Lori Meadows
International students applying to US universities often face ambiguity regarding the Common App fee waiver. While international students are not eligible for US Government Programs, they can still apply for a Common App fee waiver if they meet the eligibility criteria. This typically involves demonstrating financial need, which can be attested to by a school official, college counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader. However, it is important to note that some universities, such as those in Texas, may not accept common app waivers, and it is advisable to refer to the specific policies of the universities in question.
Can international students get a Common App fee waiver?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for the Common App fee waiver? | Students in economic need who meet the eligibility criteria. International students are eligible for the Common App fee waiver, but not for US Governmental Programs. |
| What is the eligibility criterion for international students? | A school official, college counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader can attest to the student's financial need and provide supporting documentation or a letter stating that the application fee will be a financial burden for the student and their family. |
| Do all universities accept the Common App fee waiver? | No, some universities such as MIT are not on the Common App and therefore do not accept the Common App fee waiver. Universities in Texas, such as UTSA, TXST, and Texas Tech, also do not accept Common App waivers. |
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What You'll Learn
Income eligibility guidelines
International students may be eligible for a Common App fee waiver, depending on the college's policies. Each college has different criteria, so it is not guaranteed that they will accept your fee waiver request. It is worth noting that almost half of the colleges on Common App do not charge an application fee.
Now, let's discuss the Income Eligibility Guidelines, which are crucial for determining if you qualify for a fee waiver. These guidelines are set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service and are as follows:
- Enrolment in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or eligibility to participate in it. This program provides low-cost or free lunches to students from families with incomes below a certain level.
- Annual family income: The USDA has set income thresholds that vary based on family size and are updated annually. Your family's gross income must not exceed these limits. For example, for the 2023-2024 school year, a family of four would need to have an annual income of $36,900 or less to qualify for free meals.
- Enrolment in federal, state, or local programs: If you are enrolled in programs that aid low-income students, such as the Federal TRIO Upward Bound program, you may qualify for a fee waiver.
- Receipt of public assistance: If your family receives any form of public assistance, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), you may be eligible for a fee waiver.
- Housing situation: If you live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or are experiencing homelessness, you may qualify for a fee waiver.
It is important to note that these guidelines are not exhaustive, and other factors may be considered by the college when reviewing your fee waiver request. If you believe you meet any of these criteria or have unique financial circumstances, it is recommended to speak with your school counsellor or contact the colleges directly to discuss your options and determine your eligibility for a fee waiver.
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Application processes
International students can get a Common App fee waiver, but the process is not always straightforward. Each college must approve the request, and the student must meet certain criteria.
To apply for a fee waiver, students must first meet the requirements. These include: being enrolled in or eligible for the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program; having a family income that meets the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service; or being enrolled in a program that aids low-income families, such as Upward Bound. International students must usually meet at least one of these criteria.
The process for requesting a fee waiver differs depending on the platform. For the Common App, students indicate whether they qualify for a fee waiver in their Profile section and then select their reason. If the student has already received an SAT or ACT fee waiver, their school counsellor can sign off on this automatically. Otherwise, the student might have to provide proof of their financial situation to their counsellor.
International students should check the "'Other Request" box in the Economic Need section of the form and explain their financial barriers to paying the fee. This might include, for example, that their family has saved as much as they can for college, but the application fees are still unaffordable.
Students can also reach out directly to their prospective colleges to ask about fee waivers. Some colleges may accept a personal letter if the student is unable to obtain the necessary forms.
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University-specific policies
While many colleges and universities only offer fee waivers to students applying from within the United States, some universities do offer fee waivers for international students who can demonstrate financial hardship. It is important to note that each college has different policies regarding fee waivers, and it is recommended to check the specific university's website for detailed information. Here are some examples of university-specific policies on fee waivers for international students:
- University of Arkansas and Michigan State University: These universities have relatively low application fees of $40. They may consider fee waiver requests, especially if supported by a school counselor or designated official's signature.
- NACAC Fee Waiver: NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) offers a fee waiver request form for international students who can justify their financial need. International students should indicate their economic need by checking the "Other Request" box and explaining their financial barriers.
