College Application Fee Waiver Codes for the Class of 2026

Navigating the college application process can be a whirlwind of essays, transcripts, and deadlines. It can also be expensive, with application fees often ranging from $50 to $100 per school. For students applying to multiple institutions, these costs can quickly add up, creating a significant financial barrier. Fortunately, college application fee waivers are available to help reduce this burden, ensuring that every qualified student has the opportunity to apply.

This article serves as your comprehensive guide to understanding and using fee waivers, complete with a detailed list of specific codes for the 2025-2026 application season.

What Exactly Is a Fee Waiver?

Applying to college can get expensive quickly. Between standardized test fees, transcript requests, and application costs, students can spend hundreds of dollars before even setting foot on campus. The good news is that many colleges and universities offer application fee waivers that let you apply for free if you meet certain criteria—or if you use a special code.

Why Fee Waivers Matter

Most colleges charge between $50 and $100 per application. If you’re applying to 10 schools, that’s easily $500 or more just in application fees. Fee waivers help reduce the financial burden and ensure that students can apply broadly without worrying about the cost

Colleges offer these waivers for several key reasons:

To Promote Access and Equity: The primary goal is to remove financial barriers for students from low-income backgrounds.
To Encourage Applications: Schools use promotional waiver codes to attract a larger and more diverse pool of applicants. By offering a waiver, they can encourage a student who is “on the fence” to submit an application.
To Reward Engagement: Sometimes, waivers are offered to students who show demonstrated interest, such as by attending a campus tour, a virtual open house, or an information session.

Fee waivers generally fall into two categories: need-based waivers, which require you to meet specific financial eligibility criteria (like those from the College Board or NACAC), and promotional waivers, which are often simple codes you can enter directly into your application. The list below primarily focuses on these promotional codes.

Fee Waiver Codes for the 2026 Application Season

Here is an extensive list of colleges offering fee waiver codes. Pay close attention to the notes, as many codes have specific requirements, deadlines, or are limited to certain types of applicants or application platforms.

Bentley University

Code: FUTUREISYOU
Notes: Valid until December 1.

Bethel University

Code: BUFFALO26

Bryant University

Code: TUPP63

Butler University

Code: VIBSTUDENT

Carthage College

Code: BRIGHTFUTURE

Coastal Carolina University

Code: CCU2026

College of Charleston

Code: Charleston26

Colorado Christian University

Code: GOCCU

Cumberland University

Code: CUBOUND

Curry College

Code: PCW
Notes: Valid until December 1.

Eastern Michigan University

Codes: EMU26 (school-specific app) and CA26 (Common App)

Embry-Riddle Daytona

Code: GOERAU26

Emerson College

Code: ECUGAPPLY26

Grand Valley State University

Code: GVSUFREE

Harvard University

Code: JH3S5Q2LX9
Notes: For the Coalition Application only.

High Point University

Code: PackYourBags

Iona University

Code: Iona30

Ithaca College

Code: IC2026A

Jacksonville University

Codes: 26PICK, JUFREEAPP

Kean University

Code: GO2KEAN

Kutztown University

Code: GOLDEN

Lehigh University

Code: INTLwaiver2026
Notes: Be sure to see requirements for international applicants.

Loyola Marymount University

Code: GOLIONS

Mercer University

Code: BETHEBEAR

Milligan University

Code: BUFFALO26
Notes: For Tennessee residents only.

Moore College of Art & Design

Moore College Art Design Application Fee Waiver

Code: MOORE

Morgan State University

Code: FW2026

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Code: TOUR

North Greenville University

Code: GoNGU

Northern Arizona University

Code: #JACKS

Ohio University

Code: OHIOBobcat1804

Rider University

Code: RiderReady

Rochester Institute of Technology

RIT Rochester Institute Technology Application Fee Waiver

Code: Brickcityapp

Roger Williams University

Code: RWU2026

Saint Mary’s College of California

Code: ApplySMC

Savannah College of Arts and Design (SCAD)

Code: PROS2526

Seattle Pacific University

Code: SPUGift

Seton Hall University

Code: AFW

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Codes: TW1300 (Common App only) and PR17147 (Coalition App only).

Stockton University

Code: STOCKTONU2026
Notes: For the school-specific application and transfers only.

Stonehill College

Code: 1948

Thomas Jefferson University

Code: REDEFINE
Notes: Valid until September 15.

Union University

Code: UUADMISSIONS

University of Colorado Denver

Code: FreeAppDaysCO
Notes: For Colorado residents only, valid through October 24.

University of Dallas

Code: SEPT15
Notes: Valid until September 15. The university often releases temporary, date-specific codes on its Instagram.

University of Denver

Code: DU26

University of Mary Washington

Code: UMWFAM

University of Nebraska Kearney

Code: Lopers
Notes: Valid until November 1.

University of Pittsburgh

Code: UP1787

University of Tampa

Code: SPARTAN SELECT

University of Texas Arlington

University_of_Texas_at_Arlington_Application Fee Waiver

Code: UTAGRAD26

Utica University

Code: UTWV

Wayne State University

Code: WSU2026

Wentworth Institute of Technology

Codes: Wentworth26, WIT26

West Virginia University

Code: VISITWVU

State-Specific Free Application Programs

Many states host events where residents can apply to in-state public and private colleges for free. Mark these dates on your calendar!

Colorado:

Free Application Days are October 7-9 for Colorado residents. Check with participating schools.

Connecticut:

The University of Connecticut offers free applications for CT residents from October 15 – November 1. No code needed.

Indiana:

College Application Week is September 22-26. Check with participating Indiana schools.

Kansas:

Apply Kansas Month includes free application days from October 6-8.

Michigan:

Michigan College Month is in October, with many schools waiving fees for residents.

New York:

SUNY: Free Application Period is October 20 – November 3 (up to 5 schools).
CUNY: Free Application Period is October 27 – November 21.
Private Universities: Many waive fees in October/November.

North Carolina:

NC Countdown to College is October 21-27. Residents must apply through the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC).

Tennessee:

Tennessee College Application and Exploration Month has various free application weeks in September.

Vanderbilt University:

Offers free applications to TN residents from September 15-19. No code needed.

Key Tips for Using Fee Waiver Codes

Finding a code is just the first step. To ensure a smooth process, keep these tips in mind:

Read the Fine Print: As you can see from the list, the conditions matter. A code for transfers won’t work for first-years, and a Common App code won’t work on the Coalition App. Meticulously check the requirements to avoid errors.
Verify the Information: While this list is comprehensive, colleges can change codes or deadlines without notice. If a code doesn’t work, check the university’s official admissions website or social media pages.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask: If your dream school isn’t on this list, don’t give up! Email the admissions office directly. Briefly introduce yourself, express your strong interest in the university, and politely inquire if they can provide a fee waiver. The worst they can say is no, and showing that initiative can even work in your favor.
Explore Other Avenues: Sign up for the mailing lists of colleges that interest you. They often send out promotional codes to prospective students. Also, attend virtual college fairs and information sessions, as schools frequently provide waivers to attendees.

The college application process is your first step toward an incredible future. Don’t let application fees stand in your way. By being proactive and using resources like these, you can focus on what truly matters: presenting the best version of yourself to the colleges of your choice. Good luck!