College Application Fees

If you are one of the students getting ready to apply to several colleges in the fall, be prepared. College application fees can reach up to $75 per application. Though most fees are less, when you are applying to several schools, your out of pocket expenses can go up. The average cost of an application fee is approximately $35 according to College Board and it is usually non-refundable. But...there are ways to help decrease your costs!

• Are you on free lunch? If you are eligible for free lunch at school, you may be eligible for an SAT or ACT fee waiver. AND...if you qualify for an SAT or ACT fee waiver, you may also be eligible for college application fee waivers. This will help decrease the amount of money you will have to pay in the fall.

• Additionally, there are some web sites to explore to help you save time and money:
• Common Application
• Universal Application
• Black College Application : One $35 fee to apply to 33 HBCU's

• Some colleges offer free or reduced applications if you apply online and early in the fall. This doesn't mean early decision, but applying early in the application season. Take a look at your favorite college or university web site early in September to see if they offer a free application.

• Students may also want to prepare for the fall application fees by earning a little extra spending money. Mow a lawn, babysit, or save some money from your summer job.

If the average fee is $35 and the average student applies to 5-7 schools, you can see why saving money is important. Don't ever let money be a reason to skip out on applying. Talk to your guidance counselor or your college center early about your concerns. He or she can help identify resources that may help you.