The United States of America (USA) attracts about one million international students yearly, making it one of the top study-abroad destinations. The USA is considered one of the best places to pursue your bachelor’s or master’s degree due to the quality of education, range of programs, and global career opportunities.
While the USA is a great place to do your master’s, it can also be expensive. Applying to universities in the USA costs between $50-$100 and can easily cost you $1000-$1500 if you apply to multiple universities.
The application fee covers the cost of processing and reviewing the application, transcripts, and test scores. This fee is usually non-refundable, so the fee will not be returned even if the student’s application is not accepted.
A good way to save from the start is to apply to universities in USA without application fee.
In this blog, we’ll explore how you can save money on application fees by applying to universities that don’t charge a penny!
Let’s start.
Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across the USA
Book a free counselling session and find universities where you can get an Admission!
Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across the USA
Book a free counselling session and find universities where you can get an Admission!
![Universities in USA Without Application Fee 2024 [Updated]](https://leapscholar.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/study-in-usa-new-cta-1024x995.png)
Top 10 Universities in USA Without Application Fee
There are a handful of universities in the USA that admit students without application fees for most programs. Some universities, like Yale University, may waive fees partially depending on the student’s needs.
Below is a list of universities in USA without application fee.
| University | Average Tuition Fee |
| Wellesley College | $13,352 |
| Saint Louis University | $45,000 |
| University of Bridgeport | $35,000 |
| Trine University | $34,330 |
| Smith College | $61,260 |
| Baylor University | $50,000 |
| Xavier University | $42,460 |
| Southeast Missouri State University | $15,285 |
| Concordia University Chicago | $33,944 |
| University of Dayton | $46,170 |
Want to know what it takes to get admission in these universities? Click below to check if you fit in their eligibility criteria!
Benefits of Universities in USA Without Application Fee
Universities in the USA are in the leading when it comes to education quality. Whether you apply with a fee or without, the education and opportunities in the US are unmatched.
The biggest advantage of applying to universities in the USA without an application fee is saving some dollars. The cost of application fee is non-refundable whether or not you get admission.
So, saving some bucks right at the beginning is a plus.
Also, since these are universities in USA without application fee, you can apply to as many as you like. A slightly wider shortlist increases your chances of getting admission. Ultimately, you can always choose the university and course that best meets your needs.
How to Apply to Universities in USA Without Application Fee?
- Research: The first step of applying to universities in USA without application fee would be researching the universities. Search on the web and list universities that fit your requirements.
You must also conduct separate research on courses and settle on the one that best suits your need. Check the scope, syllabus and career outcomes.
- University Shortlisting: University shortlisting is a crucial part of your application. While applying to universities, you must ensure that you don’t have too many on the list.
You must also make sure you include a good mixture of universities, including the ones you can easily get into and ones that are a bit ambitious.
Our experts at LeapScholar can make this process completely hassle-free for you by providing a shortlist of universities that fit your requirements.
Get a 1-on-1 profile evaluation from our experts and access a full list of universities in USA without application fee.
- Gather Documents: Each university has its own set of requirements that you need to meet. You will need documents such as Academic Transcripts, Statement of Purpose, and Letters of Recommendation.
You’ll also need to submit English proficiency scores and may have to take other entrance exams like GMAT, GRE, or SAT, depending on your course.
- Submit Application: Fill in the details on the application form, and upload all your documents. Since you don’t have to pay an application fee, you can directly submit it. Most universities accept applications via a common app.
You can check the application process on their website.
Final Thoughts
Applying to the above list of universities in USA without application fee is a smart choice to make in your study abroad journey. It can financially benefit you if you’re on a budget while also giving you additional opportunities to explore and discover.
As a study abroad aspirant, it is very important to confirm that the universities you shortlist do not charge an application fee, as several universities often have varying rules and regulations.
Talk to our experts, and get more clarity on universities, fees and requirements. Book a free 5-minute call today!
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the application process for universities that do not charge an application fee?
The application process is not usually affected by the exclusion of an application fee. It is important to make a note of the requirements before applying.
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Are international students allowed to apply without paying an application fee?
Several universities do not charge an application fee for international students. However, they might have additional requirements, such as English proficiency tests and financial declarations.
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What is the deadline for zero application fee universities?
Universities that don’t charge an application fee will have deadlines for submitting applications, just like universities that charge fees. These deadlines can vary depending on the university and the application you submit.
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Are scholarships available in universities that don’t charge an application fee?
Whether a university charges an application fee or not doesn’t affect the various scholarships it may offer. You will need to research and apply for these scholarships beforehand.
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Can international students work while studying in the USA?
Yes, international students in the US are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week on campus during the academic year and full-time during scheduled breaks.
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Is it possible to waive application fees if applicable?
Some universities in the USA do accept to waive the fees for students who demonstrate financial need or meet other requirements. Check with the university to know the options available.
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What are the admission requirements for studying in the USA?
Admission requirements typically include academic transcripts, standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, and proof of English language proficiency
