College application reference
College Application Fee Waivers
Colleges may charge an application fee, but eligible students can request a Common App fee waiver or a college-specific fee waiver. Eligibility and confirmation steps vary, so use the current instructions in Common App and on each college's admissions page.
The Common App platform is free
Common App states that students can use its application platform without paying a platform fee. Individual colleges may charge their own application fee.
Waiver processes depend on the application
Common App explains that its fee waiver requires counselor confirmation. A college may also offer its own waiver process. Follow the current instructions for the college and do not assume that one waiver applies everywhere.
Financial-aid forms can have separate fees or waivers
CSS Profile publishes its own eligibility and fee information. It is separate from a college's application fee waiver, so check both systems if a college asks for CSS Profile.
Common questions
Does a Common App fee waiver cover every college fee?+
A college may accept the Common App waiver or use a separate process. Check the current requirement for each college.
Is CSS Profile covered by a college application fee waiver?+
Not necessarily. CSS Profile has separate fee and waiver information published by College Board.
Official sources
Policies and requirements can change. Check these sources before acting on a deadline or requirement.
- Application guide for first-year students (Common App, reviewed 2026-08-11)
- Complete the CSS Profile (College Board, reviewed 2026-08-11)