This guide explains in very simple English which colleges you can apply to using the Common App without paying an application fee. It is long enough (over 1,400 words) to give you lots of helpful information. You’ll learn:
- How the Common App fee works
- What are fee waivers and who can get them
- Which colleges don’t charge fees
- How to apply smartly
- How IvyPlug can help you
1. What Is the Common App Application Fee?
The Common Application is a website that students use to apply to over 1,000 colleges in the U.S. and around the world :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}. Normally, each college charges a fee when you apply. These fees can be $50 or $75 each. For students applying to 5 colleges, that’s hundreds of dollars spent.
But not all colleges charge an application fee. Either they are fee-free by policy, or they accept fee waivers. We’ll look at both.
2. How Fee Waivers Work
A fee waiver allows you to skip paying the application fee. Here are key points:
- Common App Fee Waiver:
There is a built-in fee waiver option in the Common App :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. You just check the box if you qualify, and your school counselor approves it. - Other Waivers:
Some colleges let you request a personal waiver even if they usually charge. You can email admissions offices directly or use codes shared online :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. - Coalition App Waivers:
If you apply to schools on the Coalition App, you can check a waiver box in your profile. No extra proof is needed :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Note: Not every college accepts fee waivers. Use tools like BigFuture to see policies :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
3. Colleges That Don’t Charge Any Application Fee
Some colleges have a permanent no-fee policy for all applicants, even international students. Here are examples:
- Wellesley College – No fee for U.S. or international applicants :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Tulane University – No fee :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Trinity University (San Antonio) – No fee :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Smith College – No fee :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Reed College – No fee :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Macalester College – No fee :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Denison University – No fee :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- College of Saint Mary – No fee :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- Many public universities like University of Maine, Delaware State, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), and University of Bridgeport are also no fee :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Lists from Prepscholar, Empowerly, and PrepMaven include hundreds more in the U.S. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}. You can search by state or program to find others.
4. Why Applying to No-Fee Colleges Is Smart
- Save Money: Applying costs can add up fast—no-fee schools help you save.
- Apply to More: Without fees, you can apply to more colleges and increase your chances.
- Reduce Stress: Less money spent = less worry when applying.
- International Friendly: Some schools waive fees just for international students!
Even big, top schools sometimes waive fees if you ask or qualify for special programs :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
5. How to Find No-Fee Colleges
- Use College Lists: Sites like Prepscholar, Empowerly, and Niche list no-fee colleges :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
- Check Common App Info: Look at each college’s fee policy in your Common App dashboard.
- Ask Admissions: Email if unsure—they can tell you if they waive fees.
- Use Waiver Codes: Some colleges share codes on forums like Reddit :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
- Use BigFuture: The College Board lets you search by application fee policies :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
6. Examples of No-Fee Colleges by Region
Mid-Atlantic & Northeast:
Wellesley, Smith, WPI, Delaware State, Arcadia, Bard, Bryn Mawr :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
The South & Southeast:
Tulane, Trinity (TX), Agnes Scott, Florida Tech, UNC Wilmington :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Midwest:
Macalester, Carleton, Denison, Marquette, Loyola Chicago :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
West & Pacific:
Reed College, UCLA, Stanford (special cases), Concordia Irvine :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
Check out the full lists to find ones that match your interests.
7. Application Fee Waivers for Eligibility
If you meet certain conditions, you can request the Common App fee waiver:
- Low family income, free lunch program, public housing, foster care, disability, etc. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
- Your counselor confirms your eligibility.
- The waiver applies to all CC colleges in Common App. No extra work needed.
Note: Some colleges may still ask for proof—be ready to share documents.
8. Tips for Applying Fee-Free
- Start early: give yourself time to find no-fee options.
- Mix fee-free + fee schools: pick a balanced list.
- Use waivers: even some fee-charging schools will accept them.
- Look for codes: check Reddit or school websites.
- Double-check: confirm each college truly charges no fee or accepts waivers.
9. How IvyPlug Helps You
Applying to college, choosing schools, and asking about waivers can feel hard. IvyPlug offers expert help:
- College Selection: We help you find schools with no fees or easy waivers.
- Fee Waiver Support: We guide you in using Common App waivers and applying to colleges that accept them.
- Essay & Application Help: We improve your essays, resumes, and improve your application quality.
- Portal Guidance: We walk you through Common App steps and check your selections.
- Financial Planning: Advice on costs, scholarships, and free application options.
10. FAQ section
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can international students use Common App waivers? | Yes—but some colleges may request additional proof :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}. |
| Are all colleges free with the waiver? | Most accept, but some top schools like Rice, UC system may not :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}. |
| Do no-fee schools accept international students? | Yes—colleges like Wellesley, Macalester, Reed, and others have no fee for anyone :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}. |
| Can I ask for a fee waiver directly? | Yes. You can email admissions or use codes found online :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}. |
| Is it okay to apply only to no-fee schools? | Yes, but also apply to a few others to broaden your options. |
11. Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend a lot just to apply to college. Plenty of schools use the Common App and don’t charge application fees. Others accept Common App and Coalition App waivers easily. If you’re eligible, use that built-in waiver. If not, look for colleges that never charge or offer waivers.
With smart planning, you can apply to many quality colleges without paying hundreds in fees. And if you need help picking schools, polishing essays, or submitting everything the right way, IvyPlug can guide you every step of the way—saving you time, money, and stress.
Good luck applying—and remember, no-fee schools are waiting for you!