Studying in the USA is a golden dream for many international students. The USA allures everyone with its grandeur, top-ranked universities, advanced educational system, career opportunities, etc. That’s why it is the primary destination choice for many people when considering studying abroad.
Studying in the USA is not an easy process. There are a lot of things to be taken care of while thinking about studying in the USA, such as the language, qualifications, universities, courses, scholarships, etc.
Apart from all these factors, the cost of education is the main point of concern for many students. It is a total blend of application fees, tuition fees and other living expenditures. Among them, application fees are the primary expenditure involved in studying abroad. So, you need to have a clear idea about the university application fees for the USA before proceeding with your application.
What are Application Fees?
Application fees are meant to be paid by the students while applying for a university. It covers the cost of reviewing the application and official transcripts of the applicant along with their test scores. The application fees, typically, are non-refundable. Yet, it is the primary step in achieving your dreams abroad.
US Universities and Their Corresponding Application Fees
Various US universities have different application fees. Here is the list of some US universities and the corresponding application fees for each of them.
| Universities | Application Fee |
| Stanford University | $90 |
| Harvard University | $85 |
| Texas State University | $75 |
| University of Findlay | $75 |
| Kent State University | $70 |
| Emporia State University | $60 |
| Pittsburg State University | $60 |
| University of Cincinnati | $50 |
| University of New Haven | $50 |
| Kennesaw State University | $40 |
| Wichita State University | $40 |
| Eastern Michigan University | $35 |
| Wilmington University | $35 |
| Arkansas State University | $30 |
| Southwest Minnesota State University | $20 |
Application Fees for Online Programs in US Universities
The application fees for online programs are comparatively less than for offline and in-person courses. Here is the list of the US universities and their online program application fees.
| University | Application Fee |
| University of Florida | UG and PG= $30 |
| University of North Dakota | UG and PG= $35 |
| Oklahoma State University | UG= $40 PG= $50 |
| Kansas State University | UG= $40 PG= $65 |
| University of Arizona | UG and PG= $65 |
| Pennsylvania State University | UG and PG= $65 |
| Purdue University | Graduate = $60 (Domestic), $75 (International) |
Other Costs Involved in the Application Process
Application fees are not the only fee associated with the study abroad application process. There are other forms of fees and expenditures involved.
They are:
| Expenses | Amount |
| English Proficiency Test Fees | IELTS: ₹16,500 TOEFL:₹16,000 |
| SAT | ₹8,500 |
| GRE | ₹23,000 |
| GMAT | ₹23,500 |
| Health Insurance | ₹60,000 – ₹90,000 |
| Flight Ticket | ₹50,000 – ₹60,000 |
Tips to Manage the Application Fee in US Universities
- Apply for a Fee Waiver: Application fee waivers are available in US universities. You can research and find out the US universities that offer fee waivers for international students and claim for them.
- Request for General Test Fee Waiver: Check whether a fee waiver is available for the general test demanded by the universities of your choice. If possible, apply for it.
- Reduce the Number of Applications: If no fee waiver is available in the universities you are applying for, it is better to reduce the number of applications. Apply for only those universities that you are confident about.
- Take Part in University Webinars: Many universities conduct open webinars and offer a free code for some selected students who attend the webinars.
- Find Out Universities Without Application Fees: Some US universities do not have application fees. You can search for and apply to those universities to save the application fee.
- Apply to Community Colleges: Community colleges have lower application fees than other universities. It helps you to save the amount for the application fee.
List of Universities with Application Fee Waivers in The USA
Fee waivers mean a reduction in the prescribed fee amount. Some universities in the USA offer application fee waivers for international students.
They are:
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Northeastern University
- Colorado State University
- Trinity University
- American University at Washington DC
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Drake University
- Georgia State University
- University of Rochester
- St. Lawrence University
- Wayne State University
- University of Virginia
US Universities without Application Fee
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Concordia University Chicago
- University of Dayton
- Smith College
- University of Bridgeport
- Wellesley College
- Saint Louis University
- Trine University
- Michigan Technological University
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- Ohio Wesleyan University
- Hampshire College
- Carlow University
Things to note about the application fee waiver universities is that they allow students to apply without paying the standard application fee thus easing the financial burden for international applicants.
Universities like Harvard, Yale and Carnegie Mellon, among others, offer such waivers. Some universities even eliminate application fees completely to promote accessibility for diverse applicants. You need to check eligibility requirements before applying.
Application Process for US Universities that Do not Charge Application Fees
Applying to US universities that do not charge application fees from international students has a different set of steps. Follow these steps to easily navigate through the application process.
- Research Thoroughly: You have to research thoroughly about the US universities that do not charge the application fee.
- Check the Fee Policies: You have to cross-check the fee waiver information for each university before proceeding with your application.
- Arrange the Application Materials: Go through the application requirements for each university and ensure that you arrange for the necessary application materials such as SOPs, LORs, personal statements, etc.
- Create an Account on Application Platforms: There may be separate application platforms. Create an account on those platforms to ensure a hassle-free application process.
- Submit the Application: Fill in the application with proper details and submit it on time.
- Submit Documents: Gather all the essential documents and submit those documents to the authorities for verification.
- Monitor Application Status: You have to regularly check your application status. Once it gets approved, apply for a visa and search for accommodation in the USA.
- Financial Aids: Numerous financial aids are available for international students in the USA. Go through the details of each of them and apply for the most suitable one.
- Enrollment: Complete your enrollment at the US university by submitting the additional documents demanded by the university.
Key Takeaways
Studying in the USA is a dream for many international students but it involves various costs including tuition fees, living expenses and application fees. University application fees for the USA are the primary expenses varying widely across universities. Prestigious institutions like Stanford and Harvard charge $85 to $90 or INR 6,970 to INR 7,380 and Southwest Minnesota State University has fees as low as $20 or INR 1,660. You need to remember that online programs often have lower application fees compared to traditional in-person programs.
You need to research fee policies, prepare required documents and monitor application status regularly to ensure a smooth application process. Lastly, you need to explore financial aid options and scholarships to reduce overall expenses which can ensure a fulfilling educational journey in the USA.