
Sign up & start saving!
Get our weekly newsletter for the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Updated
There are a few ways you can get your application fee waived:
Most college applications have a box you can check to apply for a fee waiver — especially applications that are used by multiple colleges, such as the Coalition and Common Apps. Other applications like the Universal College Application might require you to check a box indicating that you’re applying for a fee waiver and ask that you submit the waiver separately.
To request a fee waiver, you must answer the following questions in the Fee waiver section of the application:
If you answer “yes” to one or more of these questions, you’re eligible for a Coalition App fee waiver at some colleges — a list will appear at the bottom of the screen. Depending on the schools you select, you might be required to answer more questions.
You can request a fee waiver once you get to the Profile section of the Common App. Here’s how:
The NACAC application fee waiver form is available for download online through the NACAC website. You also might be able to find it through your high school guidance counselor or even at a college fair.
Once you get the form, fill out the name of the school, your name and your address.
Skip the next section labeled Authorized Official — that’s for an authorized official like your guidance counselor to complete.
Under the section labeled Economic Need, check the boxes that apply to you and your family’s financial situation:
If you and your family experience another type of financial difficulty, have your guidance counselor check the last box and explain the situation.
You need a school official to complete the section labeled Authorized Official. An authorized official can be one of the following individuals:
While it’s not required for the authorized official to be a member of NACAC, it’s preferred.
Send a copy of your NACAC application to the admissions office of each school you’re applying to. You can send it along with your application or separately.
Registering for the SAT fee waiver kills two birds with one stone: It gets you out of having to pay any SAT-related fees while also automatically making you eligible for a College Board college application fee waiver. You can get an SAT fee waiver through your high school guidance counselor. You need to provide proof of eligibility, such as tax records or proof of receiving public assistance.
You must meet at least one of the following criteria to qualify for an SAT fee waiver:
Applying for a fee waiver is only one way to avoid the application fee. If you can’t qualify for a fee waiver, you might want to consider one of the following options:
If you aren’t careful, applying to college can cost you over $4,500. Here’s how you can avoid that hefty price tag:
How much does it actually cost to apply to college?
College application fees can be expensive, but your family might not have to pay them if you can’t afford to. Talk to your guidance counselor to find out which waivers you should apply for — if any. And learn more about how to pay for school by checking out our guide to student loans.
You only have until the end of March to get your next application in.
Find out who’s getting checks, unemployment benefits, student loan relief and more.
Ways to protect your assets and what you need to know about marital debt.
Most working Americans pay around $1,489 in premiums each year. Compare costs now.
Coverdell ESAs are tax-advantaged accounts that help you save for your child’s college expenses.
This new online bank offers the kind of low rates you’d normally have to apply for in person.
The best time to buy an affordable policy is during the annual open enrollment period, but you can still apply after a qualifying event.
Refinancing with another lender or even switching repayment plans can free up room in your budget and even save on the total cost.
Debt relief for VA loans, student loans and other types of debt service members face.
Learn how this high-interest account can boost your savings goals.