Do Colleges Have Application Fees?
Alright. So, let's jump into something a bit you're already thinking about if you're getting ready for college apps. It's application fees. I mean, it's so easy to get caught up in all the excitement of figuring out where to apply to college. But, you know, those application fees can really add up.
Speaker 2:Uh-huh.
Speaker 1:And like, way faster than you might expect. So today we're gonna kind of unpack it all. Like, why do these fees even exist? What are the typical costs? And, most importantly, how can you navigate this whole application process, you know, without completely breaking the bank?
Speaker 2:Yeah. You're so right. It's a super important part of the process. And like you said, a lot of people just don't think about those fees right away. But the good news is there's actually a lot you can do to be prepared so you can make smart choices.
Speaker 2:You know? And understanding how the whole system works is, like, the very first step.
Speaker 1:Okay. So let's get right to it. Why in the world do colleges even charge these fees in the first place?
Speaker 2:Well, there are a couple of main reasons. The first one is just about covering their costs. You know all the administrative stuff, like, think about it. Processing all those applications they get, reading through all the essays, checking transcripts, contacting people for recommendations. It's a ton of work for the colleges, and those fees help them pay for all the staff and resources they need to do it all.
Speaker 1:That makes sense when you think about how many applications some of those colleges get. But I've always kinda wondered, it's not just about the administrative costs, Reb. Right? I feel like there's gotta be another reason.
Speaker 2:You're totally right. It's also about making sure the people applying are actually serious about going to that school. So a fee can kinda act like a filter. It might discourage people who aren't really that interested. And that helps colleges manage how many applications they get so they can really focus on students who are seriously thinking about going there.
Speaker 1:So it's kind of a way for them to figure out how serious someone is about their school.
Speaker 2:Okay. I can see the logic there. But for students who are actually really interested, especially ones applying to a bunch of different schools, I mean, it can feel like a pretty big obstacle.
Speaker 1:For sure. And that's exactly why it's so important to have a good strategy going in.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:But, let's talk about the actual numbers for a minute. Usually, those application fees are gonna be somewhere between $40.90, like, 2 application. But private colleges or the really selective ones, those can be even more expensive. Sometimes over a $100.
Speaker 2:Bucks. Wow. That's a lot. Yeah. Especially if you're trying to apply to, like, 5 or 6 schools or something, it definitely makes the whole decision process a lot more complicated.
Speaker 1:Yeah. It does. But here's something important to remember. Not all colleges charge application fees at all.
Speaker 2:Wait. Really?
Speaker 1:Yeah. A lot of community colleges don't have application fees. And, actually, you might be surprised how many 4 year colleges don't either, some smaller ones, both public and private. Free applications. That's awesome.
Speaker 1:I bet that makes a huge difference for students who are, you know, trying to keep costs down. So where can people find these colleges that don't charge fees?
Speaker 2:Well, for public colleges, it's usually smaller state universities, and pretty much all community colleges are fee free. Like, the whole City University of New York system, c u n y. They don't charge anything to apply. And then for private colleges, it's usually smaller liberal arts colleges or colleges that are really focused on being accessible. You know?
Speaker 2:Like, a couple good examples are Cornell College and Webster University.
Speaker 1:This is so helpful. So okay. We've got some colleges with no fees, some with those typical fees we talked about, and then some that are more expensive. It sounds like step 1 is figuring out where each college on your list falls on that spectrum.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. If you know how much those fees are gonna be right from the start, it can really help you make better decisions
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:About where to apply and how to manage your money. And speaking of managing your money, let's talk about fee waivers because that's another way you can potentially avoid paying those fees.
Speaker 1:Fee waivers. Okay. Now we're talking. I wish I knew more about this stuff when I was applying to college. Mhmm.
Speaker 1:So who can get a fee waiver, and how do they actually work?
Speaker 2:Fee waivers are basically designed to help students who are facing financial challenges. So if your family is part of a program like the National School Lunch Program or SNAP or TNF, you probably qualify. And a lot of times, 1st generation college students and students from underrepresented backgrounds, they'll have even more options for fee waivers.
Speaker 1:Okay. What about families who don't fit into those categories but are still struggling financially? Like, maybe they had a recent job loss or a bunch of unexpected medical bills.
