Top US Universities with No Application Fees (for 2024/2025)

Applying to universities can be an exciting journey, but the costs associated with application fees can quickly add up, especially when applying to multiple universities or colleges. However, several US universities offer either no application fee or provide application fee waiver codes that help international and domestic students save on costs.

Generally, application fees range from $20 to $100 per application. On average, students apply to 7 to 10 universities, which means they may spend around $200 to $600 on application fees. This can be tough for students who don’t have much money. This guide provides a comprehensive list of universities that either do not charge an application fee or provide specific codes to waive the fee, ensuring a more accessible and cost-effective application journey.

Universities in the USA with No Application Fee (for 2024/2025)

Some universities in the U.S. allow students to apply without paying any application fee. This means you can submit your application without worrying about the extra cost. This allows applicants to explore multiple options without worrying about financial barriers during the application process. Below is a list of universities that have no application fee.

Name of the University	Program	Location	Application Deadline
Avila University	Undergraduate and Graduate	Kansas City	Fall Semester: July 1 Spring Semester: December 1
McNeese State University	Undergraduate and Graduate	Lake Charles, Louisiana	Fall Application: June 1 Spring Application: October 1
Webster University	Undergraduate and Graduate	Saint Louis, Missouri	Undergraduate Deadlines: Fall 2024: June 1, 2024 Spring 2025: Oct. 15, 2024 Graduate Deadlines: Fall 1/August 2024: June 1, 2024 Spring 1/January 2025: Oct. 15, 2024
Wilkes University	Undergraduate	Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania	Fall Semester: June 15 Spring Semester: November 15
Texas A&M University-Texarkana	Undergraduate	Texarkana, Texas	Fall Semester: June 1 Summer Sessions: May 1 Spring Semester: October 1
Bethany College	Undergraduate	Lindsborg, Kansas	Fall: June 1 Spring: November 1
Truman State University	Undergraduate	Kirksville, Missouri	Fall: April 15 Spring: October 15
University of Akron	Undergraduate and Graduate	Akron, Ohio	Fall: June 1 Spring: October 1
University of Lynchburg	Undergraduate and Graduate	Lynchburg, Virginia	Fall: June 1 Spring: Oct. 15
Lewis University	Undergraduate and Graduate	Romeoville, Illinois	Fall: July 1 Spring: November 1
Maryville College	Undergraduate	Maryville, Tennessee	Complete application process at least 3 months before desired start date
Texas A&M International University	Undergraduate	Laredo, Texas	Fall 2025: December 1 Spring 2025: October 15
Simpson University	Undergraduate and Graduate	Redding, California	No specific deadline but apply early for financial aid
Lyon College	Undergraduate	Batesville, Arkansas	Spring 2025: January 3 Fall 2025: June 1, 2025
Caldwell University	Undergraduate and Graduate	Caldwell, New Jersey	Fall: June 1 Spring: December 1
Saint Louis University	Undergraduate and Graduate	St. Louis, Missouri	Spring: November 1 Fall: June 1
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay	Undergraduate	Green Bay, Wisconsin	Fall: June 1 Spring: November 1
St. Cloud State University	Undergraduate and Graduate	St. Cloud, Minnesota	Fall: July 1 Spring: November 1
Hartwick College	Undergraduate	Oneonta, New York	No specific application deadline
Morehead State University	Undergraduate	Morehead, Kentucky	Fall: August 1 Spring: January 2 Summer: May 15 Winter: December 2

Universities in the USA with Application Fee Waiver Codes

For universities that do charge an application fee, specific waiver codes can be used to eliminate this cost. Below is a list of universities that provide specific waiver codes for undergraduate and graduate programs, making it easier for students to submit their applications for free.

Name of the University	Location	Application Deadline	How to Apply for Waiver
Troy University	Troy, Alabama		Fee Waiver Code
Missouri Southern State University	Joplin, Missouri	Spring: November 15 Fall: June 15	Email admissions office for fee waiver
Carroll University	Waukesha, Wisconsin		Email admissions office for fee waiver
Eastern Michigan University	Ypsilanti, Michigan		Fee Waiver Code
Louisiana Tech University	Ruston, Louisiana		Email admissions office for fee waiver
Delta State University	Cleveland, Mississippi		Fee Waiver Code
Wayne State University	Detroit, Michigan		Fee Waiver Code
University of Arkansas Little Rock	Little Rock, Arkansas		Fee Waiver Code
New York University	New York City		Fee Waiver Code
Kent State University	Kent, Ohio		Email admissions office to request fee waiver
University of Vermont	Burlington, Vermont		Fee Waiver Code
Colorado State University Pueblo	Pueblo, Colorado		Fee Waiver Code
West Virginia University	Morgantown, West Virginia		Fee Waiver Code
New Jersey Institute of Technology	Newark, New Jersey		Fee Waiver Code
The University of Alabama	Tuscaloosa, Alabama		Fee Waiver Code
University of Minnesota Morris	Morris, Minnesota	Fall: May 1 Spring: November 1	Fee Waiver Code

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can you get an application fee waiver for U.S. universities?
There are several ways to save on application fees when applying to universities in the U.S.:
- Common Application Fee Waiver: If you're applying through the Common App, you can request a fee waiver as part of your application, especially if you have financial need. Just make sure to explain why you need it.
- Reach Out to Universities: Some universities offer fee waivers to students who meet their specific criteria. It’s a good idea to check the university’s website or contact their admissions office directly to see if you qualify.
- College Board Waivers: If you’ve already received a fee waiver for the SAT or ACT through the College Board, you might also be eligible for an application fee waiver. Be sure to visit the College Board site for more info.
- No Application Fee Universities: Believe it or not, some universities don’t charge any application fees at all! You can apply to these schools without worrying about the cost.
Are there deadlines for applying for an application fee waiver?
Yes, deadlines can vary by universities. It's important to check each university’s deadlines for fee waiver requests and application submissions to ensure timely processing.
What if I’m denied an application fee waiver?
If your request for a fee waiver is denied, you may need to pay the application fee or seek alternative funding options. Some universities may offer appeals processes or other financial aid resources.

Help Us Expand the List

If you know of other US universities that offer no application fees or have fee waiver codes, we’d love to hear from you! Help us make this guide even more useful for international students by sharing any universities you come across that aren’t listed here.

Feel free to send us an email or message us on Instagram with the university name and details, and we’ll add it to our blog to help more students save on their applications!

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Conclusion

Applying to college in the U.S. doesn’t have to come with high application fees. By focusing on universities that either don’t charge fees or offer fee waivers, you can make the application process more affordable. The universities mentioned offer a wide range of programs across the U.S., giving you the opportunity to find the right fit for your academic and career goals without the added cost.

For international students, these fee waivers let you save money that can be better used for tuition, housing, or other important expenses. If you need more information or want help finding additional fee waiver codes, feel free to reach out to us on Instagram or Facebook. We’re here to help make your college application journey smooth, stress-free, and affordable.

Helpful Tip: Always check the latest application guidelines on each university's official website or contact their admissions office directly to ensure you have the most current information regarding application fees and fee waiver policies.