Pursuing a college education is associated with a lot of expenses. Before being admitted to most colleges, there's an application fee required for various reasons. The price varies depending on the institution.
Also, most colleges and universities will offer an entrance exam which prospective students may be required to incur the cost. You can request a fee release to cut costs, but the waiver requirements would disqualify most students. Good financial planning requires you to factor in these costs. Keep reading to find out the costs associated with application fees and entrance fees.
Application Fee Cost
In 2019, based on a U.S. News survey, the average application fee was $44. Stanford University had the highest application fee of $90, followed by Colombia and Duke University with $85. College admissions offices have to pay the team that evaluates the applications, which is one of the main reasons it costs money to apply to college.
Schools that receive many applications could use the application fee to thin out the pool of applicants. However, some institutions like Liberty University and the Maryville University of St. Louis, to name a few, have no application fee.
Application Fee Waivers
Students should provide proof of their financial need to meet the requirements for a fee waiver. Being an orphan or homeless gives you more chances of getting a release. Alternatively, you could contact the financial aid office directly to show your financial needs.
Applicants whose parents are alumni could have an added advantage in some schools. Most schools will offer a fee waiver to incentivize students to tour the campus and apply. However, it depends on the school receiving the application.
Cost of Entrance Exams
The Scholastic Assessment Test, also known as SAT, is a standardized exam administered by the College Board. There’s also the ACT administered by a nonprofit organization called ACT. The ACT and SAT exams cost $60 and $55, respectively. Even so, it would help if you sat for the exams at least twice to gain a maximum score.
SAT/ACT Fee Waivers
If you qualify for an SAT waiver, you will likely be eligible for a college application fee release. Family income is extensively considered and should lie below Income Eligibility Guidelines. ACT employs similar guidelines to receive a fee exemption. However, you should work with your high school counselor to determine if you are eligible and request a waiver from the College Board.
The College Board also manages a CSS Profile that students can build to get information about the institutional support they can get. Filling the initial profile for one school costs $25 and $16 for each additional school. Nonetheless, with a SAT fee waiver, you can quickly get a release for the CSS Profile.
A Few Other Considerations
Some students would ask about their chances of admission to a particular college. However, before being accepted, you've got to meet the application requirements, including cost. As a result, the application process could be nerve-racking, especially for indigent students who have to seek waivers. Despite that, understanding the college application process and the cost of the college you wish to apply to would come in handy.