Do You Have to Pay to Apply to Colleges?

So this might be a silly question, but do you have to pay to apply to colleges? I'm just starting to look into this whole application process and it's all a bit overwhelming. Any insight would be helpful.

Yes, generally speaking, most colleges do charge an application fee. The amounts can vary widely but they typically range from $30 to $90 per application. This fee covers the cost of reviewing your application.

Application fees, while common, can add up especially if you're applying to multiple colleges. However, some colleges offer fee waivers for applicants who demonstrate financial need. You might be eligible for a fee waiver if you qualify for the Free or Reduced-Price Lunch program at your school, or your family's income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines put out by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. There are some other criteria as well.

You can obtain these waivers through the Common Application, the College Board, or directly from the college you're applying to. Also, there are a number of colleges that don't charge application fees at all, although these tend to be less common.

It can seem overwhelming but taking it a step at a time can make the process more manageable. Remember to also consider the cost of sending SAT or ACT scores to colleges, if the schools you are applying to require them. Some schools will allow the scores to be sent for free or self-reporting of scores to reduce this cost.

So, in short, yes, you often have to pay to apply to colleges, but there are resources available to lessen or eliminate this cost if you need them.