Free College Applications: Which Schools have Removed Financial Barriers in the Application Process

Each fall, several states hold college application day, week or month for residents. This opportunity encourages more students to apply to colleges and universities, due to the programming and support. Some states waive application fees, causing no financial barrier to applications. This opportunity applies to both public and private universities, depending on the state. Below, The College Sage has outlined information for participating states for the 2026-2027 cycle.

Alabama: Dates have not been released yet, but it is likely that there will be a week in October and February where applications to 45+ colleges and universities will be free. Click here for more information about last year’s participating schools.

Colorado: October 20th-22nd. Public and private schools participate and each school has a unique waiver process. Click here for specific information regarding participating schools.

Connecticut: Dates vary for participating public schools. Check with specific schools for their dates in October and November.

Delaware: Launch your Future Month in October and November. Public high schools select a week for students to have some time to work on their college and career plans. Click here for more information about the program.

Georgia: November is Georgia Apply to College Month. Schools participate in activities encouraging students to apply to colleges. Click here for more information.

Idaho: October is Idaho College Month. The program’s goal is to increase the number of low income and first generation students in college. Click here for more information.

Illinois: In February, students are able to apply to state schools without application fees, essays or letters of recommendation if they have the GPA requirement. Click here for more information about One Click College Admit.

Indiana: September 21st-25th. Indiana’s College Application week is part of the Learn More Indiana initiative, with the goal of having each student submit at least one application. Many schools remove their application fee during this week. Click here for more information about the initiative.

Kansas: October 5th-October 9th. Kansas Apply Free Days is open to all residents, regardless of age or income. The program includes public, community, technical and private colleges. Click here to learn more about the application process.

Michigan: October is Michigan College Month. Many schools remove their fees and high schools work to prepare students for the application process. Click here to learn more about Michigan’s mission towards accessibility.

Minnesota: Minnesota State Week and Minnesota Private Colleges Week is June 22nd-June 26th. Schools offer special tours and information sessions for applicants. State schools waive fees for applications and do not require an essay to apply. Click to learn more about the programs at state and private schools.

Montana: October 5th-October 16th. Students are able to apply to schools in Montana’s University System for free and have time to complete an application during the day. Click here to learn more about the opportunities given to high school seniors.

New York: October 19th-November 2nd. Students are able to apply to up to five SUNY schools for free. Click here to read more about New York’s Free Application Weeks.

North Carolina: October 19th-25th. Participating public and private schools waive application fees when applying through the College for North Carolina website. Click here to learn more about North Carolina’s Application Week as part of the annual North Carolina Countdown to College Campaign.

Ohio: October 1st-November 15th. Participating high schools host events to encourage low income students to apply to college. Click here to read more about Ohio College Application Month, where colleges waive application fees.

Oklahoma: September 21st-25th. Students attend events to learn more about the college process with the goal of submitting a college application. Click here to read more about Oklahoma’s College App Week.

South Carolina: Various days from September-November. Events are held in high school for students to submit free applications, followed by support in filling out the FASFA in February. Click here to learn more about College Goal South Carolina.

South Dakota: October 1st-November 30th. During this time applications are free for residents and residents of South Dakota advantage states. Click here to read more about participating states and institutions.

Tennessee: September is Tennessee College Application and Exploration Month. Students of all grades participate in activities surrounding college and career exploration. Click here for a specific timeline of programming throughout the month.

Texas: October 12th-18th. Applications to Texas public institutions are free when students apply through ApplyTexas. Click here to Free College Application Week created by Senate Bill 2231.

Virginia: October 19th-30th. Participating high schools hold events for students to work on application materials and apply. Click here to learn more about schools qualifying for college application fee waivers.

West Virginia: Late fall. Participating schools host programming and events for all ages, allowing students to become familiar with the college process and career opportunities. Click here to read more about requirements for becoming a host school for College Application and Exploration Month.

Sources:

https://www.alabamaachieves.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/COMM_NR_20251001_Alabama-Students-Applying-to-College-This-Week-with-No-Fees_v1-0.pdf

https://cdhe.colorado.gov/colorado-free-application-day-instructions

https://www.delawarestudentsuccess.org/launch/

https://www.gafutures.org/college-planning/apply-to-college/about-apply-to-college/

https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/idahocollegemonth

https://www.isac.org/students/before-college/making-an-informed-college-choice/one-click-college-admit-opt-in

https://learnmoreindiana.org/college-discovery/college-go-initiative/

https://kansasregents.gov/students/apply-free-days

https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/proclamations/2025/10/01/october-2025-college-month

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.mnprivatecolleges.org/news-events/events/minnesota-private-colleges-week&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1785516535862035&usg=AOvVaw1d0-lPFswOOYN9REzE0hpy

https://www.minnstate.edu/minnstatewk/index.html