Hi! I'm a high school rising junior whose parent serves in the military. I'm starting to look into colleges and am curious about application fee waivers. Are there specific waivers available for dependents of military personnel? Would appreciate any advice!
Yes, there are a few ways for military dependents to get college application fee waivers.
Firstly, the NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) offers fee waivers for students who demonstrate financial need. This can apply to military dependents if their family income falls within the eligibility guidelines. The NACAC waiver is accepted at over 600 colleges and universities.
Next, several colleges and universities have policies to waive application fees for military dependents as part of their commitment to military families. For example, schools in the UNC system automatically waive the application fees for dependents of active-duty military members.
Lastly, check with each school's admissions office. If they do not already have a policy in place, some schools might be willing to offer a waiver if you explain your situation. Make sure you're proactive about this - ask for these waivers well in advance of application deadlines to allow for processing time.
In any case, it's an excellent idea for you to speak to your high school counselor about this. They can provide advice tailored to your unique situation including potential schools that could fit your budget. Good luck with your application process!
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