox for fee waivers. You don’t have to do anything to qualify for these, and colleges send these to students regardless of income.

Financial Aid Fee Waiver

It seems counter-intuitive to have students pay a fee to apply for financial aid. Thankfully, many financial aid applications, particularly the federal ones, agree and don’t charge an application fee. Unfortunately, there is one big exception to this rule: the CSS profile .

A non-federal financial aid form run by CollegeBoard, the CSS Profile is used by many colleges to assess a student’s and their parent’s financial situation. The fee for the initial application is $25, and every additional report of your profile to a college is $16.

There is, however, a fee waiver that covers both the application fees and the reporting fees for up to eight colleges, as long as you are a US citizen or resident. There is no special process for this fee waiver – your candidacy will be decided based on the information you provide in your CSS profile.

Recently, it has become possible to extend your SAT Fee Waiver to the CSS profile fee waiver (and get the same coverage), as long as you log into your CSS profile with the same credentials you used when registering for the SAT, through the College Board.

How should I prepare to apply for waivers?

Every application for fee waivers, like every financial aid application, is different. The most important thing is to do your research on the different fee waivers. You’ll get a much better idea of how you should be preparing if you’ve done your homework.

That being said, there are two things that you should definitely prepare ahead of time, as most fee waiver applications require you to have them.

First, you will need to be able to prove your income level. Income can be proven in a variety of ways, and different fee waiver applications will accept different methods of demonstrating your income. Some common ways include recent tax returns and proof of membership in any federal aid programs.

Second, be sure to speak to a counselor at your high school about applying for waivers. More often than not, they are the ones who know the most about fee waivers and financial aid, and you may need their verification or a supporting statement for some of the applications. You should do this sooner rather than later. As college application deadlines near, high school counselors get extremely busy. You may not be able to get an appointment if you wait too long.

If you know you or your family may struggle with paying for college applications, know that there are many resources and waivers available to you – you just need to know where to look. Before you agree to pay those pesky fees or give up on the application altogether, take a moment to explore your waiver options. You may be eligible for more aid than you think.

Schools with the highest sticker prices aren’t necessarily the most expensive for your family after financial aid. Many top schools offer generous need-based aid, and it may actually be cheaper to attend a selective private school than your in-state public school for lower-income families. In fact, some students pay nothing to attend top schools like Harvard!

To better understand your cost of attendance, use our free chancing engine . We’ll not only let you know your chances of acceptance, but also how much each school should cost your family, and how you can improve your admissions profile. Give it a try to get a jumpstart on your college journey!

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How to Get a College Application Fee Waiver

Applying to colleges can be overwhelming. Not only are you busy writing essays and filling out forms, but you also have to keep in mind the amount of money necessary to apply to all of the schools on your list.

If the financial burden of your applications is weighing you down, this is the blog for you! We’re going to discuss college application fee waivers: what they are, different types, and where you might go looking for one.

SAT & ACT Fee Waivers

If you’re applying for college, it’s likely that you’re taking the SAT, ACT, or both. If so, we have good news: both of these tests have fee waiver programs that apply to select colleges and/or eligible students! These packages also defer the cost of the tests themselves, so it’s a win-win.

While the conditions for eligibility are pretty similar between the SAT and ACT programs, we recommend looking through both in detail to ensure you meet the qualifications. If you meet the requirements, make sure to speak with your school counselor — they can help you through the process of getting these waivers.

Common App, Coalition, & NACAC Fee Waivers

Hold on, there are more educational organizations that give out fee waivers? Yes! Common App , Coalition , and the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) offer fee waivers for qualifying students.

The requirements to receive waivers from these three institutions are largely the same as those to get SAT and ACT waivers, so if you qualified for those, you’re likely to qualify for these as well. Again, these programs work with select colleges to lower the cost of applying for qualified students, so check to see if the universities you’re interested in participate.

Fee Waivers by College

Almost all colleges and universities have their own versions of the application fee waiver for qualifying students. These forms can typically be found through the college’s admissions office or financial aid office. If you can’t find what you’re looking for on the college’s website, you can reach out directly to the admissions office and they’ll point you in the right direction.

