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On average, international students pay up to $100 for each university application, with top-notch MBA programs such as Harvard, Kellogg, and Yale charging fees as high as $250. We can’t be the only ones who feel this is expensive, right? You’re getting charged without any assurances that your dream of studying abroad is coming true. That’s always rough! So, in this blog, we are going to cover a list of top universities without application fees in USA for the year 2024 along with details on how to get application fee waivers. Shall we?

In this blog:

  1. What do we mean by ‘universities without application fees in USA’?
  2. Why should you look for universities without application fees in USA?
  3. List of universities without application fees in USA in 2024
  4. What are the top universities without application fees in USA?

What do we mean by ‘universities without application fees in USA’? 

Now, let’s clear up any confusion about what we mean when we talk about universities without application fees in USA. Essentially, these are institutions that have ditched the traditional cost of application, giving you a free pass to apply and dive further into the admission process without reaching for your wallet. But remember, the universities without application fees in USA  are still equally selective when it comes to shortlisting students. For instance, Harvard is on the list of universities without application fees in USA. So, you get the picture right? Now onto – 

Why should you look for universities without application fees in USA?

Now, let’s talk dollars and cents. Applying to universities in the USA can be a pricey affair. Imagine shelling out anywhere from $40 to $150 (INR 3,300 – 12,500) for each application – and if you’re aiming for a diverse range of schools, that adds up faster than you can say “student loans.” 

For instance, an average Indian student applies to  5 to 10 universities, costing between $500 and $1,500 (INR 41,600 – 1,24,800). That’s no small change!

Now, here’s where universities without application fees in USA swoop in as the heroes of your savings account. Choosing these fee-free havens not only saves you from bleeding your wallet dry but also gives you a fair chance to apply to more schools.

Suggested Read: Top 10 Most Affordable Universities in USA for International Students

List of all universities without application fees in USA in 2024

So, when you come across a university on our list without an application fee, consider it a golden opportunity to kickstart your academic journey without the financial hurdle.  If, at any point, you feel like there’s no way you can get a fee waiver from any university on the list, allow us to help – we are confident we can get you there. Ready to explore these fee-free zones? Let’s dive in!

Universities Without Application Fees in USA 2024 Location Course Programs – All/Limited Application fee
Adelphi University New York UG/Masters/MBA Limited Options Waived
American University Washington, D.C. UG Limited Options Waived
Arizona State University Arizona UG/Masters/MBA All Waived
Auburn University Alabama Masters Limited Options Waived
California Lutheran University California Masters/MBA All Waived
Clark University Massachusetts Masters/MBA All Waived
Cleveland State University Ohio UG/Masters/MBA Limited Options Waived
Golden Gate University California UG/Masters/MBA All Waived
Gonzaga University Washington UG Limited Options Waived
Louisiana State University Louisiana UG All Waived
New Jersey Institute of Technology New Jersey UG/Masters/MBA All Waived
New York Institute of Technology New York UG/Masters/MBA All Waived
Northeastern University Massachusetts UG/ Masters/ MBA Limited Options Waived
Northwood University Michigan Masters Limited Options Waived
Pace University New York UG/Masters/MBA All Waived
Saint Peters University New Jersey UG/Masters/MBA All Waived
Stevens Institute of Technology New Jersey UG/Masters/MBA All Waived
Thunderbird School of Global Management Arizona UG/Masters/MBA All Waived
Tulane University Louisiana Masters Limited options Waived
University of Colorado at Denver Colorado UG/Masters/MBA All Waived
University of Dayton Ohio UG/Masters/MBA Limited options Waived
University of Illinois, Chicago Chicago UG/Masters/MBA Limited options Waived
University of Illinois, Springfield Springfield Masters MS in CS, DA, MIS Waived
University of Kansas Kansas UG Limited options Waived
University of Massachusetts, Boston Massachusetts UG/Masters/MBA Limited Options Waived
University of New Haven Connecticut UG/Masters/MBA All Waived
University of South Carolina Columbia UG/Masters Limited options Waived
University of the Pacific California Masters Portal Waived
University of Utah Utah UG Portal Waived
Western New England University Massachusetts UG Portal Waived
Drexel University Philadelphia Masters Limited Options Waived
Webster university Missouri UG/Masters/MBA All Waived

Some other universities without application fees in USA include New Jersey Institute of Technology, New York Institute of Technology, Stevens Institute of Technology and 

University of Illinois, Chicago. 

