Graduate schools with no application fee may be a great way to save money, especially if you plan on applying to several schools. Here, you’ll find a list of colleges and universities that offer free graduate school applications and schools that offer application fee waivers to students with financial need or if you meet other criteria.
List of 9 Graduate Schools with No Application Fee
When applying to grad school, the costs can pile up quickly, which is why finding graduate program with no application fee is so important. Keep in mind that application fees and graduate school application fee waiver policies are subject to change. When in doubt, check with your school of interest to learn more about specific requirements and whether or not you’ll need to pay a fee to apply.
written by Shannon Fandler
Designed specifically to serve adult learners, Walden University is an accredited institution offering online programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels, as well as certificate programs. Potential areas of study include:
- Health sciences
- Criminal justice
- Human services
- Psychology
- Education
- Public health
- Nursing
- Social work
- Information technology
Application Fee Policy
There are currently no application fees at Walden University. Prospective students may apply online, and enrollment advisors are on hand to guide you and to answer questions during the application process.
Graduate Programs That May Have No Application Fee:
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian university based in Phoenix, Arizona and is proud of its faith-based heritage, as well as its commitment to academic excellence. The school is also known for its wide selection of online programs.
Application Fee Policy
Grand Canyon University does not currently charge an application fee. Interested students may apply using the online application portal, which may make applying easier. In addition, university counselors are on hand to walk students through the online application process, if needed.
Graduate Programs That May Have No Application Fee:
Northeastern is a private research university founded in 1898. Located in Boston, the university also has several regional campuses across the country and the potential option to study online, from anywhere.
Application Fee Policy
The College of Professional Studies (CPS) at Northeastern University features no application fees, as well as multiple start times per year. In addition, Northeastern is one of many grad schools with no GRE requirement.
CPS offers master’s, doctoral, certificate, and non-degree programs with a focus on professional development. Keep in mind that application fees differ by program within Northeastern University.
For instance, while applying to a CPS program is free, others may charge between $75 and $100 to apply.
Graduate Programs That May Have No Application Fee:
Chatham University is a private university offering programs in sustainability, health and wellness, business, communications, arts, and sciences. With a focus on professional development and the liberal arts, Chatham upholds a commitment to helping students prepare for goals that impact the world. They are based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and also offer online programs.
Application Fee Policy
Chatham University does not charge a fee when potential graduate students apply online. The school uses an online application portal for all graduate applications except the Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant Studies programs, which have slightly different requirements.
Graduate Programs That May Have No Application Fee:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (MSCP)
- Master of Communication
- Master of Education in Special Education
Dallas Baptist University (DBU) is a Christian liberal arts university offering programs that blend faith and learning. The Graduate School at Dallas Baptist University offers a variety of master’s programs across areas like ministry, education, business, and more.
They also offer certificate programs, doctoral programs, and other potential learning paths. Graduate programs are offered on campus in Dallas, Texas, or online.
Application Fee Policy
Dallas Baptist University charges a $25 application fee. However, this fee is waived if students submit the online application for admission. For more information and instructions on how to apply, visit the graduate admissions page of DBU’s website.
Graduate Programs That May Have No Application Fee:
American Public University is a private institution of higher education offering career-focused online learning. The university is home to over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. Students enjoy monthly start times for their 100% online classes, which are designed to fit busy schedules.
Application Fee Policy
There is no fee to apply to American Public University. Plus, the online application is designed to take about ten to fifteen minutes to fill out. After you apply, an admissions representative will walk you through additional requirements and follow-up steps.
Graduate Programs That May Have No Application Fee:
Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1846, Saint Xavier holds the distinction as being Chicago’s first Catholic University as well as the first Mercy institution of higher learning in the United States. At Saint Xavier, they strive to:
- Support a community that fosters student success
- Encourage and guide students to academic excellence
- Prepare students for life
- Inspire through Catholic identity and Mercy heritage
Application Fee Policy
Currently, Saint Xavier offers no application fee to potential graduate students.
Graduate Programs That May Have No Application Fee:
As a private, co-educational, Jesuit institution of higher learning, Loyola University New Orleans offers an education that allows you to do more than transform yourself; it allows you to transform into yourself.
Application Fee Policy
Different graduate programs at Loyola have different requirements when it comes to application fee and admissions requirements. For instance, the nursing and counseling master’s programs have no application fee.
On the other hand, the graduate business programs will waive your application fee if you attend an open house. Therefore, be sure to double check admissions requirements before applying.
Graduate Programs That May Have No Application Fee:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner Program
- MSN – Adult Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science (MS) in Counseling
Application Waiver Programs (If You Attend an Open House):
With spirituality at the core of its mission, the University of Scranton has the concepts of Magis, or a restless pursuit of excellence grounded in gratitude, and Cura Personalis, or the care for the entire person, at the heart of all programs.