Again, make sure you work with your counselor or a qualified individual when filling out these forms.

Applying for a Fee Waiver at UIUC

You can find the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign application fee waiver through our Office of Undergraduate Admissions website . It’s important to note that you do not fill out this form yourself to be submitted with your application. Instead, this form must be completed by your school counselor and submitted to UIUC by them on your behalf.

Kindly Request One

Sometimes, qualified candidates just aren’t eligible for fee waivers based on a combination of factors. If there’s a college you’re planning on applying to, sometimes asking for a fee waiver may be enough to receive one. Again, this strategy is by no means a guarantee, but it’s always worth asking.

Apply to Colleges Without Fees

If all else fails, consider applying to some colleges that don’t require application fees. There are plenty of schools around the country that don’t require application fees. To keep your options open, you can consider mixing one or two of these schools into your larger pool to mitigate costs. And, if you’re struggling to figure out how many schools to apply to, consider reading our blog on this very subject.

We hope we have illuminated you on all things fee-waiver related, and we wish you the best of luck applying to colleges in the most affordable way possible!

UIUC Admissions

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Is there any application fee waiver for international students applying for graduate programms?

Hi Ali, and thanks for reaching out. We’re the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at UIUC. For information related to graduate programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Graduate College: https://grad.illinois.edu/ .

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How To Get College or Grad School Application Fees Waived

• By: Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach

College application season is upon us.

That means high school students, transfer students, and would-be graduate students all across the country will be busy during the months of November and December polishing their college applications.

Many college applications cost $50 and up, meaning if you or your child applies to 10 different schools, you could quickly shell out $500 just for the chance to attend the college or university of your choice.

In another article, I described in detail how to get a college application fee waiver based on economic need .

But that’s just one strategy.

A fee waiver will let you apply at no cost to your desired college or university, saving your hard-earned money for other needs.

As I explain in  College Secrets for Teens: Money-Saving Ideas for the Pre-College Years , students can get fee waivers for college applications in eight ways. 

The eight college application fee waiver strategies are:

• Get a fee waiver based on economic need
• Get a fee waiver for being a great student
• Get a fee waiver for visiting campus or going to a college fair
• Get a fee waiver for applying to or attending a “Fly-In” program
• Get a fee waiver for exceptional circumstances
• Get a fee waiver for service activities
• Get a fee waiver for applying early
• Get a fee waiver for being a child of a veteran or a college employee

Here’s an overview of each one of these strategies and how they can help you save hundreds of dollars in college application costs.

Get a Fee Waiver Based on Economic Need

Suppose you need a waiver to submit a college application. In that case, you can get one from one of three sources: the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the College Board (which administers the SAT), and the college or university where you want to apply.

Generally, you may qualify for an application fee waiver if your annual household income is about $45,000 or so, assuming a family of four. However, qualifying income levels can be more or less than that figure, depending on the number of people in your household.

You can obtain a NACAC fee waiver, called a “Request for Waiver of College Application Fee” form , from your high school counselor.

How to Prove Economic Need for a College Application Waiver

The NACAC form outlines a host of circumstances that make students economically qualified to get waivers for college application fees.

Among those circumstances:

• You are eligible to receive an SAT or ACT fee waiver
• You are enrolled in or eligible to participate in the free or reduced lunch program at school
• Your family income falls within the income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service
• You are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids low-income students (i.e., TRIO programs, like Upward Bound)
• Your family receives public assistance (such as food stamps — nationwide, about 47 million Americans, roughly 15% of all citizens, receive food stamps)
• You live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or are homeless
• You are a ward of the state or an orphan
• Do You face any other challenges that would make paying college application fees a financial hardship

If your school doesn’t have NACAC waiver forms, you can obtain a fee waiver form from the NACAC website .

You can find an online list of schools that accept SAT application fee waivers at the SAT Fee Waiver Directory of Colleges .