Get the list of all affordable universities in USA for international students!

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What are the top universities without application fees in USA 2024?

Like we said, some of the top universities also fall on the list of universities in USA without application fees. These universities are committed to bringing in top-notch talent and they don’t want application fees to come in the way of that. Isn’t that sweet? Now without further ado, let’s cover the top universities without application fees in USA 2024.

Harvard University

Harvard University is among the list of universities without application fee in USA

Harvard, the Ivy League royalty, needs no introduction. It’s where the big shots like Susan Wojcicki and Mark Zuckerberg honed their genius. Ranked #4 globally, Harvard stands tall not just for its prestige but for its generosity too. For candidates with financial roadblocks, a fee waiver is on the table. Undergrads, this one’s especially for you – your application fee could be completely waived!

#1 Top Universities Without Application Fees in USA 2024
QS World Universities Ranking 2024 4
Application Fee/ Waiver Fee waiver is available for underprivileged candidates; Undergrads may enjoy a full fee waiver.
Average Tuition $54,000 per year

Yale University

Yale University is among the list of universities without application fee in USA 2024
Welcome to the Ivy League’s next gem, Yale University. Ranked in the top 20 globally, Yale takes pride in nurturing bright minds. The Yale School of Management offers a sliding-scale fee waiver for those with financial jitters. If your pockets are feeling a bit light, worry not – undergrads might just snag a complete application fee waiver.

#2 Top Universities Without Application Fees in USA 2024
QS World Universities Ranking 2024 16
Application Fee/ Waiver Sliding-scale fee waivers based on income; Full fee waiver for undergraduates in certain financial situations.
Average Tuition $59,950 per year

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)

Carnegie Mellon University is among the list of universities without application fee in USA 2024
Carnegie Mellon University, a top 100 global player, opens its doors generously. If you’re eyeing the School of Computer Science, you could catch an application fee waiver. Need-based waivers are also on the cards for the Master of Software Engineering Program. The catch? A financial aid letter and a bit of patience – it takes around three to five business days.

#3 Top Universities Without Application Fees in USA 2024
QS World Universities Ranking 2024 52
Application Fee/ Waiver Fee waivers for School of Computer Science applicants; Need-based waivers for Master of Software Engineering Program.
Average Tuition $59,982 per year

Northeastern University (NEU)

Northeastern University (NEU)
Northeastern University in Boston is all about opportunities. For undergrads with financial bumps, a $75 fee waiver is a golden ticket. Keep an eye out for those special fee waiver days – they’re like little gifts encouraging more graduate program applications.

#4 Top Universities Without Application Fees in USA 2024
QS World Universities Ranking 2024 375
Application Fee/ Waiver Need-based fee waiver of $75 for undergraduates; Special fee waiver days for graduate program applications.
Average Tuition $58,950 per year

Colorado State University

Colorado State University
Colorado State University believes in breaking down barriers. If you’re part of certain partnerships or programs, your fee might just get a pass. The best part? Applying through a fee waiver won’t speed up or slow down your application process – it’s all about your profile’s merit.

#5 Top Universities Without Application Fees in USA 2024
QS World Universities Ranking 2024 409
Application Fee/ Waiver Fee waivers based on participation in specific partnerships/programs; No impact on the application process.
Average Tuition $33,752 per year

While the application fee waiver process may feel like a slow dance, it’s a crucial step towards making higher education accessible. Remember to check the eligibility criteria and application procedures on the official university websites. By strategically selecting universities that align with your profile, you can maximise your chances of a successful application. If you are unable to get an application fee waiver, talk to our experts, they will walk you through the process. Best of luck on your academic journey in the USA! And hey, may your wallet be as light as your dreams are big!

FAQs for All Universities Without Application Fees in USA 2024

  1. Can I apply to Harvard University without an application fee?

Yes, Harvard University gives a fee waiver for students with financial roadblocks.

2. Are international students allowed to apply to colleges without application fees?

There are universities with no application fee in USA. These universities do not charge any application fee, however they might have few additional requirements including English proficiency tests which needs to be fulfilled.

3. Scholarships are available in universities that do not charge application fee?

Yes, there are scholarships available in USA universities without application fees. Many universities are often very generous with their scholarship offerings even when they have no application fee. 

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