List of Universities in the USA with No Application Fee

Studying abroad can be costly. However, do you know there are universities in USA without application fee? 

These schools are attempting to alleviate some of the financial burden for international students and US domestic students. This not only improves accessibility but also improves your chances of being accepted into a vast array of courses. 

Let's discover more about these budget-friendly options.

What is the University Application Fee?

The college application fee is a non-refundable, institution-specific application fee to apply to colleges or universities. The average college application fee in the US is around $45, with some going as high as $90.

Increasingly, universities with no application fees in America are eliminating the cost or providing application fee waivers to certain students. The programs are all aimed at enhancing inclusivity in higher education.

Also, certain tuition-free US colleges, such as College of the Ozarks and Berea College, offer full-tuition scholarships to qualified students, once more decreasing financial expenses.

Top 10 Universities in USA Without Application Fee

Looking to save on college application costs? Explore top universities in USA with free applications that let you apply without paying a fee, making higher education more accessible and affordable.

1. Harvard University

Highlights: 

• Location: Cambridge
• QS World Ranking: 4
• Scholarship/Financial Aid: Up to USD 92,000
• GPA Requirement: 4.0

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Harvard University, one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, occasionally offers application fee waivers for eligible students, especially those from low-income backgrounds. While it’s not typically listed under colleges with no application fee, students can still apply to US universities for free through programs like the Common App fee waiver.

Know more about admission to Harvard University from our guide, Harvard University Acceptance Rate.

2. Yale University

Highlights:

• Location: New Haven
• QS World Ranking: 23
• Scholarship/Financial Aid: USD 70,000
• GPA Requirement: 4.14

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Yale University, a top Ivy League school, charges an $80 application fee but offers fee waivers to students who demonstrate financial need, including international applicants. While Yale is not among the tuition-free colleges in USA, it provides generous financial aid, meeting 100% of demonstrated need without loans.

3. Carnegie Mellon University

Highlights:

• Location: Pittsburgh
• QS World Ranking: 58
• Scholarship/Financial Aid: USD 52,000
• GPA Requirement: 3.9

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Carnegie Mellon University typically charges a $75 application fee but offers waivers to students with financial need, allowing them to apply to US universities for free. Though not one of the tuition-free colleges in USA, it provides competitive aid packages. 

CMU supports accessibility and diversity, making it a notable choice among no application fee colleges for qualified students seeking top-tier STEM and research programs.

4. Northeastern University

Highlights:

• Location: Boston
• QS World Ranking: 396
• Scholarship/Financial Aid: USD 70,000 to USD 1,40,000
• GPA Requirement: 4.04

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Northeastern University offers need-based application fee waivers for undergraduate applicants, allowing eligible students to apply to US universities for free. The standard fee of $75 can be waived if the applicant demonstrates financial hardship.

Read more about the Northwestern University scholarships from our guide on Northwestern University Scholarships for Students in 2025.

5. California State University

Highlights:

• Location: California
• QS World Ranking: 1401
• Scholarship/Financial Aid: USD 4,500
• GPA Requirement: 2.50

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California State University (CSU) is one of the largest public university systems in the US, enrolling over 480,000 students across 23 campuses. Known for its affordability and academic diversity, CSU offers application fee waivers to eligible California residents and AB540 non-resident students. 

This makes CSU one of the more accessible colleges with no application fee, attracting international students who want to apply for a quality education.

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6. Case Western Reserve University

Highlights:

• Location: Cleveland
• QS World Ranking: 259
• Scholarship/Financial Aid: No specific amount
• GPA Requirement: 2.50

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Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is a top-tier private research university that offers application fee waivers to eligible students, especially those with financial constraints. With a 93% employment rate post-graduation, it’s ideal for those who want to apply to US colleges without fee and pursue hands-on, high-quality education.

7. University of Dayton

Highlights:

• Location: Dayton
• QS World Ranking: 401-450
• Scholarship/Financial Aid: USD 15,000
• GPA Requirement: 3.0

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The University of Dayton (UD) offers an application fee waiver for international students, making it one of the most approachable colleges with no application fee. Scholarships ranging up to INR 25 lakhs (USD 30,000) per year help reduce financial pressure. 

Known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and law, UD also ensures a 96% placement rate. Students can apply to US universities for free and gain career-ready experience through their industry ties.

Looking for student accommodations in Dayton, Ohio? Discover affordable and convenient options for a comfortable living experience!

8. Michigan Technological University

Highlights:

• Location: Houghton
• QS World Ranking: 901-950
• Scholarship/Financial Aid: USD 11,000 to USD 14,000
• GPA Requirement: 3.5

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Michigan Technological University (MTU) is a top public research university known for its strong STEM programs, especially in engineering and technology. It stands out among universities in USA with free applications, offering fee waivers to eligible applicants such as military personnel and low-income students. 

As one of the no application fee colleges, MTU also provides generous scholarships to international students, making it a smart choice for affordable, high-quality education.

9. Saint Louis University

Highlights:

• Location: St. Louis
• QS World Ranking: 951-1000
• Scholarship/Financial Aid: USD 22,000
• GPA Requirement: 3.91

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Saint Louis University (SLU), a private Jesuit research university in Missouri, offers a strong academic foundation in healthcare, research, and business. It is one of the universities in USA with free applications, waiving the fee for international applicants. 

SLU also provides generous merit-based scholarships, easing financial burdens. As one of the no application fee colleges, it appeals to students seeking quality education with global exposure through its US and Spain campuses.

10. Drake University

Highlights:

• Location: Des Moines
• QS World Ranking: 201-250
• Scholarship/Financial Aid: USD 38,000
• GPA Requirement: 2.5

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Drake University, based in Iowa, is a respected private institution known for its strong business, law, and journalism programs. With a low student-faculty ratio of 10:1, it offers students a personalized and engaging learning environment. 

As one of the colleges with no application fee, Drake is an attractive choice for international students aiming to apply to US colleges without fee, helping them save on initial application costs.

Application Process for Universities in USA with Free Applications

To apply to US colleges without fee, start by researching institutions that offer your desired program and are known as no application fee colleges for international students. 

• Once shortlisted, visit their official websites to review the eligibility criteria and ensure you meet them.
• Check the specific admission requirements and application deadlines for your chosen course. 
• Complete the online application form and confirm that the US universities free application fee policy is still in effect at the time of applying.
• Upload all required documents, such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores. Most universities provide a detailed checklist on their official site. 
• After submission, track your application status online. If accepted, you’ll receive an official Letter of Enrollment to confirm your admission.

If you're looking to apply to US colleges without a fee, several universities offer a no-cost application process, making higher education more accessible. This can be especially helpful for students who want to save on application expenses. Be sure to check the specific requirements of each institution, as some may offer fee waivers or exemptions based on eligibility. Applying to US colleges without a fee is a smart way to reduce costs while exploring opportunities for your academic future.

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