Application fees are non-refundable and add up quickly when you’re keeping your options open. Many schools have responded by dropping fees altogether or offering waivers for students with financial need, military backgrounds, or other qualifying criteria.
This guide covers 20 graduate schools without application fees, 10 schools with fee waivers, and other fee waiver programs worth knowing about.
20 Grad Schools with No Application Fee
These schools allow anyone to apply for free — no qualifying criteria required. Removing the fee lowers the barrier to applying and gives schools access to a more diverse pool of qualified applicants.
Located in Baldwin City, Kansas, Baker University ranks in the top 8% of schools nationally and prides itself on small class sizes and a personalized learning experience. Graduate programs are offered in hybrid and online formats with rolling admissions.
The MSN and business and management programs have no application fee; check each program’s specific requirements for other details.
Colorado Technical University offers in-person classes at campuses in Colorado Springs and Denver, plus a full range of online options. Graduate programs span computer science, engineering, healthcare, nursing, and criminal justice.
The no-fee application applies to all programs, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis year-round. Some programs require entrance essays or interviews.
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Grand Canyon University integrates Christian faith into campus life and offers graduate programs in online, evening, and traditional in-person formats. Competitive tuition rates and a wide program selection make GCU a popular choice.
Most programs require a minimum 2.8 undergraduate GPA; some require higher. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
One of Philadelphia’s oldest Catholic institutions, Immaculata University is a liberal arts school emphasizing public service. In addition to the online application, prospective students submit a one-page essay and a program-tailored résumé.
Some programs also require an interview with the department chair. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; only the MAT program uses a separate application portal.
A Christian liberal arts and professional education school based in Marion, Indiana, IWU also offers classes online, at 11 regional education centers across Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, and in hybrid formats.
None of its graduate programs have an application fee. Deadlines: June 1 for fall enrollment, October 15 for spring.
Johnson & Wales in Providence, Rhode Island is known for its experienced faculty and experiential learning model. Graduate programs are offered online, on campus, and in hybrid formats.
Each department has its own admissions requirements; most programs require a statement of purpose, essay, and letters of recommendation, and set minimum GPA standards.
A liberal arts school in Newton, Massachusetts, Lasell University emphasizes hands-on learning through service learning, internships, and study abroad. Its 30+ graduate programs are offered in all formats (on-campus, online, hybrid) and focus on professional connections and personal growth.
Standard graduate admission requirements include a personal statement, official bachelor’s transcript, and résumé.
Located in Longview, Texas, LeTourneau is a nondenominational Christian university with graduate programs in business, education, engineering, psychology, and leadership. Formats include in-person, hybrid, online, and accelerated evening options. Standard admission requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Applicants below 2.5 must submit a résumé documenting relevant work experience to be considered on academic probation. Application deadlines vary by semester.
A private, nonprofit Jesuit institution in Chicago, Loyola offers graduate programs both on-campus and online in biomedical sciences, social work, nursing, education, and dual degrees. Most programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA along with program-specific criteria such as particular undergraduate coursework or degrees.
The application process includes both general materials and program-specific requirements.
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Maryville University was the second-fastest growing private university in the country in 2020. Its favorable student-to-faculty ratio and technology-forward approach prepare graduates for the modern workforce. Graduate programs are offered both on-campus and online; specific admission requirements vary by program.
Application deadlines: June 1 for fall, November 1 for spring.
Originally founded to train mining engineers, Michigan Tech in Houghton, Michigan, has grown into a major technological research university with over 125 graduate programs across in-person and online formats. In addition to program-specific admissions requirements, Michigan Tech provides a consolidated list of forms and deadlines to help students plan their degree completion timelines.
A private, nonprofit institution in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, MSOE offers graduate degrees in engineering, business, education, healthcare, and nursing. General requirements include a bachelor’s degree, completing the free online application, and submitting transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities.
Applications are accepted for all three semesters, so there is no single annual deadline.
As the nation’s oldest private military college, Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont has a strong commitment to students with military affiliations. All graduate programs are delivered 100% online. In addition to the application form, applicants need three professional references and a letter of intent.
Application deadlines and tuition due dates vary by program.
Saint Xavier, a Catholic university in Chicago, is recognized as the most affordable Catholic institution in Illinois and was ranked sixth for best online graduate nursing programs in 2022 by U.S. News & World Report.
Standard requirements typically include an application, personal statement, résumé, and official transcripts; some programs require professional recommendations in place of a résumé.
SNHU offers one of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation. Graduate degrees are available online and in person at its Manchester, New Hampshire campus and regional centers in New Hampshire and Maine. A minimum 2.75 GPA is required.
Applications for its five graduate terms are accepted on a rolling basis, with admission requirements specific to each program.
The University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio holds the title of #1 Catholic school for sponsored engineering research and development. It offers 50 graduate programs, many with flexible online options.
Standard requirements for most programs include an online application, transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement, résumé, and/or writing sample. Some programs additionally require GMAT or GRE scores.
Although it has a campus in Phoenix, Arizona, most University of Phoenix classes are available online. The minimum GPA for all master’s programs is 2.5. Some graduate programs require relevant work experience or access to an environment where you can apply program concepts.
