Which US universities offer application fee waivers for international students?

I'm looking at applying to several US universities, but the application fees can really add up. Are there any schools known to offer fee waivers to international students? I'd appreciate any tips on this!

Yes, certain U.S. colleges do offer application fee waivers for international students, although it's not as common as waivers for domestic applicants.

Many schools have a standard process for fee waiver requests, under which you'd need to demonstrate financial hardship. The process typically involves filling out a fee waiver request form, or writing a letter that outlines your financial situation. However, some colleges may have specific eligibility criteria that you need to meet for your request to be considered - you will need to check with each individual school for their precise steps.

Here are a few schools that have been known to offer application fee waivers for international applicants:

1. Carleton College: Carleton offers fee waivers for international students who are applying for financial aid.

2. Smith College: Smith generously offers fee waivers to all international students who apply.

3. Loyola University Chicago: Loyola doesn't actually charge an application fee, hence no waiver is necessary.

4. Oberlin College: Oberlin permits fee waiver requests from international students, based on financial need.

5. Swarthmore College: Swarthmore also grants fee waivers to international students demonstrating financial need.

6. Tulane University: Tulane waives the application fee for international students who apply Early Decision or Early Action.

It's key to remember that the policies regarding fee waivers can change, and they can also vary depending on your specific circumstances. It's always a good idea to reach out to a college's admissions office directly to inquire about the possibilities. Keep in mind that if you're applying through the Common App, there's an option for requesting a fee waiver directly on the application. However, the final decision will be up to the university.