List of Universities in USA without Application Fee: Top Universities in 2023

The United States of America (USA) attracts about one million international students each year, 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.

Outstanding education comes at a considerable cost, so saving as much as possible from the start is critical.

If you are interested in multiple colleges, one option to apply to all without burning a hole in your pockets is by applying to list of universities in USA that don’t charge application fees.

Many universities in the USA are considered among the best in the world making it lucrative to study in the USA. Among the many reasons you should do your master’s in the USA is the massive jump in the quality of education it provides to students from other nations. Additionally, the USA has a diverse population, meaning that students learn from peers and teachers from all over the world.

Another advantage of pursuing a master’s degree in the USA is the variety of programs available. There are many different fields of study to choose from, including business, engineering, science, and the humanities – which means students from all over the world can pursue their interests and build a rewarding career. 

Some of the top companies worldwide are based in the USA and actively recruit graduates of US master’s programs, enabling superior career growth. 

However, it’s also important to note that while the USA is a great place to do your master’s, it can also be quite expensive. 

The tuition fees in the US can be very high, and the costs pile on since international students also have to pay for living expenses such as housing, food, and transportation.

With this, it becomes crucial for students to find any opportunity to help cut down their expenses. A way to do this is to add universities to your application shortlist that don’t charge an application fee. 

What is a University application fee?

Like many other countries, universities in the United States charge an application fee to students who apply to the university. 

The fee is used to cover the cost of processing the application 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. 

What is the cost of application fees?

Application fees can start from $50 and even go up to $100. The average application fee cost is about $75.

Application process

Applying to a university in the USA involves submitting all the documents required, such as letters of recommendation, statements of purpose, essays and academic scores, and the application fee. 

The process remains similar for universities that do not charge an application fee, except for the need to pay an application fee. 

It’s important to know that many universities have different application fee requirements for their programs. Some universities might even have a different application fee required for international students. 

List of Universities in USA without Application fee

The list of universities in USA that do not charge an application fee from applicants is a handful. This list of universities in the USA offer a wide range of courses and programs, making it possible for you to apply to your preferred programs without paying an application fee.

• Yale University
• University of California, San Diego
• Texas A & M University, Campus Station
• Case Western Reserve University
• Arizona State University
• University of Massachusetts, Amherst
• University of Arizona
• Saint Louis University
• Michigan Technological University
• Tufts University
• University of Illinois, Chicago
• University of Connecticut
• The University of Kansas
• Northeastern University, Boston
• Colorado State University
• University at Buffalo SUNY
• University of Colorado, Denver
• Illinois Institute of Technology
• University of California, Riverside

The above list of universities in USA are well-ranked and offer courses that cater to various career plans and goals. 

Top 10 List of Universities in USA without Application fees

Below, we have expanded the list of universities in USA without application fees, which includes the best universities and courses: 

Name	QS USA University Tanking 2023	QS World University Ranking 2023	Description
Yale University	#3	#8	– It is known for its strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. – Some of the best courses at Yale include Political Science, Economics, English, Computer Science, and Biomedical Engineering.
University of California, San Diego	#22	#48	– UCSD is known for its strong programs in the sciences, engineering, and social sciences. – Some of the best courses at UCSD include Computer Science, Biology, Psychology, and Economics.
Carnegie Mellon University	#25	#98	– Carnegie Mellon is known for its strong programs in computer science, engineering, and business. – Some of the best courses at Carnegie Mellon include Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Business Administration.
Arizona State University	#84	#290	– ASU is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and education. – Some of the best courses at ASU include Business Administration, Computer Science, and Education.
University of Massachusetts, Amherst	#106	#471	– UMass Amherst is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and the social sciences. – Some of the best courses at UMass Amherst include Business Administration, Computer Science, and Economics.
University of Arizona	#121	#480	– UA is known for its strong programs in the sciences, engineering, and business. – Some of the best courses at UA include Computer Science, Biology, and Business Administration.
Tufts University	#130	#317	– Tufts is known for its strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. – Some of the best courses at Tufts include Political Science, Economics, English, Computer Science, and Biomedical Engineering.
University of Illinois, Chicago	#201	#531	– UIC is known for its strong programs in the sciences, engineering, and business. – Some of the best courses at UIC include Computer Science, Biology, and Business Administration.
University of Connecticut	#209	#579	– UCONN is known for its solid programs in the sciences, engineering, and business. – Some of the best courses at UCONN include Computer Science, Biology, and Business Administration.
The University of Kansas	#305	#741	– KU is known for its strong programs in the sciences, engineering, and business. – Some of the best courses at KU include Computer Science, Biology, and Business Administration.

List of Universities in USA without Application fees: Benefits

Applying to universities that do not charge an application fee can benefit students in more than one way.

Savings: Applying to multiple universities means the cost of application fees keeps piling up. Including universities that do not charge an application fee in your shortlist means you save on the overall application cost. 

More options: Including zero application fee universities in your university shortlist also means you can apply to more universities, giving you a wider range of possibilities and opportunities and the chance to find a university or program that best fits your needs. 

Application Process

Applying to the list of universities in USA that do not charge an application fee is similar to applying to any other university. 

The general steps you need to take, and which can be used for any other university, are

• Research: Learn about the university’s courses and programs and pick one that meets your needs. 

• Check requirements: Ensure that you meet the criteria for each program you shortlist. 

• Draft an application: This is by far the most important step in the application process. It would be helpful to get assistance from an expert on your LORs, SOPs, and other required scores. LeapScholar’s experts have a fantastic record of ensuring you send your best applications to every institution. 

Conclusion

Applying to the above list of universities in USA that do not charge an application fee is a smart tactic in your study abroad journey. It financially benefits international students on a budget while also giving them additional opportunities to explore and discover. 

As an 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. 

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