How the fee calculator works
- Application fees: the sum of every fee you enter.
- Fee waivers: check Waived for each school where a waiver covers the fee. That school's fee is subtracted from your total.
- CSS Profile: check it for each school that requires the CSS Profile. College Board charges $25 for the first school and $16 for each additional school. If you qualify for a CSS Profile fee waiver, check that box and the cost drops to $0.
- Other costs: anything you pay once per school, such as a score report you send. It is multiplied by the number of schools on your list.
Your list is saved in this browser's local storage so it is still here next time. Nothing is sent to Scholarly.
Where to find each school's fee
Each college decides how much to charge and whether to charge at all. Common App lists every member college's fee in its college search, on each college's information page under My Colleges, and in its Requirements Grid. Common App says more than 500 of its colleges charge no fee for domestic students. Colleges that don't use Common App post the fee on their own admissions page.
Fee waiver basics
Common App fee waiver. If you meet Common App's financial need criteria, you answer "Yes" to the fee waiver statement in the Profile section and sign it. It waives the fee at any college you apply to through Common App. Your counselor is asked to confirm you are eligible, and you can submit while they confirm. Each college makes its own decision on whether to accept the request.
NACAC fee waiver. NACAC's form asks a school counselor or other authorized official to confirm at least one sign of economic need. The form lists, among others: you received or are eligible for an ACT or SAT fee waiver, you are in or eligible for the free or reduced price lunch program, your family income falls within USDA guidelines, your family receives public assistance, or you live in public housing, a foster home, or are homeless. Each college decides whether to accept it.
College waivers. Many colleges offer their own fee waivers, and some waive fees for students who visit or apply early. Check each school's admissions page.
Paying for the FAFSA is never part of this: the FAFSA is free. See our 2027–28 FAFSA guide and the CSS Profile guide.
Worked example
Four schools with fees of $50, $75, $70 and $90. A waiver covers the $75 fee. Two schools need the CSS Profile.
Fees: $50 + $75 + $70 + $90 = $285. Minus the $75 waiver = $210.
CSS Profile for two schools: $25 + $16 = $41. Total: $210 + $41 = $251.
Common questions
How much do college applications cost?
It depends on the school. Each college sets its own fee, and Common App says more than 500 of its member colleges charge no fee for domestic students. Add up your own list here to see your total.
Who qualifies for a Common App fee waiver?
Students who meet Common App’s financial need criteria, such as receiving an SAT or ACT fee waiver or being eligible for free or reduced price lunch. You answer the fee waiver question in the Profile section, and your counselor is asked to confirm. Each college decides whether to accept it.
Can I use a fee waiver at every school?
The Common App fee waiver applies to colleges you apply to through Common App, but each college makes the final call. Schools outside Common App have their own process, and many accept the NACAC form or offer their own waiver.
How much does the CSS Profile cost?
College Board charges $25 for the first school and $16 for each additional school. Many students get it free with a CSS Profile fee waiver.
Is this list saved?
Yes, in your browser’s local storage on this device only. Nothing is sent to Scholarly. Clear all removes it.
Sources
- Understanding application fees and fee waivers (PDF), Common App, 2025 Where fees are listed, the 500+ no-fee figure, and how the Common App fee waiver works.
- What do I need to know about the Common App fee waiver?, Common App Eligibility criteria and the college’s final decision.
- Fee waivers, NACAC
- Request for Admission Application Fee Waiver (PDF), NACAC The indicators of economic need.
- What does the CSS Profile cost?, College Board $25 for the first school, $16 for each additional.