no essay no application fee colleges

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, complete list: colleges with no application fee (updated).

College Admissions

Trying to save money on college applications? Good news! There are actually quite a few colleges that allow you to apply for free. In this article, I'll provide some general information about application fees along with a comprehensive list of all the schools that offer free applications.

Application Fees at a Glance

Most colleges charge application fees in the $50-60 range , but they can sometimes be as high as $90 (looking at you, Stanford). Many top schools charge application fees of $75 or more.

To put this in context, suppose you are applying to five different schools. If three have $50 application fees and two have $75 application fees, you'll be spending $300 on applications alone. (And that doesn't include the cost of any ACT or SAT scores you might send as well.) That's not small change for most people, so application fees are something you might take into account in your college search process.

Fortunately, many schools, even ones that have very high application fees, offer waivers to students with financial need. In order to be eligible for a fee waiver, you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

• You were provided with a fee waiver to take the SAT or ACT
• You are enrolled in a Free or Reduced Price Lunch Program
• Your family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service
• You're enrolled in a federal, state or local program that aids students from low-income families
• Your family receives public assistance
• You live in federally subsidized housing or a foster home

You can request a fee waiver form here. Once you fill out the form, your guidance counselor has to sign it, and then you should mail it to the admissions office of the college you have selected. Alternatively, if you want to avoid paying hundreds of dollars in application fees or going through the process of obtaining a fee waiver, you should consider applying to some of the schools with free applications that are listed in this article.

Making Smart Choices With Application Fees

If your dream school has a $75 application fee and you're considering not applying because of the cost, you need to consider the costs versus the long term benefits. Compared to the total cost of attending college, that fee is a drop in the bucket. Over the course of four years, if you plan on attending a private college, you'll end up paying close to $200,000 on average in total cost. Even for public schools the price tag will be close to $100,000. The fee is a very small part of the overall expenses that come along with attending college.

Don't sacrifice the opportunity to attend a school that's a perfect fit for you because of an application fee. You'll most likely end up regretting your decision later. Similarly, you should try not to choose schools that don't fit what you're looking for just because they have lower application fees. If you check out some of the no fee schools that I've listed and find that you really like them, then it's a win-win, but don't let it influence you too much if there are other fee-charging schools that you think you will really love!

Colleges That Don't Require Application Fees (By State)

Here is our complete and updated list of colleges that don't require an application fee. (Note that some schools may require a fee for paper applications.)

Auburn University at Montgomery

Huntingdon College

Miles College

Spring Hill College

Alaska Pacific University

Grand Canyon University

Williams Baptist College

Arkansas Tech University

Henderson State University

Hendrix College

Southern Arkansas University

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

California College San Diego

Deep Springs College

Dominican University of California

Holy Names University  

Laguna College of the Arts

La Sierra University

Northwest College

Notre Dame de Namur University

Pacific Union College

University of the Pacific

Thomas Aquinas College

Colorado College

Colorado Mountain College

Johnson & Wales University - Denver

Regis University

US Air Force Academy

Connecticut

US Coast Guard Academy

University of Hartford (fee waived only if you apply by November 15)