Additionally, if you plan to attend graduate school or apply to a professional degrees program — such as law school, business school, or medical school – you can also get fee waivers for your graduate school applications. For example, if you received a fee waiver to take an exam, you typically also qualify for fee waivers for graduate school applications.

Get a Fee Waiver for Being a Great Student

If you’re an academic standout, that status can also offer advantages when it comes to college admissions.

Stellar grades — like ranking in the top 10% of your class — will usually put your college application in or near the top of the pile when you’re applying to most colleges. Great test scores and academic honors get noticed, too, especially if they’re based on nationwide testing.

Fortunately, there’s one other benefit to being a scholarly student. You may find that some schools will reward you by waiving their application fees just to encourage you to apply.

For example, the University of Maryland grants fee waivers for National Merit, National Achievement, National Hispanic finalists or semi-finalists, and Maryland Distinguished Scholar finalists, semi-finalists, and honorable mention recipients.

Other campuses award application fee waivers to students with a certain minimum grade point average, such as a 3.5 GPA or higher or even a 3.0 GPA or better.

If you are an especially high-achieving student, peruse college websites or call the schools you’re interested in and ask whether fee waivers are available for select scholars.

Get a Fee Waiver for Visiting a Campus or Going to a College Fair

Simply visiting campus or attending a college fair may be enough to get you a fee waiver.

Often, college recruiters will pass out particular forms or codes you can use while applying to the school online to take advantage of the fee waiver.

So anytime you take a campus tour or participate in a college fair, don’t simply skip over the materials on the desks. Instead, see whether any of them are fee waivers for applicants.

Get a Fee Waiver for Applying to or Attending a “Fly-In” Program

Certain “Fly-In Programs” offer application fee waivers to students who attend early recruitment programs.

One example is the Future Achievers of Science and Technology, or FAST Programs, at Harvey Mudd College.

Not only are FAST programs free for selected seniors and juniors, but those program participants also receive a fee waiver, so they don’t have to pay the school’s usual $70 fee charged for first-year applications.

Even if you don’t get into a Fly-In program, simply applying to attend one of these free campus visits could make you eligible for a college application fee waiver.

That’s the case with Amherst, which gives a fee waiver for its $60 application to students selected to attend the school’s Diversity Open House, as well as students who apply to the Fly-In Program but who are not invited.

The fee waiver is intended to encourage that latter group of students to still consider Amherst and apply to the school.

Get a Fee Waiver for Special Circumstances

Suppose you or a key family member has recently experienced a great financial hardship or a major change in household or economic circumstances. In that case, many schools will waive their application fees as long as you explain and document those circumstances.

Fee waivers can be obtained for issues such as: recent job loss, a death in the family (of a main breadwinner), enormous medical bills, homelessness, personal tragedy, economic complications stemming from natural calamities or other disasters, and more.

These fee waiver requests are evaluated and granted on a case-by-case basis.

Schools also require a third party, such as a guidance counselor, teacher, or school official with knowledge of the student’s extenuating circumstances, to sign the NACAC form requesting the application fee waiver.

Get a Fee Waiver for Service Activities

You also may be eligible for a waived application fee if you’ve performed any number of service activities and are an alum of different service-based groups.

For instance, those who have been in Teach for America, the Peace Corps, Americorps/VISTA, CityYear, or in various fellowships, such as a Truman Public Service Fellowship, can have their college application fees waived.

As a practical matter, service-based fee waivers will typically be utilized by older individuals applying to college instead of teen students coming straight out of high school.

But if you fit the profile and qualify, seek your fee waiver as part of an overall strategy to control your pre-college expenses.

To get this kind of fee waiver, contact the schools you’re interested in directly. You won’t be able to use a fee waiver from NACAC.

Non-traditional students are not eligible to use NACAC’s fee waiver form.

This applies to gap year students, transfer students, as well as those opting to defer applying to college instead of immediately attending a college or university right after high school graduation.

Get a Fee Waiver for Applying Early

In the college application process, you can apply for admission at various times.