Speaker 2:Yeah. A lot of colleges are actually willing to look at those situations individually, so it's always worth reaching out to the admissions office and just explaining what's going on. They might be more flexible than you think.
Speaker 1:So it's important to remember that things aren't always as strict as they seem, and don't be afraid to ask about what your options are.
Speaker 2:Okay. So let's say you think you qualify for a fee waiver. What's the process like to actually apply for 1? It's usually pretty simple. There are these standard forms that a lot of colleges use, like the college board fee waiver request or the NSC CAC fee waiver, and your high school counselor can totally help you with those.
Speaker 2:Those. But a lot of colleges also have a section for fee waivers right in their online applications. You might need to give them some documents, but overall, it's not too complicated.
Speaker 1:That's good to know. It seems like the more you know about fee waivers and how to apply for them, the easier it'll be to make the whole application process more affordable. But even with c waivers and those colleges that don't charge fees at all, there might still be some applications where you have to pay. So what are some of the strategies for keeping those costs down and staying on budget?
Speaker 2:It's really all about thinking strategically. I'm looking at the big picture. So first of all, definitely prioritize the schools on your list that are fee free. Remember, there are more than 55 colleges in the US that don't charge any application fees, so that's an amazing place to start.
Speaker 1:Right. And, of course, if you think you might qualify for a fee waiver, definitely use it. Yeah. Every little bit helps. Right?
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:For sure. And I think on top of that, just being really careful about where you apply can make a big difference. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and apply to, like, a ton of schools. But if you really focus on the ones that are the best fit for you, you know, both academically and just personally, that can save you so much money in the long run.
Speaker 2:Totally agree. It's all about quality over quantity. And, actually, here's another tip. Make sure you look into events like college application week or National College Application Month because a lot of colleges offer fee waivers or even totally free applications during those times.
Speaker 1:That's right. I totally forgot about that. Yeah. It's definitely worth planning your applications around those events if you can. It's kinda like getting a discount on your dream college.
Speaker 1:Are there any other ways students can save money on application fees?
Speaker 2:Well, more and more colleges are making those standardized tests optional now, so you might not even need to submit SAT or ACP scores. And if the schools you're applying to don't require them, just don't send them. That'll save you some money right there.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Good point. Those test scores can definitely add up, especially if you have to send them to a bunch of different places. It's all about being smart and knowing where you can cut costs. So we've talked a lot about 4 year colleges, but what about community colleges?
Speaker 1:I mean, they're known for being way more affordable. So what's the deal with application fees there?
Speaker 2:You're right. Community colleges are usually really budget friendly, and that includes their application process. Most community colleges don't charge any application fees at all. And even the ones that do usually keep it super low, like maybe 10 to $30.
Speaker 1:That's amazing. So for anyone who's looking for a more accessible way to get a college education, community college is definitely a good option to consider. But with all this talk about fees, I have to ask about refunds. Is there any way to get your money back, like, ever?
Speaker 2:Yeah. That's a question we get a lot and unfortunately. It's pretty rare to get a refund for an application fee. Once you submit your application and pay the fee, it's usually nonrefundable, but there are a few exceptions.
Speaker 1:Okay. So what are those exceptions?
Speaker 2:Well, if you accidentally pay twice or you submit the same application 2 times by mistake, some colleges might give you a refund for the duplicate.
Speaker 1:Okay. That makes sense. Anything else?
Speaker 2:Yeah. Sometimes. If a college cancels a program you applied for or if they make a big mistake on their end, like an administrative error that messes up your application, you might be able to get a refund.
Speaker 1:So it's not impossible Yeah. But it's definitely not common. Okay. So let's say you're in a situation where you think you might actually qualify for a refund. What should you do?
Speaker 2:First thing, check the college's website. They usually have their refund policy posted somewhere online, and then reach out to the admissions office directly. You can email them or call them. Just explain what happened really clearly and politely, and give them any documents you have, like your payment confirmation or anything that shows you were charged twice.
Speaker 1:Good advice.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Be polite, be prepared, and don't be afraid to ask for what you deserve.
Speaker 2:Okay. So we've talked about the main application fee. But are there any other costs that come up during the application process? Anything students should be aware of?
Speaker 1:That's a great question. It's easy to get caught up in that initial fee, but there are definitely some other costs that can sneak up on you.
Speaker 2:Like what?