Mitchell College  

University of Saint Joseph  

Ave Maria University

Florida Gateway College

Florida Institute of Technology

Indian River State College

Johnson & Wales University - North Miami

Polk State College

Saint Leo University

Santa Fe College

Agnes Scott College

Berry College

Brenau University

Oglethorpe University

Piedmont College

Savannah State University

Wesleyan College  

College of Southern Idaho  

College of Idaho

Augustana College

Aurora University

Bradley University

Elmhurst College

Eureka College

Greenville College

Illinois College

Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Wesleyan University

Lake Forest College

Loyola University Chicago

McKendree University

Millikin University

Monmouth College

Rockford University

Saint Augustine College

University of St. Francis

Anderson University

Butler University

Calumet College of St. Joseph

DePauw University

Earlham College

Franklin College

Grace College  

Hanover College

Holy Cross College

Indiana Wesleyan University

Manchester University

Purdue University-North Central

St. Mary's College

Trine University

University of Evansville

University of Indianapolis

Valparaiso University

Buena Vista University

Central College

Coe College

Cornell College  

Drake University

Graceland University

Grand View University

Grinnell College

Iowa Wesleyan College

Loras College

Luther College

Morningside College

Mount Mercy University

Northwestern College

Simpson College

St. Ambrose University

Upper Iowa University

Wartburg College

Baker University

Barclay College

Bethany College

MidAmerica Nazarene University

Sterling College

Alice Lloyd College

Asbury University

Berea College

Centre College

Lindsey Wilson College

University of Pikeville

Thomas More College

Transylvania University

Centenary College

Loyola University New Orleans

Tulane University

Colby College

College of the Atlantic

St. Joseph's College

Unity College

Capitol Technology University  

Hood College

St. John's College

Stevenson University  

US Naval Academy

Washington Adventist University

Massachusetts

Bay Path College

Eastern Nazarene College

Emmanuel College

Fisher College

Hampshire College

Lasell College

Lesley University

MCPHS University

Merrimack College

Mount Holyoke College

Nichols College

Simmons College

Smith College

Wellesley College

Adrian College

Albion College

Alma College

Aquinas College

Calvin College

Concordia University

University of Detroit Mercy

Ferris State University

Finlandia University

Hillsdale College

Kalamazoo College

Kettering University

Madonna University

Michigan Technological University

Northwood University

Oakland University

Olivet College

Siena Heights University

Augsburg College

Bethany Lutheran College

Bethel University

Carleton College

College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University

Concordia College

Gustavus Adolphus College

Hamline University

Metropolitan State University

Saint John's University

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

St. Catherine University

St. Olaf College

College of St. Scholastica

University of St. Thomas

Mississippi

Alcorn State University

Jackson State University

Millsaps College

Mississippi University for Women

Mississippi Valley State University

Rust College

Avila University

College of the Ozarks

Culver-Stockton College

Drury University

Fontbonne University

Maryville University of St. Louis

Northwest Missouri State University

Ranken Technical College

Rockhurst University

Saint Louis University

Stephens College

Truman State University

Westminster College

William Jewell College

William Woods University

Carroll College  

University of Great Falls

Salish Kootenai College

Chadron State College

Concordia University-Nebraska

Creighton University

Doane College-Crete

Hastings College

Midland University

Nebraska Wesleyan University

Peru State College

Union College

Wayne State College

Sierra Nevada College

New Hampshire

Colby-Sawyer College  

Granite State College

New England College

Saint Peter's University

Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus

Navajo Technical University

Northern New Mexico College

Canisius College

Cazenovia College

Clarkson University  

Colgate University (free for non-US citizens only)

D'Youville College

Daemen College  

Davis College

Hartwick College

Hilbert College

Hobart & William Smith Colleges

Keuka College

Le Moyne College  

Medaille College

College of Mount Saint Vincent

Mount Saint Mary College

Nazareth College

Niagara University

Roberts Wesleyan College

Sage College of Albany

St. Bonaventure University

St. John's University

College of New Rochelle/Mercy College

College of St. Rose

Touro College

US Merchant Marine Academy

US Military Academy (West Point)

North Carolina

Barton College

Belmont Abbey College

Catawba College

Guilford College

Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte

University of Mount Olive

Queens University of Charlotte

Warren Wilson College

North Dakota

University of Jamestown

Ashland University

Baldwin Wallace University

Chatfield College  

College of Wooster

University of Dayton

Defiance College  

Denison University  

University of Findlay

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Franklin University

Hiram College

John Carroll University

Kenyon College

Lake Erie College

University of Mount Union

Notre Dame College

Oberlin College

Ohio Northern University

Ohio Wesleyan University

Shawnee State University

University of Rio Grande

Ursuline College

Wilmington College

Wittenberg University

Xavier University

Oklahoma Baptist University

Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Lewis & Clark College

Linfield College-McMinnville Campus

Reed College

Pennsylvania

Albright College

Allegheny College

Arcadia University

Bryn Mawr College  

Carlow University  

Cedar Crest College  

Central Pennsylvania College

Chatham University

Delaware Valley College

Duquesne University

Elizabethtown College  

Gannon University  

Gwynedd Mercy University  

Immaculata University

Juniata College

King's College  

La Roche College

La Salle University

Lebanon Valley College

Lincoln University of Pennsylvania

Lycoming College

Marywood University  

Mercyhurst University

Moravian College

Neumann University

Point Park University

Robert Morris University

Rosemont College

Saint Francis University

University of Scranton

Susquehanna University

Ursinus College

Washington & Jefferson College  

Wilson College

Rhode Island

Johnson & Wales University - Providence

South Carolina

Allen University

Coker College

Columbia College

Converse College

Limestone College

Presbyterian College

South Dakota

University of Sioux Falls

Freed-Hardeman University

Lane College

Maryville College

Rhodes College

Sewanee: The University of the South

Tusculum College

Austin College

Baylor University

Hardin-Simmons University

Houston Baptist University

Howard Payne University

LeTourneau University

Saint Edward's University (fee waived for those who apply by Dec. 1)

