The cost of college adds up quickly, including the costs of applying for college. The average college application fee is $48, according to BestColleges.
To help high seniors and their parents with the college application process and to help families save money on application fees, the ACT Center for Equity in Learning created the American College Application Campaign (ACAC). The goal of ACAC is to increase the number of students pursuing higher education, especially first-generation college students and students from low-income families.
Find out if your state participates and when:
Which States Offer Free College Applications in 2026-27
Many states offer waiver programs for prospective students via a College Application Month or Application Week campaign. They will also host Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) workshops in addition to application waiver campaigns.| State | Free Application Dates | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | October 20 - 22, 2026 | All 32 public colleges and universities as well as some private institutions waive fees on these days. | |
| Delaware | October - December | Delaware students can apply for free to over 18 local colleges from October to December through Launch into Your Future Month. | |
| Idaho | October | Use Apply Idaho, a free common app that allows students to apply for up to 10 in-state colleges for free. | |
| Indiana | September 21 – 25, 2026 | Colleges and universities across the state participate each year in this free application week. | |
| Kansas | October 5-9, 2026 | These three days allow Kansas students to apply to the state’s seven public universities, 19 community colleges, six technical schools, and 21 private institutions for free. | |
| Minnesota | June 22-26, 2026 | During this week, Minnesota students can apply for free to 26 colleges and seven state universities. | |
| Montana | Year-round | Montana students are able to apply to any schools in the Montana state university system for free. | |
| New York | October 20 – November 2, 2026 | Students can apply to State University New York (SUNY), City University of New York (CUNY), and other public and private schools for free. | |
| North Carolina | October 19-25, 2026 | Use the college search tool at CFNC to see which schools are participating. | |
| South Dakota | October 1 – November 30, 2026 | During these two months, students are able to apply for state technical colleges and public universities for free. | |
| Tennessee | September | Check College for TN for schools that are participating in fee waivers during the month of September. | |
| Virginia | October 19-23, 2026 and October 26-30, 2026 | Free college application week is only available to students who attend schools where at least 50% of the student body qualifies for free or reduced lunch. However, some colleges and universities offer fee waivers during this week regardless. |
What You'll Need to Apply, Even When It's Free
College applications take time to complete and are oftentimes a multi-day process. There are multiple components required, but the more prepared you are for the process, the less overwhelming it will be. The first thing you’ll want to be aware of are deadlines for colleges that you’re interested in, and these include early admission deadlines. Knowing when deadlines fall will enable you to prepare the other materials in a timely manner. Once you have created a college deadline calendar for schools you’re applying to, begin gathering the materials you’ll need to apply: • College application • Test scores (if needed) • Personal essay • Letters of recommendation (we recommend asking for these during the second semester of your junior year or over the summer) • Transcripts (which can be acquired through your school counselor)Free FAFSA and Financial Aid Workshops
Numerous United States high schools offer free financial aid workshops to help students and families navigate the FAFSA. Before you attend a financial aid workshop, consider gathering the FAFSA documents you'll need. This will help you and your FAFSA mentor as you work to complete the financial aid form. Look for free FAFSA events at your school during College Application Weeks as well as throughout the school year. These will be hosted by your school or a community center in your area.Pair Your Free Application with State Scholarships
Just as it's a great idea to save money on college application fees, it's also smart to save money when paying for school. Create your free Fastweb profile to find scholarships that fit you. In the meantime, you can also find state scholarships.You Might Also Like
Shawna Newman
Managing Editor, Contributing Writer
Shawna Newman covers various topics related to post-secondary education, including trade schools, the military, and college. She details strategies for paying for school, such as scholarships, financial ai...
