Last chance for applicants to apply to Texas public colleges fee-free

This week, Texas high school seniors and others looking to apply to undergraduate programs will not have to pay college application fees as part of Free College Application Week. The exemption period started on Monday but is active as you’re reading this until this Sunday at 11:59 p.m. CT (10:59 p.m. MT for our friends in far West Texas).

Important to note is that this applies only to Texas residents applying to Texas public institutions. We have some of the best public colleges in the world, so getting to apply for free is a good deal.

Free College Application Week was created by SB 2231 in the 89th legislative session, where it sailed through the Senate and House (though not without 25 House Republicans voting against it). The bill codifies this fee-free week as occurring during the 2nd full week of October, meaning it's here to stay and will arrive at a knowable time every year. 

This is a good law. Much hay has been made over the worth of higher education, and we should support many alternative pathways to successful, stable careers. But there should also be far fewer financial barriers to college if that choice is the best one for a student. Waiving a $75 application fee is a small, but meaningful first step in the right direction.

Application fees are just one of the many costs a family with a high school senior may have to deal with, along with costs relating to senior activities like prom or graduation, and SAT/ACT test fees. Parents and guardians should encourage their eligible students to take advantage of this period; a kid looking to apply to four schools to cover their bases as is typically advised (a reach school, some “safe” picks) could spend up to $300 in fees alone. As long as those essays are done and their resume is up to date, applying before Monday means hundreds saved. Click here to go to ApplyTexas.