Southwestern Adventist University

Southwestern University

St. Mary's University

Texas A&M International University

University of St. Thomas - Texas

University of Houston-Victoria

University of Texas-El Paso

University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley

Texas Wesleyan University

Trinity University

Champlain College

Averett University

Bridgewater College

Christendom College  

Emory & Henry College

Hampden-Sydney College  

Hollins University

Liberty University

Lynchburg College  

Randolph-Macon College

Randolph College

Roanoke College

Sweet Briar College

Olympic College

Pacific Lutheran University

Saint Martin's University

Whitworth University

West Virginia

Alderson Broaddus University

Bluefield State College

Concord University

Davis & Elkins College

West Liberty University

West Virginia University at Parkersburg

West Virginia Wesleyan College

Wheeling Jesuit University

Alverno College

Beloit College

Cardinal Stritch University

Carroll University

Lakeland College

Marquette University

Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design

Milwaukee School of Engineering

Mount Mary University

Northland College

St. Norbert College

Wisconsin Lutheran College

What's Next?

The Common Application makes it easy to apply to a bunch of different schools through a single online platform. Find out which colleges use it.

Are you worried about standardized tests and their role in your college application? Read this article to find out when these tests might not matter for you. Also take a look at this list of colleges that don't require SAT scores.

Everyone knows about the really selective colleges, but what are some colleges that are actually easy to get into? Find out here.

Samantha is a blog content writer for PrepScholar. Her goal is to help students adopt a less stressful view of standardized testing and other academic challenges through her articles. Samantha is also passionate about art and graduated with honors from Dartmouth College as a Studio Art major in 2014. In high school, she earned a 2400 on the SAT, 5's on all seven of her AP tests, and was named a National Merit Scholar.

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In today’s economy, people are beginning to wonder about the benefits of going to college and earning a college degree.

It is true that in recent years college grads are having a harder and harder time finding employment –a fact typically applies to new graduates.

The rising cost of a college degree is nigh outrageous, yet the rising cost of not going to college are about the same.

Here are some compelling reasons to show that earning a college degree is still more beneficial than not.

A college grad earns more than a non-grad.

The earnings gap between Millennials with a bachelor’s degree and those without is widening year over year.

Benefits go beyond financial earnings. College-educated Millennials are more likely to be married and less likely to be living in their parents’ home.

College grads find more satisfaction with their jobs. The cost of not going to college is rising.

Compared to earlier generations, Millennials with only a high school diploma are suffering more economically.

College grads agree that a college degree is worth it. Approximately 90% of college graduates believe that their investment in college is or will be worthwhile.

College majors matter more than you know. Science and engineering majors are more likely to stay in a career related to their field of study than other majors. They are also the least likely to say that another major would have better prepared them for the jobs they really desired.

College grads are happier and healthier overall. Those with college degrees have better health, exercise more, and smoke less. They tend to live about 9 years longer than those who don’t graduate from high school.

College educated people also volunteer and vote more, creating a great addition to their communities.

Overview |  List by State | Interactive Tool

Colleges and Application Fees

An application fee means that students need to submit payment when they apply to the school. It is not as though students can pay merely one application fee and then submit their materials to as many colleges as they want. Most times, students have to pay a separate application fee to each college they apply to. Plenty of high school students takes standardized tests to bolster their college applications. Sending these scores to schools also comes at a cost.

Reasons for Application Fees

Colleges and universities have their reasons for charging application fees. For example, consider the fact that admissions boards want to know that students are serious about attending the school. If any of the students who are initially accepted ultimately decline to attend the college, the committee has lost a significant portion of the time. Having a fee attached to applications can encourage students to take the process more seriously and to apply only to schools they wish to attend.

Reasons Against Application Fees

While schools likely have their reasons for charging application fees, several issues also exist with this approach. Some students and their families cannot afford to pay for the application fees. Therefore, they need to pay multiple application fees to do so. Having application fees attached to colleges can hinder students experiencing financial distress to miss out on educational opportunities that could ultimately lift them out of poverty or negative economic circumstances. Application fees can cause a growing gap between individuals who are living in poverty and individuals who are wealthy.

Also, the costs of college are high. Families might put all of their extra money aside to pay for tuition, books and other necessities. Some might state that financial aid is available to help with these costs, implying that the families can afford the application fees. However, keep in mind that not everyone qualifies for financial aid, so this option might not be a possibility for them. Learning more about colleges with no application fee can help these students and their families.

