College Application Fees: What You Need to Know

Before setting foot on campus, there are often application fees. Check these best practices to make sure you’re getting the most out of the admissions process and save $50 to $100 per application.

1. When evaluating which colleges you want to apply to, make a list of institutions that charge application fees. This way, you can keep track of colleges and universities that impose fees and whether it’s free to apply.

2. Traditional applications, meaning those submitted on paper through the mail, typically carry a fee. Virtual applications, meaning those submitted online, sometimes do not. Always check to see if you can apply to a college or university online to save money.

3. According to data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the average college application fee was $44 in 2015. Stanford University charged the most for admissions applications at $90 among all 1,924 four-year colleges that reported information.

4. If you must submit a traditional application to a college or university, you will most likely pay $25-$75.

5. If you can’t afford to apply to college, don’t fret. Most institutions will waive application fees for students who meet certain financial requirements.

6. Some schools are doing away with application fees because they hinder the pool of students who apply. Allowing a free admissions process can attract more diverse students.