The college application season has a variety of distinct cycles, the most common of which are known as Regular Decision, Early Decision, and Early Action.

Regular Decision means submitting your application during the regular application cycle. This usually occurs in December or January for most schools.

Applying for Early Decision is done when you have a strong interest in one specific school and know with certainty that you want to attend that school above all others.

So when you apply for Early Decision, you are making a binding commitment that if a school accepts you, you’ll withdraw your other college applications and go to the school that has granted you admission via Early Decision.

Early Decision applications are usually due around November.

Early Action is a similar application process where a student opts to apply early to a school, typically around November or December, but isn’t bound to attend that school if accepted.

Get a Fee Waiver for Being a Child of a Veteran or a College Employee

Some students can qualify for fee waivers based on their parents’ affiliation or job.

For example, specific colleges grant application waivers to veterans and children of veterans.

Additionally, having a parent who already works at a college or university can be a bonus for college applications.

Several post-secondary schools give the offspring of faculty, staff, and administrative personnel a break on college application fees.

Case in point: Within the California State University system , those 23 campuses waive their customary application fees for children of full-time and permanent part-time university employees .

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to get college or grad school application fees waived.

Hopefully, saving money in this area will put you in the proper mindset to tackle college costs.

Savvy students and parents know that one of the biggest college secrets is that for every single cost you encounter – including pre-college expenses, upfront college costs, and hidden, back-end fees – there is a range of strategies to either slash those expenses or eliminate them.

What is a Common App fee waiver?

How do i get a common app fee waiver.

The Common App fee waiver program allows students to apply to college without paying the application fees. This fee waiver can be applied for by students who meet certain criteria, such as financial need, military service, or affiliation with a partner organization. If a student qualifies for the Common App fee waiver, they will not have to pay any of the application fees associated with their

Can international students use a Common App fee waiver?

Yes, international students can use a Common App fee waiver. The process for applying for a fee waiver is the same as for domestic students. However, there are additional criteria that international students must meet to qualify for the waiver. These include demonstrating financial need, being part of a partner organization or program, or have previously applied for financial aid from the institution to which they are applying. Additionally

What can I do if I don’t meet the Common App fee waiver criteria?

If you don’t meet the criteria to receive a Common App fee waiver, some options are still available to reduce or eliminate the cost of applying. Many colleges offer additional fee waivers if you can demonstrate financial need. To qualify for such waivers, students may have to provide proof of their family income or submit copies of tax returns from recent years. Additionally, some colleges waive fees for all students.

Does it look bad on my application if I apply for a fee waiver?

No, applying for a fee waiver does not look bad on your application. Colleges understand the financial burden of applying to college, and many are willing to assist students who need it. Applying for a fee waiver is simply a way to demonstrate that you need help with college costs, and it will not be held against you in the admissions process. In fact, some colleges even offer additional scholarships to those who request fee waivers.

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Search the site, search suggestions, paying the admissions application fee is a hardship for my family. can i get a waiver.

We are committed to making the application process accessible for all students. If the admissions application fee presents a hardship for you or your family and you plan on applying for financial aid, the fee will be waived. Please follow the steps below to request a fee waiver:

Common Application

• Confirm that you meet at least one of the indicators of economic need and then select “Yes” to the prompt “ You are eligible for application fee waivers if you meet one or more of the following criteria."
• Complete the fee waiver signature. 

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• Confirm that you meet at least one of the indicators of economic need listed in the Fee Waiver section of your Profile.
• If you do not meet one of the indicators of economic need, you may enter the Harvard-specific fee waiver code on the payment page: JH3S5Q2LX9

Transfer Applicants

• Please see the Transfer Application Requirements for information about requesting a transfer application fee waiver.

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(test) application fees & waivers, application fee information.

• The application fee is $135 for U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents, and $155 for all international applicants. The application fee is non-refundable.
• Payment must be made by credit card. Checks cannot be accepted.
• Please check in with your individual department or  program  to see when the application fee is due. 
• Fee Waivers are available to qualified  domestic applicants only . Eligibility to apply for a fee waiver is determined by program participation, US veteran status, or demonstrated financial need based on information requirements specified on the application.