- QuestBridge: This non-profit organization partners with selective colleges to offer full four-year scholarships to high-achieving, low-income students through their National College Match program. International students facing financial hardships can explore this opportunity.
- SAT or ACT Fee Waiver: If an international student has already received an SAT or ACT fee waiver, they are likely eligible for college application fee waivers as well. Many universities accept these waivers, making the application process easier and potentially waiving additional fees.
It is always advisable for international students to review the policies of their desired universities and contact the admissions offices for clarification if needed. While some universities may have specific criteria for fee waivers, others may offer more flexible options to accommodate financial hardships.
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Supporting statements
International students can get a Common App fee waiver, but the process can be ambiguous and unclear. The eligibility criteria for US students are straightforward, such as being part of the National School Lunch Program. However, international students are not eligible for US government programs, so different criteria are considered.
The key criterion for international students is demonstrating financial need. A supporting statement or letter from a school official, college counsellor, financial aid officer, or community leader is required. This document must attest to the financial need of the student and their family and state that paying the application fee would be a burden. This criterion is the most commonly chosen option for international students, according to a student who applied to twelve top American universities.
It is important to note that not all universities accept the Common App fee waiver. For example, some universities in Texas, such as UTSA, TXST, and Texas Tech, do not accept the waiver. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the college directly to confirm their fee waiver policy.
Additionally, it is worth noting that some universities, like MIT, are not on the Common App and have their own application fee waiver processes. Thus, it is essential to review the application requirements and fee waiver options for each university individually.
When applying for a Common App fee waiver, international students should focus on providing a strong supporting statement demonstrating their financial need. This statement should be accompanied by relevant documentation or a letter from a school or community official.
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Alternative options
If you are an international student who does not qualify for a Common App fee waiver, there are alternative options you can explore. Here are some approaches you can take:
Contact the Admissions Office
Get in touch with the admissions offices of the colleges you are interested in and inquire about their policies on fee waivers. Each college sets its own unique policies, so it is worth asking directly for advice on how to obtain a fee waiver or information on alternative options.
Consult Your High School Counselor
Your high school counselor is a valuable resource in this process. They typically have access to alternative fee waiver forms, such as the ACT waiver or the NACAC waiver. They will guide you through the process and provide the necessary forms, and they can also offer you their signature of approval.
Explore Other Waiver Forms
If you did not receive an SAT fee waiver, there are still other waiver forms available. For instance, if you took the ACT instead, you can explore non-Common App and non-Coalition App schools that accept these alternative forms.
Check for Colleges that Accept Fee Waivers
Research and identify colleges that accept application fee waivers. There are resources available, such as downloadable PDFs, that list the colleges that accept fee waivers. This will help you determine if your schools of interest fall within this category.
Request a Fee Waiver
If you are applying through the Common App, you can directly request fee waivers from your chosen Common App schools. The Common Application streamlines this process and makes it easy for students to request waivers.
Remember, the eligibility criteria for fee waivers often align with those for SAT or ACT fee waivers. If you meet certain income-based guidelines or participate in specific programs for low-income students, you may qualify for these waivers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can get a Common App fee waiver. However, the criteria for international students are different from US citizens.
International students can get a Common App fee waiver if a school official, college counsellor, financial aid officer, or community leader can attest to their financial need. They must also provide a supporting document or letter stating that paying the application fee will be a financial burden.
For the year 2021-2022, if your family consisted of 4 members and you earned less than $49,025, you were eligible for the Common App fee waiver. The income eligibility guidelines are set annually by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
No, not all universities accept the Common App fee waiver. For example, MIT does not accept the Common App fee waiver, but it has its own application fee waiver on its application portal. Some universities in Texas, such as UTSA, TXST, and Texas Tech, also do not accept the Common App fee waiver.
To know if you're eligible, review the eligibility criteria carefully and select the indicators that apply to you. It is recommended to choose the last option, which is providing a supporting statement from a school official or financial aid officer, as it is safer for international students.
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