10 Online Colleges With No Application Fees

There's no doubt that earning a bachelor's degree at an accredited college can jumpstart new opportunities in your professional career. However, students who are on a budget may be wary of accruing costs before their even accepted. For this reason, many online programs offer substantial support to the students including the option for a free application.

In this article, we'll discuss the top online colleges that offer, free applications in their admission process, and answer the frequently asked questions about the top programs in online education.

Online Colleges With Free Applications

These accredited online schools offer various programs for students all with a free application process. This allows both high school and graduate students the opportunity to obtain a quality education and a cheaper online degree.

1. Lewis and Clark University

Lewis and Clark University is located in Oregon and offers a seamless online application to students. There is also an extensive international student body and study abroad program for Americans.

This college is known for its liberal arts programs and English degree graduates.

2. Marquette University

Marquette University is the largest private university in Wisconsin with a solid online college for students. While there is no application fee, students must provide:

• Letters of recommendation
• Proof of their GPA
• A high school transcript

This college is a catholic coeducational institution that emphasizes a Christian-centered campus.

3. Saint Louis University

Located in Missouri, St. Louis University offers a catalog of over 200 programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Their selection of hybrid and online courses also makes it a suitable college option for students seeking a positive school-life balance.

4. Reed College

Located in Portland, Oregon, Reed College is a private liberal arts school with several online learning options for its students. Students applying must fill out an application fee waiver to be considered for a free application.

Reed College also offers a variety of graduate programs, including medical school, law school, and business school.

5. University of Dayton

The University of Dayton is the second-largest private school located in Ohio. Online rankings list this college in the top 50 United States universities. the most popular online learning programs include business administration. Their college admissions offer an application fee, waiver for eligible students.

6. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago is one of the notable universities in Illinois that offers a wide range of undergraduate degrees online. Plus, the free application is available to all students regardless of their residency or American citizenship status.

7. The University of Scranton

The University of Scranton is one of the oldest higher education institutions in the world. this catholic university offers high-quality online learning with an emphasis on Jesuit practices.

8. Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) is a college that prepares students for several technical careers through a variety of undergrad, master's degree, doctoral, and certificate programs.

This public research university is generally cost-friendly to students and offers some merit-based programs based on ACT or SAT results in high school.

9. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a reputable and accredited college online. While the physical campus is located in New England, SNHU is known internationally for its accessible degree programs online. With a variety of start dates throughout the year students can easily enroll at a time convenient to them and jumpstart their education.

10. Franciscan University of Steubenville

The Franciscan University of Steubenville is a Catholic university located in Ohio. The online programs at this university range from criminal justice to business administration, guaranteeing a variety that covers most professional interests.

How to Avoid College Application Fees

Prospective students can strategize effective ways to not pay for college application fees. If there is proof of financial need, some colleges offer a few waivers that allow students to apply with no application fee.

To be considered for this program, students usually need proof of low income or financial need. Showing documentation or tax returns may show common eligibility.

State universities are typically more cost-friendly and may have a higher acceptance rate. Young learners may opt to apply for state, university, and public university options, rather than private universities that typically cost more.

Lastly, choosing to become an online student comes with cost benefits as well. You will save on school supplies and many of the enrollment costs like textbooks and student fees for using on-campus facilities. Accredited schools usually also charge less for online degrees.

How To Make College More Affordable

There are multiple financial aid options, available to students interested in earning an online degree. Students can apply for supplemental online courses that may count towards college credit. Students can also apply for grants and scholarships available online.

First-year students can start by earning their associate degree at a community college, which typically costs less for completing general education requirements. Students in high school can complete advanced placement courses that can count towards college credit. Students can also look into various fee waivers available through the school.

The Higher Learning Commission also offers multiple resources for low-income students. Check their website for grant and scholarship opportunities. Choose a nonprofit four-year college, rather than a for-profit college, which may charge more in tuition fees. Choose an in-state college rather than a full-time program out of state.

Apply To An Online College Today

Obtaining a college education doesn't have to break the bank. While finding a free college is possible but not common, there are many options for affordability in bachelor's degree programs throughout the country.

Choose an in-state college, or find more resources through the Higher Learning Commission. Likewise, choosing from one of the online degree programs without an application fee is a good start toward a less-expensive education.