Fee Waivers

Fee waivers are available for fall quarter admission for up to  two  state supported programs only. They are open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA/AB540 eligible only; international students are not eligible. Eligibility is based on program participation, financial need or US veteran status and is determined by completion of the online application. If, based on information provided on the application, an applicant is determined to be eligible to apply for a waiver, instructions will be presented on the application itself. This will allow you to upload your required document(s) (see below) and submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until a fee waiver is granted or the fee is paid. Please note that waivers are not automatically granted.

Fee Waiver Request Deadline: Application fee waivers are available to eligible applicants.

Applicants requesting a fee waiver must upload and submit their graduate application  5 days before prior to their individual graduate program deadline or by March 4th (whichever comes first) of the same calendar year.

Documentation required for approving a fee waiver request must be uploaded directly to the graduate application and submitted as part of the graduate application for admission.

Applicants requesting a fee waiver who do not meet this deadline will be required to pay the application fee. Applications can be submitted before outstanding materials such as letters of recommendation and test scores are received. Those items will be matched to your application once they are received.

If you opt to not request a fee waiver and upload your documentation, the application fee will be required. All payments are final. If you submit a payment, you will not receive a refund. If your request for a fee waiver is not approved, you will receive an email requesting the application fee.

Please pay close attention to deadlines for submission of fee waiver requests and documentation. If the graduate program to which you are applying has an earlier deadline than listed above, your fee waiver documentation must be received and approved prior to the  individual program’s deadline .

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Fee Waivers

Fee waivers are available to prospective students who meet the eligibility requirements. Please review these options to determine if you are eligible, and then make the appropriate selection to request a waiver.

The Office of Graduate Admission must approve your request before you can submit your application. If your fee waiver request is denied, you must pay the application fee.

Applying for a Fee Waiver

If you believe you qualify for a fee waiver, please complete the following steps:

• Start your online application and select the program you are planning to apply to.
• Determine the appropriate option from the fee waiver categories listed below and make sure that you have the documentation required for approval.
• Submit your documentation . From the “Select an Area” drop-down, select Graduate Admission and the USC school you are applying to. Under “Category,” choose Application Fees Waivers. Please attach the appropriate documentation for the type of fee waiver you are requesting. (Refer to the Fee Waiver Categories below for more information.) Make sure to use the same email address you entered in your application and include the name of the program you are applying to. Failure to do so could cause considerable delay in processing your request.

You will receive an email notification if and when your fee waiver is approved. You must wait to receive this confirmation in order to skip the payment page when you submit your application. No refunds will be issued after your application is submitted.

Please note: Approval of fee waivers can take approximately 3 to 4 business days, so make sure to plan accordingly and submit your request in time to meet your application deadline.

Video: The USC Graduate Application: Fee Waivers

We recommend that you review our “The USC Graduate Application: Fee Waivers” video tutorial for more details.

Fee Waiver Categories

Eligibility Requirements: You must be a current participant or recent alum (within the last two years) of one of these three programs.

Acceptable documentation: An official letter from the appropriate organization demonstrating your participation.

Eligibility Requirements: You must be an alum of one of the following CHCI Leadership programs: CHCI Graduate Fellowship, Public Policy Fellowship or Congressional Internship.

Acceptable documentation: An official letter from CHCI demonstrating your participation.

Contact us to request a fee waiver and to determine your next steps.

Eligibility Requirements: You must be able to prove that paying the graduate application fee would cause financial hardship.

Acceptable documentation:

• A letter or memo from the financial aid office of the school you most recently attended (within the last year), stating that paying the application fee would constitute a financial hardship for you.
• Documentation from a state unemployment agency verifying that you are currently unemployed. Records such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements and personal correspondence will not be accepted as proof of hardship.

This option is not available to international students.

