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List of Universities with Application Fee Waivers in the USA

Here is a list of reputed universities in the USA which offer app fee waivers for international students:

• Harvard University
• Yale University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Northeastern University
• California State University
• Case Western Reserve University
• Dension University
• Southwestern University
• Michigan Technological University
• Milwaukee School of Engineering
• University of Dayton
• Saint Louis University
• Trinity University
• Saint Louis University
• Drake University
• St. Lawrence University

Out of these, we will discuss the top 6 in detail.

1. Harvard University

The top name on the list is an Ivy League institution, Harvard University! The alma mater of the who's who, notably Susan Wojcicki (CEO of YouTube), Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and more. Additionally, Harvard University World Rankings 2025 is #4. Several factors make Harvard University top-notch, but one of the primary factors is that it offers an option to apply for a fee waiver too!

A fee waiver is available from Harvard Business School for candidates belonging to underprivileged financial backgrounds. You will be required to complete a waiver form asking for your financial details, and the justification for your request for a need-based fee waiver from HBS. To complete the form thoroughly, mention your earnings, wealth, student loan debt, family responsibilities, and/or any other conditions that might justify a fee waiver. 

2. Yale University

The Yale School of Management at Yale University offers fee waivers on a sliding basis. It implies that the Yale application cost would be determined by your or your family's existing income. The application fee is $175 (INR 14,559) for those making $30,000 (INR 24,95,869) or less annually. It is $125 (INR 10,399) for applicants making under $15,000 (INR 12,47,934) annually.

For the School of Arts and Sciences at Yale, fee waivers may be granted on the basis of:

• Participation in a special program, event, fellowship, or status
• Documented financial hardship

3. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)

International applicants can receive fee waivers from Carnegie Mellon University, one of the top 100 universities in the world. For applying to the School of Computer Science, you will have to:

• Obtain a financial aid letter that outlines your financial needs briefly and includes any supporting evidence for your application.
• CMU will verify your need after receiving your application and waive the application fees for no more than two programs.

The Master of Software Engineering Program is also eligible for cost waivers from the Software and Societal Systems Department (need-based). A voucher code for your application or a full waiver will be sent once the university department validates the requirement. This process might take three to five business days. Be patient during the timeframe!

4. Northeastern University (NEU)

For undergraduate applicants, Northeastern University, Boston offers a need-based application fee waiver for the $75 (INR 6,239) fee.

Northeastern University, Boston (NEU) takes requests for fee waivers based on need into consideration as many other universities do. If you come from a low-income family, NEU gives you a fantastic opportunity to apply without having to pay the full amount. The university often provides waivers on particular days to encourage more graduate program applications.

5. Colorado State University

In addition to financial need, Colorado State University grants fee waivers depending on multiple factors. If a student is affiliated with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, and the International Research and Exchanges Board, they may receive a fee waiver.

6. California State University 

A renowned university in the US, California State University offers application fee waivers to students who have stayed in California for a year, or non-US citizens who qualify for AB540 non-resident tuition.

Availing fee waivers is a tardy process, but it is significant. Having discussed the universities that offer them, are you wondering which universities do not require application fees at all? Well, read on to find out!

Our experts not only identify universities offering fee waivers aligned with your profile but also guide you in drafting compelling waiver requests to exponentially increase approval odds. Let 51³ÉÈ˵¼º½ Premium leverage insider tips and proven templates to showcase your candidacy and financial need. With tailored assistance for optimizing funding odds and minimizing application costs, fulfill your American dream - fee hurdles solved.

Other Good Universities in USA with Application Fee Waivers for 2025

The US is home to more than 6000 universities. Many are good choices for international students, who wish to pursue a master’s in technology, sciences, and management studies. Some of the safest universities without application fees in the US are:

• Case Western Reserve University

• Dension University

• Southwestern University

• Michigan Technological University

• University of Dayton

• Saint Louis University

• Trinity University

• Illinois Wesleyan University 

• Baylor University 

• DePaul University

• University of New Haven

Suggested: Top 10 Cheap Universities To 51³ÉÈ˵¼º½ In The USA.

Things to Note About the Application Fee Waiver Universities

A few things to note about application fee waivers in the universities are:

• Visit the admissions website of the relevant university before starting your application process for precise information on eligibility and the application procedure.

• Make your application stand out by showcasing your potential.

• Apply to universities that align with your profile and academic goals.

Universities receive thousands of applications and most of them charge substantial application fees. The admissions committee will have to work harder to identify the top applicants when there is a vast pool of applications. They also offer opportunities to interested students solely to lessen their workload and discourage bulk applications. So you ought to be selective and apply to schools that closely fit your profile.

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How to Get or Find Application Fee Waiver Codes?

Now that we know about the universities, let’s address the biggest question: How do you find or get these application fee waiver codes? To obtain waiver codes for the universities listed, follow these steps:

• Contact Admissions: Reach out to each university’s admissions office to ask about fee waivers. Believe it or not, they can be quite generous if you politely ask!
• Check Events: Attend virtual or in-person university events; these often come with waiver opportunities.
• Use Platforms: Some platforms like Common App or Coalition App provide fee waiver options based on eligibility.

Application Process for Universities with App Fee Waivers

Universities that waive application fees follow a process that is identical to the standard one. You should submit your application using the standard application or the university's application portal (the latter in the case of undergraduate admissions). Particularly in the case of need-based application waivers, some fields on the standard application form may need to be completed.

A different form may occasionally need to be completed during the application procedure. In most cases, it also entails sending supporting documents so that university officials can review your application.

Consider the following general steps of the application procedure for institutions in the USA without an application fee:

• Step 1: Make a shortlist of the colleges that provide the program you want. Make sure that you consider US universities that waive an application fee to prospective international students.
• Step 2: Check the qualifying requirements on the official websites of all the colleges you want to apply to, including those without an application fee in the USA.
• Step 3: Check the program's admissions requirements and application deadlines.
• Step 4: Complete the online application, pay the application fee if necessary, and request an application fee waiver when applying to American universities, wherever applicable.
• Step 5: Along with your application, upload all necessary supporting documents for admission.
• Step 6: If you want to receive financial aid, apply for international student scholarships
• Step 7: Monitor the progress of your application while you wait for the admission decision.
• Step 8: The admissions offer will be sent to you through email if it is accepted.
• Step 9: Ensure that you submit the tuition deposit and confirm your acceptance by the deadline.

Suggested: How to Apply for MS in the US from India?

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Other Costs Involved in the Application Process

Let us examine the additional expenses related to the application process for international students. Pre-arrival expenses must be included when estimating the cost of studying in the United States because they must be paid out of pocket and cannot be covered with financial aid. These costs are incurred even before you are admitted to any university in the US and might be linked to visa processing, entrance exams, health insurance, travel, etc.

See the table below to learn about additional fees related to the application for admission to US universities:

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