An application fee is a fee that a college charges for applying to their institution. Each college can choose how much to charge, and whether or not they charge a fee at all. In fact, many colleges don’t charge a fee. There are several places within Common App that list colleges’ application fee requirements.

Did you know? In College Search (in Common App) you can choose to search for colleges that charge no application fee at all. The first page of any college on your My Colleges tab shows their “College Information”. Application fees for both domestic and international applicants are listed on this page.

Fee waivers: A fee waiver lets you apply to a college without paying an application fee. Common App wants to make sure that application fees aren’t a barrier for any student trying to submit an application. That’s why we have the Common App Fee Waiver. The Common App Fee Waiver waives the application fee of any college you apply to through Common App.

Common App Fee Waiver is in the Profile section of the Common App tab. To apply for this fee waiver:
- 1. Answer “Yes” to the fee waiver statement.
- 2. Select all the indicators in the list that apply to you.
- 3. Enter your signature to certify your request.
- Note Your counselor will also be asked to confirm that you are eligible for this waiver. You will still be able to submit your application without a fee while your counselor confirms. Keep in mind, the Common App Fee Waiver isn’t the only fee waiver available to you.

College Fee Waivers: Many colleges also offer their own application fee waiver, specific to their school. Be sure to check with each college to understand their own fee waiver policies.

NACAC Fee Waiver: Many colleges will accept this waiver. Please see your ACC to determine eligibility.