Eligibility Requirements: You must provide a copy of your Fulbright eligibility award letter.

Eligibility Requirements: You must be a current student or an alum of the Hebrew Union College.

Acceptable documentation: A copy of your transcript from the institution.

Eligibility Requirements: You must be a current participant in this program.

Acceptable documentation: An official letter from IRT demonstrating your participation.

Eligibility Requirements: You must be a current participant in the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program.

Acceptable documentation : An official letter demonstrating you are participating in the McNair Program at your current institution.

Eligibility Requirements: You must be an active-duty military service member or veteran.

Acceptable documentation :

• A copy of your active-duty orders (if you are currently serving).
• A copy of your DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (if you are a veteran).

This option is not available to dependents of military personnel or veterans.

Eligibility Requirements: You must be a current participant in one of these three programs.

Acceptable documentation : An official letter from the appropriate organization demonstrating your participation.

USC-Specific Waivers

Eligibility Requirements: You must already hold a degree from USC (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, M.D., etc.) or be currently enrolled in a degree program at the university.

Please provide your 10-digit USC ID (assigned to you during your program of study at USC) when you request the fee waiver. To be eligible, you need to have completed at least one semester of your academic program.

This option is not available if you are enrolled through our Limited Status option, are a short-term exchange student, visiting scholar, or participant in a USC summer program.

Eligibility Requirements: Dual-degree program applicants must pay for their first application and are exempt from paying for the second application, as long as the programs they are applying for are valid dual degrees listed on the university’s website.

Prospective students applying to the Master’s in Global Media and Communication are also eligible for the dual-degree fee waiver.

When you request the fee waiver, please submit the application to your first program and then provide the name of the qualification for your dual degree program.

Eligibility Requirements: You must be a USC faculty member or a full-time, permanent USC employee. You will also qualify if you are the spouse or dependent child of USC faculty or full-time staff.

When you request the fee waiver, please provide your 10-digit employee ID (if you work at the university) or the full name and employee ID of your family member (if your spouse or parent is the USC employee).

This option is not available for post-doctoral students, temporary USC employees, former USC employees, graduate students employed in an RA/TA position, independent contractors, or their dependents.

Eligibility Requirements: Your intended graduate program has informed you in writing that they will be paying for your USC application fee.

Acceptable documentation : A copy of the official notification on USC letterhead, issued to you by your program of interest. The notification should clearly state the name of the program for which you have been granted the waiver, as well as the term for which it is valid.

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Fee Waiver Forms

Application fee waivers are available to incoming freshman students who demonstrate financial need. a student may qualify in one of the following ways: .

• The student has an ACT or SAT testing fee waiver. 
• The student is enrolled in the Federal Free or Reduced Lunch program (FRPL). 
• The student's annual family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
• The student is enrolled in a federal, state or local program that aids students from low-income families.
• The student's family receives public assistance. 
• The student lives in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home or is homeless.
• The student is a ward of the state or an orphan. 

Please send supporting documentation to : 

By email:  [email protected]  

By mail:  University of Dallas                 Office of Undergraduate Admission                 1845 E Northgate Dr                  Irving, Texas 75062

Submitting a fee waiver request does not automatically qualify the student for the waiver. UD's Office of Undergraduate Admission will review your fee waiver request. 

UD also offers an alumni fee waiver. If you are one of the following with a connection to a current applicant, you may complete a fee waiver form on the student's behalf: 

• Parents of current students
• Current student

Please use the following link to complete the fee waiver form for a current undergraduate applicant.  Application Fee Waiver Form»  

If you have any questions on whether you qualify for the fee waiver, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at [email protected]  or 972-721-5266. 

Keep exploring.

The Optometry Admission Test (OAT)

The Department of Testing Services (DTS) will be upgrading its online systems. During the upgrade, all online systems and functionalities will be unavailable for approximately one (1) week. No new applications or scores will be processed during this time.  