Many Possibilities

When students first hear about colleges with no application fee, they may balk. They might think they will face limited possibilities if they pursue this route. These notions might cause them to not pursue colleges without application fees at all. However, the opposite is true. Many colleges across plenty of states offer applications that do not come with a fee attached. Students who wish to apply only to those schools that will not charge them an application fee have plenty of options to explore.

High-Quality Institutions

Another concern that some students have is that even if they can find universities with no application fees, they will have to select from only schools of poor quality. They might think the curriculum will not challenge them on an academic level or that the institution may lack opportunities for internships or for social interactions with peers. These assumptions are also false. Students can find schools with solid reputations on the list of universities with no application fees. Diverse opportunities are available.

Related Programs That Might Interest You

Research school reputations.

As with any academic pursuit, conducting thorough research is necessary. While many of the schools with no application fees are reputable institutions, schools should examine each specific school to which they are applying. For example, they should typically avoid for-profit institutions. Another problem can arise if students are enrolling in non-accredited universities. A non-accredited university is not a wise decision because the degree may prove useless.

Choose Online Applications

One easy way to possibly avoid an application fee is to complete the application online. Some schools offer both paper applications and online applications. With paper applications, they might charge a fee, whereas they do not with online applications. While some students prefer to fill out forms by hand, they should take into account the money-saving benefits. Online applications are also typically faster to complete.

Review the Details

Students might discover schools that waive the application fee only if the forms are completed and submitted by a certain date. Other schools may waive the application fee only for certain semesters. Each school will have its own requirements, so reviewing the details well before all deadlines is a wise decision.

Check Qualification Criteria

At other institutions, waived application fees may apply to only certain individuals. Families who qualify as low-income might can apply to a specific college for free whereas other families do not. Adults returning to college after a period of absence from school may not qualify for waived application fees at certain schools, but students who are under 18 and are claimed as dependents by their parents might. Again, some schools do not have waived admission fees across the board but allow them in some circumstances.

Maintain a Serious Approach

Once students learn that some schools do not have application fees, they might feel tempted to apply to these institutions. However, maintaining a serious approach is important. A waived application fee does not mean that the student fails to seriously study the application material. College application packages often require several documents and a great deal of information. Packages that are incomplete or that are hastily put together may end up in rejection.

Put the Money to Good Use

After saving all of these funds on application fees, put the money to good use. Starting an account specifically for college expenses or contributing to one that already exists is useful. The next four years will come with a variety of expenses. Instead of having to scramble to cover these costs, students can use money that would otherwise have been spent on application fees.

Looking at the total costs of college can overwhelm individuals. Fortunately, they can reduce at least some of those costs by opting for colleges that do not have application fees.

List of Colleges With No Application Fee (By State)

Huntingdon College

Miles College

Spring Hill College

Alaska Pacific University

Williams Baptist College

Arkansas Tech University

Henderson State University

Hendrix College

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Brandman University

California College San Diego

Deep Springs College

Dominican University of California

Holy Names University  ($20 fee for paper application)

La Sierra University

Menlo College

Northwest College

Notre Dame de Namur University

Pacific Union College

University of the Pacific

Thomas Aquinas College

Colorado Mountain College

Johnson & Wales University - Denver

Regis University

US Air Force Academy

Connecticut

US Coast Guard Academy

University of Hartford  ($35 fee for paper application)

Mitchell College   ($30 fee for paper application)

University of Saint Joseph  ($30 fee for paper application)

Wesley College

Ave Maria University

Florida Gateway College

Florida Institute of Technology

Indian River State College

Johnson & Wales University - North Miami Polk State College

Saint Leo University

Santa Fe College

State College of Florida - Manatee-Sarasota

Agnes Scott College

Bainbridge College

Berry College

Oglethorpe University

Piedmont College

Savannah State University

Wesleyan College  ($30 fee for paper application)

College of Southern Idaho  ($10 fee for paper application)

College of Idaho

Augustana College

Aurora University

Bradley University

Elmhurst College

Eureka College

Greenville College

Illinois College

Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Wesleyan University

Lake Forest College

Loyola University Chicago

McKendree University

Millikin University

Monmouth College

Rockford University

Saint Augustine College

University of St. Francis

Anderson University

Ancilla College

Butler University

Calumet College of St. Joseph

DePauw University

Earlham College

Franklin College

Grace College  ($30 fee for paper application)

Hanover College

Holy Cross College

Indiana Wesleyan University

Manchester University  ($25 fee for paper application)

Purdue University-North Central

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

St. Joseph’s College

St. Mary's College

Trine University

University of Evansville

University of Indianapolis

Valparaiso University

Buena Vista University

Central College

Coe College

Cornell College  ($30 fee for paper application)

