College Application Costs

Does anyone know how much it typically costs to apply to colleges? I'm starting to plan out my applications and I want to be sure I'm budgeting correctly.

Absolutely, budgeting for college applications is a smart move. The costs can vary widely based on several factors, but I can give you a rough estimate to help you plan.

First, each college you apply to will typically have its application fee. This can range from $0 to $90, but on average, it's around $50. Some schools, like Loyola University Chicago, don't have an application fee at all.

Next, you'll also want to consider the cost of sending your test scores to colleges. As of August 2024, Collegeboard, who administers the SAT, charges $14 per score report sent, after using the four free reports you receive with each registration. If you're sending ACT scores, it's currently $19 per test date per school.

Lastly, bear in mind that some students choose to work with a college counselor or admissions consultant, and these professionals can sometimes charge substantial fees.

However, keep in mind that fee waivers are available for students who cannot afford these costs. You can receive waivers for application fees, test fees, and CSS Profile fees if you demonstrate financial need. Your school counselor can be a great resource for learning more about these waivers.

In summary, the cost of applying to each college can be around $60 to $100, depending on the individual application fees and whether you need to send test scores. But the total cost will strongly depend on how many colleges you plan to apply to. Remember to budget accordingly and look into fee waivers if necessary.