First-time college applicant here. I'm working on my list of colleges to apply to, but I'm a little worried about application fees. Can anyone give me a ballpark figure of how much it usually costs to apply to colleges?
Sure, happy to help! Application fees can vary fairly widely, depending on the specific college or university you're applying to. On average, college application fees tend to range somewhere between $25 and $90. For example, some colleges like the University of Arizona have a smaller application fee of $50, while others like Duke University charge a $95 application fee. It's not uncommon for highly selective institutions to have higher application costs.
However, it's also important to note that many schools offer fee waivers for students who demonstrate financial need. These are typically available upon request and usually require some form of documentation to verify the student's financial situation.
If you're applying to multiple colleges and concerned about the total cost, consider checking out the Common Application. This platform allows you to apply to several colleges at once, and they have a fee waiver program that, if you're eligible, can significantly reduce the costs associated with college applications.
Lastly, there are also colleges like Bowdoin or Smith that do not have an application fee at all.
Remember to consider these costs as part of your overall college application process. Hope this provides a little bit more clarity!
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