Most colleges charge a fee when you apply. The fee covers the costs that the college has when it considers your application. Fees at competitive colleges can be higher than fees at other colleges because the staff and time needed to evaluate applications is greater. Fees also tend to be higher at private colleges than at public colleges.

Fees also discourage students from applying to colleges carelessly. They add up when you apply to several colleges. Fees encourage you to apply only to colleges where you really want to go and have a reasonable chance of being accepted.

Sometimes students cannot afford the application fee. Most colleges will waive the fee (not require the student to pay) in the case of financial hardship. Your guidance counselor or principal can help you learn more about fee waiver programs. They can also write a letter for you requesting a waiver.

Some colleges charge an application fee for “hard copy” applications sent through the mail, but do not charge if you apply online.

Some students qualify to get their fees waived for college entrance exams.These same students may also qualify for application fee waivers at many colleges.

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