No Application Fee Colleges: Recommendations?

Hi everyone! I'm trying to broaden my college application list, and I've heard there are some colleges that don't require an application fee. Can you guys recommend some good colleges with no application fee? How common is this, and are there any hidden catches? Thanks for your help!

Hi there! You're right, there are indeed colleges that don't require an application fee. This can be a great way to expand your college list without incurring extra costs. While these fee waivers are not incredibly common, you can still find a handful of quality schools offering no application fees.

Here are some noteworthy colleges with no application fee:

1. Carleton College

2. Colby College

3. Grinnell College

4. Kenyon College

5. Oberlin College

6. Reed College

7. Smith College

8. Tulane University

9. Wellesley College

Keep in mind that these schools may have other requirements, such as supplemental essays or portfolio materials, which may take additional time to compile.

There aren't typically hidden catches with these no application fee colleges. These schools are usually trying to attract a diverse applicant pool and lower barriers to entry for students who might be hesitant to apply due to financial reasons.

If you're eligible, you can also consider applying for a fee waiver to broaden your college list even further. The College Board, NACAC, and other organizations offer fee waivers for students who demonstrate financial need. You can use these waivers to apply to schools that do have application fees without incurring any additional cost.

Best of luck with your college search, and please let us know if you have any more questions!