Admission requires a free application and undergraduate transcripts. Phoenix charges no out-of-state tuition.
The University of Scranton is a private liberal arts school in Scranton, Pennsylvania, recognized for its engineering, nursing, and business programs. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required, and applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to their academic abilities.
Graduate admissions requirements are specific to each program and study mode.
Located in Joliet, Illinois, the University of St. Francis is a Catholic institution grounded in Franciscan values of compassion, service, integrity, and respect. Graduate programs span business, education, healthcare, management, social work, and nursing.
Admission requirements vary by program; all applicants are assisted by a personal admissions counselor throughout the process.
An online university headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Walden helped pioneer online education for working adults. It offers a wide range of graduate programs from business and counseling to public policy and social work, each with flexible formats and a skills-focused curriculum.
Admission requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree; specific requirements and application deadlines are set by each graduate program.
10 Grad Schools with Application Fee Waivers
These schools charge an application fee but offer waivers that are often straightforward to obtain — for financial need, military background, or participation in specific scholar programs.
A prestigious Christian research university in Waco, Texas, Baylor is ranked #77 nationally by U.S. News & World Report and holds Research I status from the Carnegie Classification. Its graduate programs cover everything from nursing to theatre studies.
Application fee waivers are available for active and retired military members and for McNair Scholars.
Boston University offers over 400 graduate programs spanning actuarial sciences, education, urban affairs, and much more. Each program has its own requirements and deadlines.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply for a need-based fee waiver through the Common Application.
An Ivy League research university in Ithaca, New York, Cornell offers nearly 100 graduate programs. Most applicants will need to submit test scores, recommendations, a statement of purpose, and transcripts.
The application fee may be waived for students who demonstrate financial hardship or are participating in the Pathways Program.
Georgia State prides itself on its diverse student body, innovative programs, and strong reputation as a public research institution. Students can attend at one of six Atlanta-area campuses or through online and hybrid programs.
Application fee waivers are available for Ronald E. McNair Scholars.
Northeastern in Boston is known for experiential learning and interdisciplinary research. With hundreds of graduate programs, requirements and deadlines vary by college. Standard requirements include an application, transcripts, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and a professional résumé or CV; some programs require GRE, LSAT, or GMAT scores.
Need-based fee waivers are available through the Common Application.
One of the nation’s most innovative universities, Purdue in West Lafayette, Indiana offers over 160 graduate degree programs focused on real-world application.
Fee waivers are available for active and retired military members and for U.S. citizens or permanent residents who can demonstrate economic hardship.
Southern Illinois University in Carbondale ranks in the top 5% of all universities nationally for its research impact. Graduate programs span accountancy, animal science, speech communication, and zoology. A minimum 2.7 GPA is required for master’s programs; doctoral programs require 3.0.
Application fee waivers are available for McNair and Fulbright Scholars.
A public research university with extensive internship opportunities, UA Little Rock offers 130 graduate programs across art, business, mathematics, and social sciences. The application process begins by choosing a program and contacting its coordinator.
Fee waiver conditions are listed on the waiver request form on the graduate school’s website.
A well-respected research university in Rochester, New York, known for its small student-to-faculty ratio and highly competitive graduate admissions. Programs span arts, sciences, engineering, oral health, business, and education. Individual programs handle their own admissions processes and offer coaching throughout.
Fee waivers are awarded based on financial need.
The University of Washington has its main campus in Seattle with additional campuses in Bothell and Tacoma. Standard admission requirements include a bachelor’s or master’s degree, official transcripts, and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Application fee waivers are awarded to McNair Scholars, PPIA Fellows Program participants, and students with demonstrated financial need.
Other Fee and Tuition Waiver Programs for Grad Students
Application fees aren’t the only extra costs in graduate school. Mandatory campus and program fees can add up significantly on top of tuition. Here are several additional waiver programs worth knowing about:
- University of California — Waives nonresident fees for spouses, domestic partners, and children of California law enforcement officers or firefighters killed in active duty. Also extends to spouses, domestic partners, and children of U.S. military members and California National Guard members who were disabled or killed in action.
- Florida State Employees — Eligible for tuition and fee waivers at any Florida state university or Florida College System institution. This is a space-dependent benefit: students must wait until their institution meets a minimum number of fee-paying students. Not all courses qualify; contact the specific institution to verify eligibility.
- Nevada System of Higher Education — Waives tuition and fees for Native Americans who are members of tribes or nations located within Nevada. Applicants must be state residents for at least one year before applying.
- Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board — Administers tuition and fee waiver programs for students with hearing and vision disabilities and for students who were formerly in foster care in the state of Texas.
- Yellow Ribbon Program — Available through the VA, this program waives all resident tuition and fees for veterans and active-duty service members who meet certain service requirements. Benefits can be transferred to eligible dependents. Start by finding a participating Yellow Ribbon school, then confirm which degree types and programs qualify.
- University of Washington — Waives fees for children and spouses of resident law enforcement officers, state patrol officers, firefighters, and highway workers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Also waives fees and tuition for individuals wrongly convicted of a crime; this benefit is transferable to their children.