College Application Wavers
High school students can find college application fee waivers in several trusted ways — so applying to college won’t cost them extra money. Here’s a breakdown of where to look and how to get them 👇
🎓 1. Through Your School Counselor
Most fee waiver programs require a school counselor’s approval. Students should talk to their counselor early to see if they qualify. Counselors can help with:
College Board SAT fee waivers (which also provide application waivers) — students who qualify for an SAT fee waiver automatically receive college application fee waivers in their College Board account.
NACAC fee waiver forms — counselors can sign the National Association for College Admission Counseling fee waiver form, which students can submit to several colleges.
Common App and Coalition App waivers — counselors verify eligibility for waivers directly within these college application platforms.
📱 2. Through College Application Platforms
Many online college applications offer built-in fee waivers:
Common Application (Common App): Students can request a waiver right in the application by answering questions about financial need. Once approved (and confirmed by a counselor), it can waive fees at all participating colleges.
Coalition for College: Fee waivers are available by checking eligibility boxes during the application setup (e.g., participation in free/reduced lunch programs, first-gen status, public assistance).
🆓 3. Through SAT & ACT Fee Waivers
Students who qualify for SAT or ACT test fee waivers often receive college application fee waivers as part of those benefits:
The College Board automatically lists eligible fee waivers in the student’s My SAT account that can be used at participating schools.
Ask your school counselor how to access these and which schools accept them.
📄 4. NACAC Fee Waiver Form
The NACAC Request for Admission Application Fee Waiver is a standard form that students can download and use if they demonstrate financial need. It must be signed by a counselor or another authorized official, then sent to colleges with the application.
📆 5. Special Programs & Events
Some states and organizations host fee-waiver events:
For example, in Georgia during “Apply to College Month,” many public and private colleges waive their application fees for high school seniors.
Other states or programs sometimes offer free application weeks where residents can apply without fees.
💡 Pro Tips
⭐ Ask Colleges Directly: Some schools will waive fees if you email or call their admissions office and explain the financial need. ⭐ Apply Early: Some colleges automatically waive fees during certain times (like informational sessions or college fairs). ⭐ Check School Lists: Many colleges don’t charge application fees at all (search online lists or ask a counselor).
