33 Top Colleges With No Application Fees

Nowadays, it’s not only expensive to go to college; it can also cost a lot to apply. College applications have increased in cost. In fact, the average college application fee at four-year, non-profit colleges is about $50, according to BestColleges.com. Some college application fees are upwards of $90! For students with limited funds, it can be financially cumbersome to apply to several schools. After all, $50 spent on an application is $50 that could go towards paying for tuition. With that, students should consider applying to colleges that do not have application fees.

Colleges with No Application Fees

Using a list from Niche, we’ve curated a list of the top 33 colleges that don’t have application fees. This list includes mostly private, liberal arts colleges; however, there are public universities sprinkled throughout. Niche’s larger list of colleges with no application fees includes all types of schools: public, private, liberal arts, online, and hybrid.

1. Wellesley College – Wellesley, Massachusetts
2. Tulane University – New Orleans, Louisiana
3. Trinity University – San Antonio, Texas
4. Colby College – Waterville, Maine
5. Carleton College – Northfield, Minnesota
6. Smith College – Northampton, Massachusetts
7. Macalester College – Saint Paul, Minnesota
8. Kenyon College – Gambier, Ohio
9. Grinnell College – Grinnell, Iowa
10. University of Dayton – Dayton, Ohio
11. Wabash College – Crawfordsville, Indiana
12. College of the Ozarks - Point Lookout, Missouri
13. Michigan Technological University – Houghton, Michigan
14. Furman University - Greenville, South Carolina
15. Reed College – Portland, Oregon
16. St. Olaf College – Northfield, Minnesota
17. Creighton University – Omaha, Nebraska
18. United States Merchant Marine Academy – Kings Point, New York
19. College of St. Mary - Omaha, Nebraska
20. Wheaton College – Wheaton, Illinois
21. Stanbridge University – Irvine, California
22. Biola University - La Mirada, California
23. Colorado College – Colorado Springs, Colorado
24. Saint Louis University -- St. Louis, Missouri
25. Hope College -- Holland, Michigan
26. Rhodes College -- Memphis, Tennessee
27. Baylor University – Waco, Texas
28. Denison University – Granville, Ohio
29. University of Texas Rio Grande -- Edinburg, Texas
30. University of Missouri -- Kansas City, Missouri
31. Texas A&M International University -- Laredo, Texas
32. University of St. Thomas – Saint Paul, Minnesota
33. William Carey University - Hattiesburg, Mississippi
34. Hampden-Sydney College – Hampden-Sydney, Virginia

Tips for Finding More Colleges with No Application Fees

If the college you’re interested in is not listed above, check with the admissions office to see if they have application fee waivers. Niche’s list of top colleges with no application fees includes hundreds of colleges around the country. These include public, private, and online options. Plenty of institutions recognize that the application fee costs are expensive and no longer charge fees for their applications. Many colleges may even have a declared application fee but will waive the charge for students who apply online, usually utilizing the Common Application. The Common Application is available at more than 1,000 colleges and universities. It allows students applying to college to fill out and submit one application for multiple schools. Students can even apply for a Common Application fee waiver. According to the Common Application website, "If you feel that your financial circumstances might qualify you for an application fee waiver, you can request a fee waiver in the Common Application Fee Waiver section in the Profile section." It’s also important to know that some colleges waive application fees for: • Low-Income Students • First-Generation Students • Minority Students • Veterans, Active-Duty Military Members or Children of Military Members

States Offering Free Application Periods

This year, many states are waiving application fees during select periods as part of the American College Application Campaign (ACAC). While this benefits all students, it’s especially geared toward first-generation or low-income students who may not be able to afford the college application fees. Designated free application periods differ by state. This year, over 10 states are participating, and each has designated which colleges in the state students can apply to for free. Most states are also offering free financial aid workshops to help students and their families maximize their chances of qualifying for free financial aid. To qualify for financial aid, families must complete the FAFSA, which is available now.

Benefits of Applying to Colleges with No Application Fees

Applying to colleges with no application fees keeps your personal costs low. After all, there are no financial aid dollars or scholarships available to students who hope to save money on these costs. You’ll simply need to have the right qualifications for a fee waiver. It’s important to do your research beforehand. Make a list of colleges that interest you based on their majors, extracurriculars, and graduation outcomes, but also take note of whether they offer the option to apply for free.