How much does it typically cost to apply to colleges? It's a bit of a financial concern for my family and I'm trying to budget ahead. Any info would be really helpful!
Applying to college can, indeed, entail some costs and it's smart to plan in advance. There are a few main areas of expenditure to consider:
1. Application fees: These vary by college. For many colleges, especially more selective ones, the application fee can range between $50 and $90 per school, but there are many colleges that have lower application fees and some do not have application fees at all (like Loyola University Chicago).
2. Standardized tests: As of August 2024, the SAT registration fee is $68. If you're planning to take the ACT instead, it costs $68 without the writing and $93 with the writing. Keep in mind that some schools are still test-optional for the 2024-2025 application cycle, which can reduce this cost.
3. Sending score reports: Many colleges allow you to self-report test scores on your application, and you won’t need to send in official score reports. However, if the colleges on your list do require official score reports, there might be associated costs.
4. CSS Profile: Some colleges may require you to fill out the CSS Profile for determining non-federal financial aid, and that comes with its fees. It costs $25 for the application and to send it to one college, then $16 for each additional college.
If these costs are a burden, you might want to look into fee waivers. For instance, the College Board (the organization that administers the SAT) offers fee waivers for the SAT and for sending score reports, and many colleges will waive their application fees for students with demonstrated financial need.
In addition to these, if you're considering hiring a private admissions counselor, there will be a significant cost associated.
Finally, there might be associated costs for visiting colleges, though in the era of online visit options this has become less of a factor.
Planning your budget in advance is a great step toward a smooth college application process, and I hope you find this information helpful!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.