Important Note to Candidates Testing in Quebec

The OAT is a comprehensive exam that enables optometry education programs to assess the knowledge and preparedness of program applicants. OAT test results are accepted by all optometry schools in the U.S. and Canada. The four-part test is administered year-round by Prometric Test Centers in the U.S. and its territories, including Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as Canada. The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) is the governing body for the OAT. The test is implemented by the Department of Testing Services (DTS), which is a shared service of the American Dental Association. For complete information on all aspects of the OAT, refer to the OAT Candidate Guide.

Recent and Forthcoming Updates

Faq-optometry admission test (oat).

The OAT is offered to all individuals seeking entry to optometry education programs in the U.S. and Canada. Candidates take the exam at Prometric Test Centers in the U.S., its territories and Canada, with testing appointments available year-round.

The OAT consists of multiple-choice questions presented in English, and includes a battery of four tests:

• The Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry)
• Reading Comprehension
• Quantitative Reasoning Tests

Start by reading the official OAT Guide, which explains:

• How the exam is constructed and scored
• How to prepare for the exam
• Eligibility requirements
• Fees and waivers
• How to schedule, reschedule or cancel testing

Once you have read the guide, you will apply for the exam with a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN). After your application has been processed, you will receive an eligibility letter that permits you to schedule your testing appointment.

Get the OAT Guide

The OAT is offered year-round at Prometric Test Centers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Once you have received your eligibility letter confirming that your test application has been accepted, you must contact Prometric to secure an appointment. We recommend doing this at least 60 to 90 days before your desired test date, since schedules fill up. Visit the Prometric website to see the testing location closest to you, view relevant COVID-19 procedures and schedule your test.

Visit the Prometric site

The OAT retest policy is not subject to appeal and states that:

• Candidates must wait 60 days between testing attempts on the OAT, with a maximum of four (4) such administrations permitted during any 12-month period of time.
• Candidates with three (3) or more attempts on the OAT must apply for permission to test again, providing proof of recent application to optometry school with each subsequent application to test.
• Subsequent to the candidate’s fifth OAT attempt, the candidate may retest only once per 12-month period.

If you must reschedule or cancel a test appointment, contact Prometric at 800.688.5804 or leave a message via the Prometric website. You must contact Prometric more than 24 business hours before your test appointment. Do not contact the local test center, as they cannot reschedule or cancel your appointment.

If you experience an emergency on the day of your scheduled test , you must send a written request for relief to the Department of Testing Services within 5 days of the original test date. Examples of emergencies include, but are not limited to:

• Sudden illness on test day. Provide a doctor’s note or hospital records confirming that you were treated on the day of the examination.
• Death in the family on test day. Provide a copy of an obituary, prayer card, funeral service program or death certificate confirming that the relative passed away or services were held on the day of the examination.

Send your explanation with documentation to: [email protected] .

When you cancel or reschedule, you will owe a fee payable directly to Prometric. Please note that any candidate who fails to appear for a scheduled test or presents more than 30 minutes after the scheduled start time and is refused admission will forfeit the full testing fee.

Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are NOT business days for purposes of determining the fee for rescheduling or canceling your exam.

All fee waivers for 2024 have been granted. The application information is provided below for informational purposes only. 

In documented cases of severe financial hardship , a limited number of partial fee waivers are available to OAT examinees each calendar year. The partial waiver covers 50% of the OAT fee. The waiver does not apply to any charges associated with rescheduling or canceling a test date or score reporting after the time of initial application. Partial fee waivers are granted on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible examinees who have submitted the required documents.

Examinees can request a partial fee waiver if they:

• Are taking the test for the first time
• Have not previously received a partial fee waiver
• Are a U.S. citizen or resident alien
• Have demonstrated financial hardship
• Have received financial aid from their school

When fee waivers are available, there is a financial information form to complete and email with a copy of the financial aid award letter you received from your school. The financial aid award letter cannot be older than 18 months. Alternatively, applicants who have not been enrolled in a college or university in the past 18 months can substitute a copy of their most recent tax return.

