Navigating College Applications: What's an Application Fee Waiver?

Hey folks, I'm starting to compile my list of colleges to apply to and I heard about something called an 'application fee waiver'. Can someone tell me what that is and how I could possibly qualify for one? It would really help!

Sure, I'd be happy to explain. An application fee waiver is essentially a means for students to apply to colleges without having to pay the standard application fee that the majority of institutions require.

Application fees can range widely in cost depending on the school, from $25 to well over $75. While that may not seem like much, it can accumulate into quite a sum if a student is applying to multiple schools.

College application fee waivers are typically available for students who demonstrate financial need. This can be determined through a variety of factors, such as if the student is eligible for the Free or Reduced Price Lunch program, if the family income is within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by USDA Food and Nutrition Service, if they are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that assists students from low-income families (like Upward Bound), if the student lives in a federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or is homeless, or if the family receives public assistance.

To apply for a fee waiver, you would typically need to go through one of several organizations. The College Board, for example, provides fee waivers for the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and college applications—if you qualify for one of the board's exam waivers, you automatically qualify for college application fee waivers. The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) also provides an application fee waiver form that you can submit, and the ACT provides fee waivers as well.

A lot of colleges also have application fee waiver request forms on their websites that you can fill out. Often, your high school or college counselor can help you apply for these waivers, too. Always make sure to check the specific institutions you're applying to for their unique process for this.

Remember, you can also apply to colleges that don't charge an application fee. There are quite a few out there that have no fee, or will waive the fee if you apply online or visit the campus. It could be worth adding a few of these to your list if they fit your academic and personal interests.