Speaker 1:Well, if you have to send your test scores, like, if the colleges require them, that's gonna cost you some money. The SAT and the ACT both charge a fee for every school you send your scores to.
Speaker 2:Oh, right. I remember those fees. Yeah.
Speaker 1:And then some high schoolers even charge a small fee just to send your official transcript to colleges.
Speaker 2:Oh, for real.
Speaker 1:And if you're applying for financial aid, there might be fees for some of those applications too Mhmm. Like the CSS profile.
Speaker 2:It's like this whole hidden world of fees sometimes, so it's super important to do your research early. And make sure you factor all those potential costs into your budget. Don't just think about the application fee itself. Think about the bigger picture. Exactly.
Speaker 2:The more you know about all the expenses, the better decisions you can make. Speaking of which, we get a lot of questions about international students. Do they have to pay different fees than students in the US?
Speaker 1:That's a great question. Applying from another country definitely adds another level of complexity.
Speaker 2:Yeah. For sure. So a lot of times, international students will pay the same application fees as domestic students, but some colleges do charge a little bit more for international applicants to cover the extra work involved in processing those applications, like checking visa requirements and reviewing more documents.
Speaker 1:Okay. So it's important for international students to double check the fees and make sure they understand what each college requires.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Now another question we get a lot is about payment plans. Do colleges let you pay those application fees over time?
Speaker 1:That would be so helpful for a lot of families Yeah. Especially the ones that are struggling financially.
Speaker 2:I know. But, unfortunately, most colleges want you to pay the whole fee upfront when you submit your application. But there are some exceptions. Like, if you're having a really hard time financially, you can always talk to the admissions office and explain your situation. Some schools might be willing to work with you.
Speaker 2:Maybe they'll give you more time to pay, or maybe they'll even consider waiving the fee.
Speaker 1:So, again, it never hurts to ask. Okay. So what about deadlines? What happens if you miss the deadline for paying the application fee? Is your application just gone?
Speaker 2:Well, if you miss the deadline, there's a chance they won't process your application, especially if you haven't already asked for a fee waiver. But don't freak out if you realize you missed it. Just call the admissions office right away. They might be totally understanding and give you a little more time, especially if it was an honest mistake.
Speaker 1:Okay. Phew. That's good to know. It's always best to be proactive and try to work things out with them. So what about early decision or early action applications?
Speaker 1:Do those come with any special deals on the application fees?
Speaker 2:Unfortunately, not really. Most colleges don't give you a discount for applying early. The fee is usually the same no matter when you apply. But remember, even though you don't save money, applying early can still be a good idea. It shows colleges that you're really interested, and you might get your admissions decision sooner.
Speaker 1:Right. It can give you a little bit of an edge and maybe save you some stress later on.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay. So we've covered a lot of ground here. We talked about why those fees exist and all sorts of strategies for managing them.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's been a great conversation.
Speaker 1:As we wrap up, what are some of the main things you want our listeners to take away from this? I know. Right? Look, we've uncovered this whole secret playbook for dealing with application fees, fee free colleges, fee waivers, strategic timing. It's all about being informed and being proactive.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Those application fees are definitely out there, but they don't have to stop you. There's so much you can do to make this whole process easier. You've got options.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And there are resources out there that can help you figure
Speaker 1:it all out. For sure. And like you always say, knowledge is power. The more you understand how this stuff works, the better prepared you'll be. So you could approach applications strategically and not stress so much
Speaker 2:about the money. A 100%. Don't hesitate to talk to your high school counselor, and look at those online resources we talked about and reach out to the admissions offices at the colleges you're interested in. They're there to help.
Speaker 1:Great advice. And speaking of help, if you're feeling kinda overwhelmed by the whole college application thing, there's this awesome tool out there that can give you personalized guidance. It's called College Journey, and it's powered by this really smart AI college counselor named Alice.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah. Alice is great. She can help you figure out your strengths and weaknesses, narrow down your college list, and even give you feedback on your essays. It's like having your own personal college adviser.
Speaker 1:And get this. Mhmm. College Journey is totally free to sign up for. Just go to their website, and Alice will take some of the stress out of applications. You won't regret it.
Speaker 2:Oh, applying to college is a huge step. But with the right info and the right support, it can actually be an exciting time and a really rewarding experience. You got this.
