College Application Fee Waivers / Free Apps

  • Bowdoin College: Free application for first generation or anyone applying for financial aid.

  • Bryant University: Use the code tupp63

  • Culinary Institute of America: Apply by 12/31 using code REFERCIA. If admitted, students will receive a $1,000 Early Application Grant.

  • Dean College

  • Emmanuel College

  • Fitchburg State University: You must use the Fitchburg app

  • Framingham State U offers free applications to anyone touring the campus or attending an Open House.

  • Lasell U (Newton, Ma) Also offers a LEAP application which replaces the personal essay and recs with a one-to-one interview.

  • Mass College of Art and Design: Indicate on the application that you have a fee waiver (no code needed).

  • All UMaine campuses

  • Mass College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

  • Merrimack College (see below regarding a new tuition-reduction program)

  • Stonehill College: code 1948

  • U of New Haven will waive the application fee (go to their website to access the code).

  • Western New England University

  • For families who demonstrate financial need or who are experiencing hardship, a fee waiver is available on the Common App. If you are not sure you qualify, consult with your Guidance Counselor.

  • Bridgewater State University: Starting in the fall semester of 2025, the Bridgewater Commitment, will cover the full cost of tuition and mandatory fees (currently $11,734/year) for full-time, in-state students from families earning $125,000 or less.

  • Umass/Boston, through its “Beacon Pledge” program is now offering free tuition and fees for those families who earn less that $75,000 per year and are Pell Grant eligible. This covers all tuition and fees but not housing. Go to umb.edu for more information.

  • Mass State Community Colleges now offer free tuition/fees and provide up to $1,200 per year for books and supplies to those eligible.Basic requirements include a high school diploma, declaring a college major and taking a minimum of two classes per semester. Contact the community college of choice e.g. Mass Bay, Massasoit, Bristol, Bunker Hill, Roxbury, Cape Cod CC Middlesex and ask about the MassEducate program.