Here’s how to beat college application fees, for free, at over 60 GA schools this month
Families and high school seniors across Georgia can get help to navigating the college enrollment process throughout November for free.
This month, over 60 state colleges and universities, including at least six in the Middle Georgia area, are waiving their application fees for high school seniors. This effort is part of “Apply to College Month,” an initiative in partnership with the Georgia Student Finance Commission.
It marks the fifth consecutive year for the GSFC’s November campaign to promote application fee waivers and underscores the agency’s mission to help students pursue higher education with the least out-of-pocket cost possible, the commission said.
“Through the incredible support of our postsecondary partners — the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia, and the Georgia Independent College Association — thousands of high school seniors can now apply to college for free,” Georgia Student Finance Commission President Chris Green said in a press release.
Each year, more than $1 billion in scholarships and grants are available to help Georgia students succeed, according to the finance agency.
How much are you saving at Middle Georgia colleges, universities?
At least four Middle Georgia institutions charge application fees that do not apply during this time period, according to their admissions websites:
- Georgia Military College: $35
- Middle Georgia State University: $30
- Mercer University: $25
- Fort Valley State University: $50
Central Georgia Technical College does not charge an application fee, and admission is free at Wesleyan College for domestic students.
How to apply to college for free
In 2023, Gov. Brian Kemp’s office launched GEORGIA MATCH, a state-run direct admissions program designed to match graduating high school seniors with a list of eligible colleges based on GPA.
Students who apply through the GEORGIA MATCH direct admissions dashboard in November will automatically have their application fees waived, according to the GSFC.
There is no limit to the number of participating schools a student can apply to using these fee waivers, the commission said.
Families can access the full list of participating schools, along with details on how to access the application fee waivers, at GAfutures.org.
Students interested in learning more about application fee waivers, GEORGIA MATCH, scholarships or grants can schedule a meeting with their regional GSFC outreach representative online.
“Whether at a (University System of Georgia), (Technical College System of Georgia), or private institution, we want Georgia students to know they can receive a great education that will set them up for success without having to leave the state,” Kemp said in a press release.