Application Costs

Most colleges charge an admissions application fee ranging from $35 to $75 or more.

Some colleges waive their fees if you apply online by a certain date or attend an on-campus admissions event.

Don't let application fees stop you from applying. If you have trouble paying, you may be eligible for a fee deferral or waiver. Check with the colleges you are applying to and your high school counselor.

• A fee deferral means that you don't have to pay the application fee when you submit your forms, but if you are accepted and decide to enroll, it will be added to your tuition bill.
• College Board lists colleges that may waive application fees for students who have received an SAT program fee waiver.

• Some colleges may waive your fee if you're eligible for free or reduced-price lunches or your family's income is below a certain limit. In general, your counselor must sign off on your request for a deferral or waiver to provide evidence that your family cannot afford the application fee.