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Applying to college in the U.S. can cost more than most students expect. The average college application fee is about $48, but fees vary widely depending on the school. Some universities charge as low as $25, while others—especially Ivy League and private schools—can cost around $75 to $90 per application.
Since most students apply to several colleges, the total cost can add up fast. According to Common App data, applicants submit an average of six applications, bringing the total cost to roughly $295 just in application fees. Add the costs of standardized tests, score reports, and campus visits, and the overall price of applying to college can easily climb above $500.
Understanding these expenses early helps students plan a college budget that fits their financial situation. With the right strategy, you can reduce unnecessary costs and make applying to college more affordable without missing out on your dream schools.
College Application Costs: Data Summary
So, how much does it cost to apply to college on average? Based on 2024–2025 data, the typical undergraduate application fee in the U.S. is around $48. However, costs differ depending on the type of school. Public universities usually charge less, while private and Ivy League schools can reach $80 or more per application.
Most students apply to about six colleges through the Common App, which brings the average total to roughly $295 in application fees alone. Some colleges offer fee waivers for students with financial need, but not all do. In fact, only about 3 in 10 schools provide automatic fee waivers, so it’s important to check each school’s policy.
Standardized tests also add to the total cost. The SAT and ACT fees range from $68 to $111, and sending additional score reports can cost extra. When you include these test-related expenses, the real price of applying to college becomes a meaningful financial challenge for many students.
Consider the Big College Application Picture
When calculating how much it costs to apply to college, it helps to look beyond the application fees alone. The total expense often includes travel, testing, and other preparation costs. On average, students apply to 8–10 schools, which can bring the full cost of the process to nearly $5,000 once everything is added up.
Here’s what that might look like:
| Expense Category | Estimated Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fees | $40–$90 per school | Depends on public vs. private universities |
| Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT) | $68–$111 | Includes registration, not prep or late fees |
| Score Reports | $15–$19 each | Required by many colleges |
| Campus Visits & Travel | $300–$2,000+ | Plane tickets, lodging, transportation |
| College Prep & Tutoring | $100–$1,000 | Optional but common for competitive schools |
| Total (Approx.) | Up to $5,000 | Varies by number of schools and travel costs |
To save money, consider in-state universities or applying during Free College Application Days offered by some states. Focusing on your academic, career, and personal goals can help you identify which schools truly fit your needs—so you apply smart, not just wide.
Do You Have to Pay to Apply to College? Application Fees Explained
Yes, in most cases, you do have to pay to apply to college. The application fee helps schools cover administrative costs related to reviewing applications, maintaining admission systems, and processing documents. However, not every college charges the same amount, and some even allow students to apply for free.
Here’s a quick look at how application platforms and colleges differ:
| Platform or College Type | Average Fee | Fee Waiver Available? |
|---|---|---|
| Common App (used by 1,000+ colleges) | $45–$60 | Yes, based on financial need |
| Coalition for College | $50–$60 | Yes, via application indicators |
| Florida State Universities | $30–$35 | Limited waivers |
| Top Private Universities (Harvard, Stanford, Duke, etc.) | $75–$90 | Yes, if eligible |
| Community Colleges | Often Free | Not always needed |
If paying these fees is difficult, many schools offer fee waivers for students with financial need. You can qualify if you’re enrolled in a free or reduced-price lunch program, part of a federal assistance program, or if your guidance counselor verifies your financial situation.
Programs like QuestBridge and Coalition for College also help underserved students apply to selective schools without paying fees. If you’re applying through the Common App, you can indicate your economic need directly in your profile to request a waiver.
Knowing how to access these waivers can help reduce the overall cost of applying to college and make the admissions process more accessible for everyone.
Are Tax Deductions Available for College Application Fees?
Unfortunately, college application fees are not tax-deductible in the U.S. These fees, along with entrance exam costs, campus visits, and other pre-enrollment expenses, are not considered qualified education expenses by the IRS. That means you can’t claim them under education-related tax benefits like the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) or the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC).