The OAT Program will review all fee waiver requests and make the final approval/denial decision. After the request is reviewed, examinees will receive an email notification of the decision and instructions for submitting an OAT application online. Please allow up to 10 business days for review of all partial fee waiver requests.

Yes. Each OAT examinee will need a unique personal identification number (PIN). If you have already applied for the test, a PIN has been assigned to you. You will use this PIN to schedule your test date, request your test scores and perform all other steps related to OAT.

Beginning March 29 all testing services will be temporarily unavailable for approximately one (1) week. Learn more  (PDF) about the scheduled system upgrade.

Create or retrieve your PIN

The Department of Testing Services (DTS) takes extensive steps to protect the privacy and security of all information you provide as an OAT examinee.

View the OAT privacy policy

Yes. Fairness in testing is of vital importance, and is in fact fundamental to an examination’s validity. Fairness considerations are embedded throughout the OAT program, affecting every aspect of how this examination is constructed, administered, scored, and reported. Read more in The OAT Program: Overview of Policies and Procedures Supporting and Promoting Fairness (PDF).

The OAT is a battery consisting of the following four individual tests: the Survey of the Natural Sciences, Reading Comprehension Test, Physics Test, and Quantitative Reasoning Test. Detailed information can be found in the User Guide below.

OAT User Guide (PDF)

The OAT Examinee Information Report provides general demographic information on examinees who have applied to take the OAT. Trend tables are included to identify changes taking place among examinees. This information may be of use to optometry schools as they review their admission procedures.

View the report

The OAT Validity Study reports the relationship among OAT scores, pre-optometry grade point averages (GPAs) and the academic and clinical achievements of a sample of students during their first and second years in United States optometry schools. Correlation coefficients are used to understand the relationship between admission selection criteria (such as GPAs and OAT scores) and pre-optometry success in students' first two years of optometry education.

View the study

The OAT Biology Readiness Survey Report was conducted in 2018 to update and establish the content domain and test specifications for the biology section of the OAT. This report documents results of three surveys developed to identify core knowledge in biology that students must know in order to be prepared for optometry school training.

If you have questions that are not covered in the OAT Guide, you can contact the Department of Testing Services for additional information.

Phone: 1-800-232-1694 Email: [email protected] In writing: American Dental Association, Department of Testing Services, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Prepare for success with practice test modules

As you get ready to take the OAT, you may want to utilize the practice tests and test modules that are available for all examinees. These modules feature questions written by actual OAT test constructors to give you a sense of what to expect on the OAT. Questions mirror the test specifications and are formatted as you will find them on the actual test.

OAT practice tests and test modules from Prometric

• Biology 201
• Organic Chemistry 201
• General Chemistry 201
• Reading Comprehension 201
• Quantitative Reasoning 201
• Physics 201

The full practice test has an allotted time of 3 hours and 35 minutes, divided into timed sections to help simulate the time constraints of the actual test. This test does not allow for a break. Once you click “Begin Test,” you must take the practice test in the allotted time. Once you have purchased the test, you will have 24 hours to complete it. When the time expires, the test will end, even if you are taking the test at that time.

The OAT Program does not endorse any test preparation courses and has no data on the content or efficacy of test preparation courses designed to prepare examinees to take the OAT.

The OAT Program urges individuals considering participating in test preparation courses to review carefully the course materials to ensure that they reflect the current content of the OAT.

Purchase the full practice test

If you prefer not to take the full practice test, you can opt to take one or more test modules for $20 each. These individual modules are identical to the six modules in the full practice test. Each module must be taken within 24 hours of purchase. When the time expires, the test will end even if you are taking the test at that time.

• Biology 201 (40 items)
• Organic Chemistry 201 (30 items)
• General Chemistry 201 (30 items)
• Reading Comprehension 201 (25 items)
• Quantitative Reasoning 201 (40 items)
• Physics 201 (40 items)

Purchase individual test modules

After you’ve reviewed the OAT Guide, sign up to take your exam.

View your OAT test results and find information on test audits.

The Department of Testing Services welcomes your volunteer expertise in shaping questions for future OAT exams.