Consider the following expenses when thinking about schools, which could help you better map out your strategy, such as how many schools to apply to and when to start the process. Learn how to save money on college applications, and where to find more information.
Application Fees
Each college or university you apply to generally charges an application fee. The Balance analyzed application fees at 14 public and private universities across the country, and the average fee was about $64, but ranged from $30 to $90. In general, private institutions charge $75 or more. Stanford charges $90 for first-year applicants while Dartmouth charges $80 for first-time applicants and $90 for transfer students, for example. Public universities tend to charge less, but not always—the University of Washington charges $80 for freshman applications. These application fees vary by institution and your enrollment status—for example, whether you’re applying as a first-time student or, for example, an international or transfer student. For grad students, fees may even depend on which school within the university you’re applying to—for example, business school versus law school. Typically, you can pay your fee by credit or debit card, electronic check, or by mailing in a check. Application fees are usually non-refundable.
How To Get an Application Fee Waiver
Waivers cut the costs of college applications by eliminating the application fee. You can get waivers in a few ways—they’re often based on economic need.
Common App Fee Waiver
Common App, a nonprofit organization that simplifies the application process, offers application fee waivers based on a student’s household income. As with many other waivers, you could qualify for these if you are:
Enrolled in a free or reduced-price lunch program at your high schoolReceiving or eligible for an ACT or SAT fee waiverReceiving public assistance or federally subsidized housing for your family
NACAC Fee Waiver
First-time students can apply for an application fee waiver through the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). Transfer students eligible for a Pell Grant can qualify for a transfer fee waiver. Even homeschooled students and adults going back to school can apply for an application fee waiver. The catch with NACAC waivers is that all require the signature of someone who certifies your economic need.
College Board Application Fee Waiver
The SAT-administering College Board provides application fee waivers for students who qualify for an SAT fee waiver. You can get the waiver for as many school applications as you wish—as long as they’re one of the more than 2,000 schools accepting the waivers. But, remember, you must register for the SAT and get an SAT fee waiver to qualify. If you’d hoped to take the ACT or skip college entrance exams altogether, you won’t get the application fee waivers.
School and State-Based Application Waivers
Some application fee waivers are provided at the school or state level. For example, graduate schools may offer application fee waivers based on financial need. Other state university systems offer fee waivers. Once again, you might need to meet specific requirements. For example, to qualify for a State University of New York (SUNY) fee waiver, you must be a New York resident or U.S. citizen, and meet income limits. Additionally, all students at more than 500 designated New York State public high schools can apply to up to seven SUNY schools for free via an automatic waiver.
Other Costs To Expect When Applying To Colleges
College application costs involve more than shelling out for an application. Tests, optional school visits, and required registration deposits all tend to cost money.
Fees for Standardized Tests
If you take national standardized tests such as the College Board’s SAT and ACT, you could pay fees. However, more than 1,800 accredited, four-year colleges and universities now make standardized testing optional or have test-free admissions policies. If you do decide to take the SAT or ACT, here’s a quick fee comparison:
College Visit Costs
If you decide to visit schools as you shop for college, consider how quickly costs will add up for:
AirfareHotel Meals and snacksCar rental and gasTransportation to and from the airport
To save money, consider visiting schools in one region all at once. Or, you can skip in-person visits altogether. Many schools offer virtual visits that include interactive campus maps, immersive virtual tours, or tours using YouTube. Live virtual information sessions are common, too. You can use these sessions to ask questions about academics, financial aid, and student life. You can also get a sense of student life on campus by reading the student newspaper or browsing hashtags on Instagram and Tiktok.
Registration or Enrollment Fees
When you decide on the college you want to attend, you’ll likely need to pay an enrollment deposit fee soon after acceptance. This fee reserves your spot for enrollment, and the cost varies by school:
Cal State East Bay charges a $110 pre-enrollment fee due 30 days after your acceptance, or by May 1 (fall semester) or November 1 (spring semester). The University of Texas at Austin’s $200 enrollment fee for admitted students goes toward your first semester’s tuition and fees. The University of Northern Iowa’s $320 acceptance fee is divided between $250 toward new student programs and orientation, with the remaining $70 acting as an advance payment on your upcoming university bill.
Fee deferrals and exemptions may be available at your school, so call the admissions office to discuss options. In addition, NACAC offers an enrollment deposit fee waiver if you’re an undergraduate or transfer student experiencing “significant hardship.” Like the application fee waiver, you’ll need to meet income requirements and get the form signed by, ideally, a high school counselor.