However, certain college savings options can help families plan ahead. For example, a 529 College Savings Plan allows your savings to grow tax-free when used for tuition, fees, books, or other eligible education costs. But remember — application-related fees fall outside these qualified categories.
If you’re already budgeting for college, consider setting aside a small fund for non-deductible costs such as application fees, test prep, or travel to campus tours. This approach keeps your college planning realistic while helping you manage the full financial picture of higher education.
Application Fees for Colleges
The cost to apply to college varies by institution type, location, and program level. On average, U.S. undergraduates pay around $48 per application, but fees can differ widely depending on whether you apply to public, private, or two-year colleges.
Here’s a snapshot of typical college application fees based on Peterson’s Data (2022–2023):
| College Type | Average Application Fee | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Public Universities | $48 | $35–$60 |
| Private Universities | $54–$57 | $45–$90 |
| Two-Year Colleges | $39–$52 | Often $0–$50 |
| Ivy League & Ivy-Plus (Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford, Duke, etc.) | $80 | $75–$100 |
Most students apply to about six colleges through the Common App, which can total around $295 in fees. For families with financial need, this can become a real challenge — especially when applying to multiple selective schools.
Many elite universities like Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Princeton, and Stanford offer fee waivers to qualified applicants. If you think you might be eligible, check each university’s admissions page for details or ask your school counselor to help you apply.
Understanding these numbers can help you estimate your college application budget early and avoid surprises later in the process.
Online Program Application Fees
Applying to online degree programs often costs less than applying to traditional on-campus universities. Many schools have eliminated or reduced application fees for online learners to make higher education more accessible.
Here’s a quick overview of average costs based on recent data:
| Program Type | Average Application Fee | Examples of No-Fee or Low-Fee Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Online Programs | Around $40 | Maryville University, University of Missouri, Florida International University |
| Graduate Online Programs | Around $45–$60 | Thomas Jefferson University, Drexel University, Oregon State University |
| Professional or Certificate Programs | Often Free or Under $25 | Northeastern University Professional Programs, Parker University, George Mason University |
Some universities, such as the University of Florida and University of Arizona Global Campus, run both in-person and online programs, with similar application fees. However, schools offering fully online degrees tend to keep costs low to stay competitive.
Choosing an online program with no application fee can help you save money, especially if you’re applying to several schools. It’s also a smart option for students balancing education with work or family responsibilities.
How to Save When Applying to College
Applying to multiple colleges can get expensive fast, but there are plenty of ways to save money throughout the process. With a bit of planning and the right strategy, you can cut costs without limiting your options.
1. Apply During Free College Application Days
Many states and universities hold Free College Application Days, where students can submit applications without paying any fees. Check your state’s higher education website or talk to your guidance counselor to see when these events happen. Some states, like North Carolina and Michigan, run statewide programs every fall.
2. Focus on Colleges with No Application Fees
Some schools never charge to apply. Colleges such as Carleton College, Furman University, Smith College, and Mount Holyoke College permanently waive application fees for all students. Online schools like Southern New Hampshire University and the University of Arizona Global Campus also accept applications for free.
3. Use Fee Waivers Strategically
If you qualify for fee waivers through the Common App, SAT, or ACT, use them wisely. Prioritize your top-choice schools and confirm each college’s waiver policy before submitting.
4. Limit Unnecessary Travel
Campus tours are exciting, but flights, hotels, and gas costs can add up quickly. Try virtual tours or college fairs, or attend admitted student days after acceptance to avoid early travel costs.
5. Plan Your College List
Most students apply to about 8–10 schools, but you can reduce costs by focusing on best-fit colleges that match your academic, financial, and personal goals. A shorter, well-researched college list can easily save you hundreds in fees.
2025 Standardized Testing Fees
Before applying to college, most students take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, which come with their own fees. While many schools are now test-optional, understanding these costs helps you plan your total college application budget.
