5 Online Colleges With No Application Fee in Georgia

If you're preparing to start college, you probably know that getting your education can be pricey. You need all the help you can get when it comes to saving money, and that starts with applying for school. Are there any online colleges with no application fee in your home state of Georgia?

Keep reading as we explore some top affordable online colleges in Georgia that allow students to apply for free. We'll also answer some questions you may have about application fee waivers and applying to colleges that don't charge application fees.

Best Online Colleges With No Application Fee in Georgia

A few top schools in Georgia allow students to apply for free. Let's take a closer look at each of these schools and some of the online programs they offer.

1. Point University

Point University is a private Christian school located in West Point. It provides various online undergraduate and graduate degrees, including:

• information technology
• criminal justice
• business administration
• Christian ministries
• social work

The online application for school is free for all prospective students. When applying, students must submit transcripts from all high schools and colleges they have previously attended.

2. Brenau University

Brenau University is a private school headquartered in Gainesville. It features a wide variety of online courses and programs, some of which include:

• elementary education
• communication and media studies
• healthcare administration
• psychology
• accounting

The school accepts first-year learners, transfer students, and graduate students. No application fees are charged for any of these students.

3. South University

South University is a private, for-profit school headquartered in Savannah. Students can earn online degrees in many career-focused subjects, including:

• public health
• legal studies
• information systems
• human resources management
• public administration

Generally speaking, the school does not charge application fees. However, it does note that some of its programs utilize third-party application processing systems, some of which do charge fees. Students are encouraged to contact the admissions department to determine if they will be charged a fee for their specific program of interest.

4. Georgia Military College

Georgia Military College is a public junior college in Milledgeville. It offers various online associate and bachelor's degrees and certificate programs. Some programs of study include:

• supervision and management
• homeland security and emergency management
• cybersecurity
• operations management
• allied health

The school features flexible courses that students can take in an accelerated timeframe if desired. There is no application fee for students enrolling in online programs.

5. Truett McConnell University

Truett McConnell University is a private Baptist college in Cleveland. Several online programs are available at undergraduate and graduate levels, including:

• business administration
• Christian studies
• psychology
• criminal justice
• global studies

First-time freshmen and transfer students use a separate application than international, non-degree-seeking, and returning students. No application fees are charged.

Our Selection Criteria

We strive to choose programs that are both high-quality and accessible when creating our school rank lists. The following criteria were used when selecting the schools in this article:

• Accreditation: Each school maintains accreditation from a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting body.
• No application fee: Each school allows online learners to apply to the school without paying an application fee.
• Online programs: All of the schools offer various programs for online students to choose from.

What To Expect From Application Fee Waivers

Some colleges, like the schools discussed above, allow all students to apply for free. Other schools, like the University of Georgia, charge an application fee but provide fee waivers for qualifying students.

Application fee waivers allow students who would typically be charged for applying to the school to apply for free. In most cases, students must meet some eligibility criteria to qualify for a fee waiver.

For example, at the University of Georgia, the $70 application fee may be waived for students who demonstrate financial need, qualify for standardized test fee waivers, are homeless or live in low-income housing, or meet other eligibility criteria. Some of these fee waivers may be applied automatically when you complete your application, while others may require you to fill out a separate application to request the waiver.

Why Do Some Colleges Charge Application Fees?

The admissions process requires both time and money. Schools must pay well-trained admissions officers to look over each college application to determine which high school seniors and transfer students should and should not be accepted by the school.

Schools that charge application fees typically do so to cover the costs associated with looking over prospective students' applications and choosing which ones to admit. They may also charge application fees to increase their own perceived level of prestige and to ensure that only serious students submit applications.

How To Start the College Application Process for Free

To apply to college for free in Georgia, you will need to choose a school that either doesn't charge an application fee or provides a fee waiver that you qualify for. Most schools allow students to apply online, so you can start by visiting the admissions page on your prospective school's website.

Locate and click on the link that takes you to the online application. This may be a third-party website or a web-based app.

Read any included instructions before beginning the application to ensure you fill it out correctly, then begin. As you work through the application, be sure to fill out every section as completely and accurately as possible and attach all requested documents. When you are finished, review the application and submit it.

FAQs About Admission Requirements and Financial Aid for Online Students

If you still have questions about applying for online degree programs for free, you aren't alone. Read on as we explore answers to some commonly asked questions.

How Much Does Online College Cost in Georgia?

Tuition costs and other related fees vary widely. Students in online education programs in Georgia typically pay between $100 and $600 per credit hour for their degree; those in master's degree programs at some schools may pay even higher rates. Online colleges in Georgia that accept FAFSA and other types of financial aid can help you save on your out-of-pocket expenses by enabling you to get help paying for school.

How Can I Get Free College in Georgia?

In Georgia, any senior citizen aged 62 or older can attend college tuition-free. For younger students, attending online colleges that offer scholarships and financial aid can potentially enable them to get their education for free. There are many online colleges with grants and other aid opportunities in the state; taking advantage of these opportunities and combining them can help you greatly reduce your college debt, if not eliminate it entirely.

What Types of Financial Aid Are Available for Online College Students?

There are many different types of financial aid available. Federal, state, and school-based aid often comes in the form of grants, student loans, and work-study programs. Schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations often offer scholarships.

Employers may provide tuition assistance, and students with a military background may be eligible for additional benefits. Online colleges with tuition payment plans enable students to make small payments on a recurring basis rather than paying large sums of money all at once, making it easier for them to afford their degrees.

Explore Accredited Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

If you're ready to apply for enrollment at a Georgia school, consider the colleges and universities on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to learn more about their programs and to find the right one for you.