Application Fee Policy
The University of Scranton offers no application fee for all of its graduate programs. However, there are some admissions requirements, which may vary from program to program. The most common requirements include:
- Official academic transcripts
- Three professional letters of recommendation
- Specific programs may have additional requirements
Graduate Programs That May Have No Application Fee:
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List of Sponsored Graduate Schools with No Application Fee
| Sample Programs that May Not Have an Application Fee | |
|---|---|
| Northeastern University | Master of Science in Nonprofit Management, MS in Leadership, Direct Entry Nursing Programs, MBA, More |
| Chatham University | MSN, MBA, MSCP, Master of Communication, Master of Special Education, More |
| Dallas Baptist University | Master of Education in Higher Education, MA Counseling, MBA, MA in Organizational Management, MA, More |
| American Public University | MA in National Security Studies, MA Humanities, MS in Sports Management, MPA, MBA, more |
| Walden University | MS in Psychology, EdD, DBA, Phd in Industrial Psych, MBA, MS in Addiction Counseling, More |
| Grand Canyon University | MBA Finance, MS Addiction Counseling, MPA, MSN, More |
| Saint Xavier University | MBA, MA in Education, MACS, MS in SLP, More |
| Loyola University New Orleans Online | MSFNP, MSN, MS in Counseling, More |
| The University of Scranton | MS in HR, MBA, Masters in ECE, MSN, Masters in Software Engineering, More |
Featured Schools
What Are Graduate School Application Fee Waivers?
Application fee waivers are offered by graduate schools to students who meet certain criteria, such as financial need, attending an open house, or being an alumni of the school.
What are graduate school application fee waiver requirements?
Each school may have its own eligibility criteria for granting a fee waiver. For example, the Graduate School at Brown University requires documentation of financial need, such as your FAFSA or proof of unemployment.
If none of the graduate schools with no application fee on this page interest you, check out some of the application fee waiver options below.
- Some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
- Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
- Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access
List of 4 Graduate Schools with Application Fee Waivers
Are there graduate schools with no application fee?
While there are many graduate schools with no application fee, there are even more options when it comes to application fee waiver graduate programs. Usually, these waivers are for those who have visited an open house or for active members of the military.
However, each sponsored school has unique requirements for graduate school application fee waivers, so be sure to check out each school before applying.
With more than 33,000 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 130 countries, Boston University is a community unlike any other. Their commitment to educating students to be reflective, resourceful individuals who are ready to live, adapt, and lead, has led the school to be the powerhouse it is now.
Application Fee Waiver Policy
The graduate application fee for BU is $125. However, BU offers application fee waivers if you meet certain conditions, such as:
- U.S. military veterans with Honorable Discharge (or to active members)
- Employees of Boston University
- Boston University alumni and seniors
There are a variety of other ways you may have your application fee waived. For instance, if you’re an active member or an alumni of a variety of organizations, such as:
- The Peace Corps
- Teach for America
- Historically Black Colleges
- Hispanic Serving Institutions
Communication Degrees with Application Fee Waivers
- Special Education – Master
- Curriculum and Teaching – Master
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) – Master
Graduate Business Degrees with Application Fee Waivers
Purdue University is where history, traditions, and achievements meet the complex modern world. With five campus locations throughout Indiana, and a number of online programs, Purdue meets you wherever you want to learn.
Application Fee Waiver Policy
The graduate application fee is $75 at Purdue University, but the school does offer application fee waivers to applicants who are active members or alumni of many organizations, such as:
- Big Ten+ Graduate School Expo
- GEM Fellowship Program
- U.S. Veterans and U.S. Military Service Members
- Purdue Summer Research Opportunity Program
- Purdue Graduate Diversity Visitation Program
These are just some of the organizations that, if you were a member, you may have your fee waived. However, there are many others, so be sure to check with the school by clicking on any of the links below.
The George Washington University believes that a community united in purpose has the power to set great ideas in motion. This is one of the many reasons why there are more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students, who come from all 50 states and 130 countries, have chosen to attend.
Application Fee Waiver Policy
While the application fee is currently $80 for the George Washington University graduate programs, some applicants may have the fee waived if they are:
- GW alumni
- Current degree or graduate certificate candidates at GWU
- U.S. military personnel who have been in active duty within three years of submitting application
- Current McNair Program Scholars
- Students participating in the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
Lasell College is a private, nonsectarian institution located in Newton, Massachusetts. They offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs through several potential formats: online, hybrid, and traditional.
Some of the master’s programs at Lasell span areas of study including business, education, criminal justice, and other career-focused disciplines.
Application Fee Waiver Policy
Currently, Lasell College waives its $40 application fee for students who apply online. They also offer a potential application fee waiver for students who meet need-based eligibility requirements.
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Search Graduate Schools with No Application Fee
Applying to graduate school can get expensive. So, it can be a major relief to find colleges and universities offering fee-free graduate school applications!
Browse the prospective higher education partners we’ve listed, and don’t forget to request information if you’d like to learn more or complete the form to get matched to the perfect program for you.
Or, discover grad schools that don’t require letters of recommendation and grad schools with rolling admissions!
Schools With PHD & Masters Programs
- Take advantage of some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, while earning a degree from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
- Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
- Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access.
Popular Online Programs
Business Administration, Psychology, Information Technology, Human Services…