Here’s a breakdown of 2025 standardized testing fees according to CollegeBoard and ACT.org:
| Test Type | Base Fee (U.S.) | International Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT | $68 | $111 | Score reports: $15–$19 each |
| ACT (No Writing) | $65 | — | Late registration: $15–$122 |
| ACT (With Writing) | $90 | — | Test date change: $42 |
| ACT (With Science) | $69 | — | Additional score reports: $18 each |
If these fees are a concern, both test organizations offer fee waivers for eligible students. Typically, 11th and 12th graders who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, are in foster care, or receive public assistance can apply. These waivers cover registration costs and sometimes include free score reports to colleges.
It’s also worth noting that more than 1,700 U.S. four-year colleges are currently test-optional or test-free, meaning you can apply without submitting scores. Schools like the University of California system, Hampshire College, and Bowdoin College have made this a permanent policy to improve accessibility for all applicants.
By checking whether your target schools are test-optional and using available testing fee waivers, you can save hundreds of dollars before even submitting your applications.
Additional Costs for Applying to College
When asking how much does it cost to apply to college, it’s not just about the application fees or test costs. Many students face extra expenses that quietly add up throughout the process.
For example, some high schools charge a small fee to send official transcripts — typically between $5 and $15 per copy — especially if processed through third-party platforms like Parchment or Naviance. Most colleges require at least one official transcript, so this cost can multiply if you’re applying to several schools.
Other optional but common costs include:
| Additional Expense | Estimated Cost Range | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| College Essay Tutoring | $100 – $1,000+ | Personalized help crafting strong essays |
| Admissions Coaching | $500 – $5,000+ | Guidance through college application strategy |
| Interview Travel | $50 – $1,000+ | Visiting campuses or attending interviews |
| College Tours | $100 – $2,000+ | In-person visits to explore campus life |
While these services can improve your application, they’re not mandatory. Free resources like your school counselor, online essay guides, and virtual campus tours can help you prepare without spending extra money.
By being strategic — applying to colleges that truly fit your goals and taking advantage of free prep materials — you can significantly lower the total cost of applying to college while still putting together a strong, competitive application.
Ready to See How Much College Will Cost You?
By now, you’ve seen that the answer to how much does it cost to apply to college depends on many factors — from the number of schools you apply to, to testing, travel, and optional prep services. These early costs can easily reach a few hundred dollars, or even more, before tuition ever comes into play.
The smart move is to compare total college costs early. Tools like Appily or the Net Price Calculator on each college’s website can help you estimate what you’ll really pay after financial aid. You can see average tuition, available scholarships, and expected family contributions based on your income.
| Tool | What It Offers | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Appily | Free college comparison tool with cost and aid data | Helps you see which schools fit your budget |
| Net Price Calculator | Available on most college sites | Gives personalized cost estimates after aid |
| FAFSA4caster | Free federal tool | Projects how much financial aid you might receive |
The earlier you compare, the easier it is to plan your college budget and avoid surprises later. Even though applying to college can be pricey, the right research and financial planning can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars along the way.
Sources
- Peterson’s Data. 2022-2023 Undergraduate Database. Accessed May 2024.
- Deadline updates 2024-2025: first-year application trends through March 1. Common App.March 2025.
- SAT Test Fees. CollegeBoard. Accessed June 2025.
- Current ACT Fees and Services. ACT. Accessed June 2025.
- International Fees. CollegeBoard. Accessed May 2024.
- SAT Fee Waiver Eligibility. College Board. Accessed July 2023.
- ACT Fee Waiver Program. ACT. Accessed July 2023.
- What’s a High School Transcript? College Board. February 2023.
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Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as financial, legal, or tax advice. College application fees, standardized testing costs, and waiver policies may change over time. Always verify details with each college’s official admissions website or financial aid office before making decisions. Youth Budget and Touheed Ali are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or changes in third-party information or data referenced in this post.
