A fee waiver means you don’t have to pay the college’s application fee. Some colleges apply them automatically, while others provide special codes that you can enter to make the fee disappear. When you use one, your cost drops to $0 at checkout. 

There are a few main types of fee waivers, and knowing which ones you qualify for can save you hundreds of dollars during application season.

• Automatic waivers kick in when you meet certain income requirements or indicate financial need on your application.

• Promotional codes are special codes you enter during the application process, much like coupon codes when shopping online. Many of these are available to all students, regardless of family income. Our database below compiles these codes in one place, making it easier for you to find and use them. 

• Official waivers are submitted by your school counselor through formal documentation.

Notice something is missing or outdated? Report a new or invalid code here. We review submissions regularly to keep this resource up to date for everyone.

Platform-Based Waivers
Both the Common App and Scoir offer automatic fee waivers if you meet certain criteria, such as participating in federal free/reduced lunch programs, having a household income within federal guidelines, being in foster care or experiencing homelessness, or receiving SAT/ACT fee waivers. 

In addition, many colleges waive the fee if you apply directly through their own application on the school’s website, rather than through a third-party platform.

Common App Direct Admissions
The Common App Direct Admissions program lets first-generation and lower-income students apply to over 225 colleges for free if they meet certain GPA requirements. If you qualify, participating colleges will send you an email invitation to apply for free. You don’t need to fill out a separate application. Learn more about this new program here.

Contact Schools Directly
Many students forget this simple approach. A lot of colleges will waive your application fee if you just ask, and you usually don’t need to provide any financial documents. Try sending a short, polite email to the admissions office explaining why you are interested in the school and asking for a fee waiver.

Campus Visits and Events
Colleges frequently offer fee waivers to students who:

• Attend campus tours or information sessions

• Join virtual events or webinars

• Meet representatives at college fairs

• Sign up for their mailing lists

Work With Your School Counselor
Your counselor can help in several ways:

• Submit official fee waivers on your behalf

• Share codes they have received directly from colleges

• Write letters to admissions offices supporting your request

Special Programs
Organizations like QuestBridge and your school's AVID Program provide application fee assistance for high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. Local nonprofits and community foundations sometimes offer similar support.

While fee waivers are generally beneficial, there are a few situations where you might want to think twice:

Need-aware admissions
Most U.S. colleges consider your ability to pay when deciding who gets in. This practice is known as 'need-aware admissions.' Using an income-based fee waiver may imply that you may need financial aid, potentially lowering your chances of being admitted. However, this effect is generally small compared to the importance of your academic record, extracurricular activities, and essays. 

If you apply to selective, need-aware colleges and your family can easily pay the fees, you might decide to pay instead of using a waiver to avoid any potential impact on your admission chances. However, if you use promotional codes open to everyone (like the ones in our database), you don’t have to worry about this, since they don’t show financial need.

Documentation requirements
Some waivers require submitting financial documentation, which creates a paper trail of your family's financial situation even if you don't plan to apply for aid.

Bottom line
For most students, the benefits of fee waivers far outweigh any potential downsides. The money saved can be put toward college visits, test prep, or other educational investments. 

Start early
Fee waiver availability can be limited as the application cycle progresses, especially for promotional codes.

Keep confirmation records
Take a screenshot or save proof when a waiver is successfully applied.

Try different platforms
Some schools offer waivers on their direct applications but not through Common App, or vice versa.

Don't be afraid to ask
The worst a school can say is no, but many are surprisingly willing to help.

Focus on fit, not just free
Use fee waivers strategically for schools where you are genuinely interested, not just because it is free to apply.

Don't let application fees limit your college choices. With promotional codes, need-based waivers, and direct requests to schools, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate these costs.

Start early and be proactive about researching fee waiver options. Most admissions offices are happy to help remove financial barriers for genuinely interested students. Use these waivers strategically for schools where you can truly see yourself thriving. The goal is finding your perfect college match, not just applying everywhere for free.