Apply for the Common App Fee Waiver in 5 Easy Steps

Applying to college can be expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of application fees. The Common Application, which is used by over 900 colleges and universities, charges a $50 fee to submit an application. However, there are several ways to get a fee waiver for the Common Application.

Who is Eligible for a Fee Waiver?

The Common Application offers fee waivers to students who meet certain criteria. These criteria include:

• Financial need: Students who are eligible for a fee waiver based on financial need must meet the following criteria:
  • Be enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP)
  • Be eligible for a fee waiver on the SAT or ACT
  • Have a family income that is below the poverty level
• Other circumstances: Students who may not meet the financial need criteria but who have other circumstances that make it difficult to pay the application fee may also be eligible for a fee waiver. These circumstances include:
  • Being a ward of the state
  • Being homeless
  • Being a victim of a natural disaster
• Citizenship and residency: Students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents are not eligible for a fee waiver.

How to Apply for a Fee Waiver

If you think you may be eligible for a fee waiver, you can apply for one by following these steps:

1. Check with your school counselor. Your school counselor can help you determine if you are eligible for a fee waiver based on financial need. They can also provide you with the necessary documentation to support your application.
2. Get a fee waiver code. Once you have determined that you are eligible for a fee waiver, you will need to get a fee waiver code. You can get a fee waiver code from your school counselor or from the College Board website.
3. Enter the fee waiver code on the Common Application. When you are filling out the Common Application, you will be asked if you have a fee waiver code. If you do, enter the code in the space provided.
4. Submit your application. Once you have entered your fee waiver code, you can submit your application to the colleges and universities of your choice.

What if I Don't Qualify for a Fee Waiver?

If you do not qualify for a fee waiver, you will still need to pay the $50 application fee. However, there are a few things you can do to reduce the cost of applying to college:

• Apply to colleges that have lower application fees. Some colleges and universities charge lower application fees than the Common Application. Do some research to find colleges that offer lower fees.
• Apply to colleges that offer merit scholarships. Merit scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic achievement or other accomplishments. If you are awarded a merit scholarship, it can help to offset the cost of college.
• Apply to colleges that offer need-based financial aid. Need-based financial aid is awarded to students based on their financial need. If you are awarded need-based financial aid, it can help to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and other expenses.

Don't Let the Cost of College Keep You from Applying

Applying to college can be a daunting process, but it's important to remember that there are many ways to make it more affordable. If you are concerned about the cost of applying to college, don't let that stop you from applying. There are many colleges and universities that offer fee waivers and other forms of financial aid.

Additional Resources

• Common Application Fee Waiver
• College Board Fee Waivers