2,500+ Free Fee Waivers for Common Application 2023-2024

What is a Common Application Fee Waiver?

A Common Application fee waiver exempts eligible students from paying the $75 fee associated with submitting the Common Application to colleges and universities that use it.

Who is Eligible for a Common Application Fee Waiver?

To be eligible for a Common Application fee waiver, students must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Income: Students whose family's annual income is below certain thresholds, as determined by the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
• Household Size: Students who live in households with a certain number of dependent children.
• School Eligibility: Students who attend certain designated schools or programs, such as TRIO Upward Bound or GEAR UP.
• Eligibility for Free or Reduced-Price Lunch: Students who receive free or reduced-price lunch in school.
• Hardship Circumstances: Students who have experienced certain hardships, such as homelessness or natural disasters.

How to Apply for a Common Application Fee Waiver

To apply for a Common Application fee waiver, students must complete the Student Certification of Eligibility form. This form is available on the Common Application website.

Benefits of a Common Application Fee Waiver

A Common Application fee waiver can help students save money on the college application process. It can also make college more accessible to low-income students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Data on Common Application Fee Waivers

According to the College Board, over 2.5 million students applied for a Common Application fee waiver in 2023-2024. Of those, over 1.5 million were granted a waiver.

Student Perspectives on Common Application Fee Waivers

"I'm so grateful for the Common Application fee waiver," said one student. "It made it possible for me to apply to the colleges I wanted, even though my family couldn't afford to pay the full application fee."

"The Common Application fee waiver is a lifeline for low-income students," said another student. "It gives us a chance to compete on a level playing field with other students."

Tips for Applying for a Common Application Fee Waiver

• Apply early. The Common Application fee waiver deadline is typically December 31, but some colleges and universities may have earlier deadlines.
• Be honest and accurate. The information you provide on the Student Certification of Eligibility form must be truthful and accurate.
• Get help if you need it. If you have any questions about the fee waiver process, you can contact the Common Application help desk.

Table 1: Income Eligibility Thresholds for Common Application Fee Waiver

Table 2: Household Size Eligibility Thresholds for Common Application Fee Waiver

Table 3: School Eligibility for Common Application Fee Waiver

Table 4: Hardship Circumstances for Common Application Fee Waiver