Graduate schools with no application fee may be a great way to save money, especially if you plan on applying to several schools. Here, you’ll find a list of colleges and universities that offer free graduate school applications and schools that offer application fee waivers to students with financial need or if you meet other criteria.
When applying to graduate school, the costs can pile up quickly, which is why finding graduate program with no application fee is so important.
Keep in mind that application fees and graduate school application fee waiver policies are subject to change. When in doubt, check with your school of interest to learn more about specific requirements and whether or not you’ll need to pay a fee to apply.
1. Northeastern University
Northeastern is a private research university founded in 1898. Located in Boston, the university also has several regional campuses across the country and the potential option to study online, from anywhere.
Application Fee Policy
The College of Professional Studies (CPS) at Northeastern University features no application fees, as well as multiple start times per year. In addition, Northeastern is one of many graduate schools with no GRE requirement.
CPS offers Master’s, Doctoral, Certificate, and Non-Degree programs with a focus on professional development. Keep in mind that application fees differ by program within Northeastern University.
For instance, while applying to a CPS program is free, others may charge between $75 and $100 to apply.
2. Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University has been serving career-focused students since 1965. The private university offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including Master’s and doctoral programs, at Colorado locations in Aurora or Colorado Springs.
Or, you can choose the flexibility of studying online. Areas of study span fields like business, nursing, information technology, computer science, and others.
Application Fee Policy
CTU does not charge an application fee, and their admissions process is a bit different from many graduate schools. To start out, interested candidates connect with an admissions advisor for an interview. When ready to move forward, the application and any necessary documentation are submitted online after the interview.
3. Chatham University
Chatham University is a private university offering programs in sustainability, health and wellness, business, communications, arts, and sciences. With a focus on professional development and the liberal arts, Chatham upholds a commitment to helping students prepare for goals that impact the world. They are based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and also offer online programs.
Application Fee Policy
Chatham University does not charge a fee when potential graduate students apply online. The school uses an online application portal for all graduate applications except the Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant Studies programs, which have slightly different requirements.
4. Dallas Baptist University
Dallas Baptist University (DBU) is a Christian liberal arts university offering programs that blend faith and learning. The Graduate School at Dallas Baptist University offers a variety of master’s programs across areas like ministry, education, business, and more.
They also offer certificate programs, doctoral programs, and other potential learning paths. Graduate programs are offered on campus in Dallas, Texas, or online.
Application Fee Policy
Dallas Baptist University charges a $25 application fee. However, this fee is waived if students submit the online application for admission. For more information and instructions on how to apply, visit the graduate admissions page of DBU’s website.
5. American Public University
American Public University is a private institution of higher education offering career-focused online learning. The university is home to over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. Students enjoy monthly start times for their 100% online classes, which are designed to fit busy schedules.
Application Fee Policy
There is no fee to apply to American Public University. Plus, the online application is designed to take about ten to fifteen minutes to fill out. After you apply, an admissions representative will walk you through additional requirements and follow-up steps.
6. Walden University
Designed specifically to serve adult learners, Walden University is an accredited institution offering online programs at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate levels, as well as Certificate programs. Potential areas of study include:
v Health sciences
v Criminal justice
v Human services
v Psychology
v Education
v Public health
v Nursing
v Social work
v Information technology
Application Fee Policy
There are currently no application fees at Walden University. Prospective students may apply online, and enrollment advisors are on hand to guide you and to answer questions during the application process.
7. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian university based in Phoenix, Arizona and is proud of its faith-based heritage, as well as its commitment to academic excellence. The school is also known for its wide selection of online programs.
Application Fee Policy
Grand Canyon University does not currently charge an application fee. Interested students may apply using the online application portal, which may make applying easier. In addition, university counselors are on hand to walk students through the online application process, if needed.
8. Saint Xavier University
Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1846, Saint Xavier holds the distinction as being Chicago’s first Catholic University as well as the first Mercy institution of higher learning in the United States. At Saint Xavier, they strive to:
Support a community that fosters student success
Encourage and guide students to academic excellence
Prepare students for life
Inspire through Catholic identity and Mercy heritage
Application Fee Policy
Currently, Saint Xavier offers no application fee to potential graduate students.
9. Loyola University New Orleans Online
As a private, co-educational, Jesuit institution of higher learning, Loyola University New Orleans offers an education that allows you to do more than transform yourself; it allows you to transform into yourself.
Application Fee Policy
Different graduate programs at Loyola have different requirements when it comes to application fee and admissions requirements. For instance, the nursing and counseling master’s programs have no application fee.
On the other hand, the graduate business programs will waive your application fee if you attend an open house. Therefore, be sure to double check admissions requirements before applying.
10. The University of Scranton
With spirituality at the core of its mission, the University of Scranton has the concepts of Magis, or a restless pursuit of excellence grounded in gratitude, and Cura Personalis, or the care for the entire person, at the heart of all programs.
Application Fee Policy
The University of Scranton offers no application fee for all of its graduate programs. However, there are some admissions requirements, which may vary from program to program. The most common requirements include:
Official academic transcripts
Three professional letters of recommendation
Specific programs may have additional requirements
LIST OF SPONSORED GRADUATE SCHOOLS WITH NO APPLICATION FEE
(Featured Schools)
Sample Programs that May Not Have an Application Fee
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Master of Science in Nonprofit Management, MS in Leadership, Direct Entry Nursing Programs, MBA, More
COLORADO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
MS Data Management, Doctorate of Management, MS Accounting, MBA, MS Criminal Justice, More
CHATHAM UNIVERSITY
MSN, MBA, MSCP, Master of Communication, Master of Special Education, More
DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
Master of Education in Higher Education, MA Counseling, MBA, MA in Organizational Management, MA, More
AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY
MA in National Security Studies, MA Humanities, MS in Sports Management, MPA, MBA, more
WALDEN UNIVERSITY
MS in Psychology, EdD, DBA, Phd in Industrial Psych, MBA, MS in Addiction Counseling, More
GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY
MBA Finance, MS Addiction Counseling, MPA, MSN, More
SAINT XAVIER UNIVERSITY
MBA, MA in Education, MACS, MS in SLP, More
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY NEW ORLEANS ONLINE
MSFNP, MSN, MS in Counseling, More
THE UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON
MS in HR, MBA, Masters in ECE, MSN, Masters in Software Engineering, More
The 2021 best colleges with NO application fee ranking filters the 2021 best colleges ranking to only include colleges with free applications. Note that additional colleges waive application fees for low-income, minority, veteran, and other student types so be sure to check each school's official website carefully.
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