Drake University

Graceland University

Grand View University

Grinnell College

Iowa Wesleyan University

Loras College

Luther College

Morningside College

Mount Mercy University

Northwestern College

Simpson College

St. Ambrose University

Upper Iowa University

Wartburg College

Baker University

Barclay College

Bethany College

MidAmerica Nazarene University

Sterling College

Alice Lloyd College

Asbury University

Berea College

Centre College

Lindsey Wilson College

University of Pikeville

Thomas More College

Transylvania University

Centenary College

Loyola University New Orleans

Tulane University

Colby College

St. Joseph's College

Unity College

Capitol Technology University  ($25 fee for paper application)

Hood College

St. John's College

Stevenson University  ($40 fee for paper application)

US Naval Academy

Washington Adventist University

Massachusetts

Bay Path College

Becker College

Eastern Nazarene College

Emmanuel College  ($60 fee for paper application)

Fisher College  ($50 fee for paper application)

Hampshire College

Lasell College  ($40 fee for paper application)

Lesley University

MCPHS University

Merrimack College

Mount Holyoke College  ($60 fee for paper application)

Mount Ida College

Newbury College

Nichols College

Simmons College

Smith College

Springfield College

Wellesley College

Wheelock College

Adrian College

Albion College

Alma College

Aquinas College

Calvin College

College for Creative Studies  ($10 fee to upload portfolio samples for application)

Concordia University

University of Detroit Mercy

Ferris State University

Finlandia University

Hillsdale College  ($30 fee for paper application)

Kalamazoo College

Kettering University

Madonna University

Michigan Technological University

Northwood University

Oakland University

Olivet College

Siena Heights University

Wayne State University

Augsburg College

Bethany Lutheran College

Bethel University

Carleton College

College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University

Concordia College

Gustavus Adolphus College

Hamline University

Metropolitan State University

Saint John’s University

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

St. Catherine University

St. Olaf College

College of St. Scholastica

University of St. Thomas

Mississippi

Alcorn State University

Jackson State University

Millsaps College

Mississippi University for Women

Mississippi Valley State University

Rust College  ($10 fee for paper application)

Avila University

College of the Ozarks

Culver-Stockton College

Drury University

Fontbonne University

Maryville University of St. Louis

Northwest Missouri State University

Ranken Technical College

Rockhurst University

Saint Louis University

Stephens College

Truman State University

Westminster College

William Jewell College

William Woods University

Carroll College  ($35 fee for paper application)

University of Great Falls

Salish Kootenai College

Chadron State College

Concordia University-Nebraska

Creighton University

Doane College-Crete

Hastings College

Midland University

Nebraska Wesleyan University

Peru State College

Union College

Wayne State College

Sierra Nevada College

New Hampshire

Colby-Sawyer College  ($40 fee for paper applications)

Granite State College

New England College

College of Saint Elizabeth

Georgian Court University

Saint Peter’s University

Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus

Navajo Technical University

Northern New Mexico College

Canisius College

Cazenovia College

Clarkson University  ($50 fee for paper applications)

D'Youville College

Daemen College  ($25 for paper applications)

Davis College

Hartwick College

Hilbert College

Hobart & William Smith Colleges

Keuka College

Le Moyne College  ($35 fee for paper applications)

Medaille College

College of Mount Saint Vincent

Mount Saint Mary College

Nazareth College

Niagara University

Roberts Wesleyan College

Sage College of Albany

St. Bonaventure University

St. John's University

College of New Rochelle

College of St. Rose

Touro College

US Merchant Marine Academy

US Military Academy (West Point)

North Carolina

Barton College

Belmont Abbey College

Catawba College

Guilford College

Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte

University of Mount Olive

Queens University of Charlotte

Salem College

Warren Wilson College

North Dakota

University of Jamestown

Ashland University

Baldwin Wallace University

Chatfield College  ($10 fee for paper application)

College of Wooster

University of Dayton

Defiance College  ($25 fee for paper application)

Denison University  ($40 fee for paper application)

University of Findlay

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Franklin University

Hiram College

John Carroll University

Kenyon College

Lake Erie College  ($30 fee for paper application)

University of Mount Union

Notre Dame College

Oberlin College

Ohio Northern University

Ohio Wesleyan University

Shawnee State University

University of Rio Grande

Ursuline College

Wilmington College

Wittenberg University

Xavier University

Oklahoma Baptist University

Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Concordia University of Portland

Eastern Oregon University

Lewis & Clark College

Linfield College-McMinnville Campus

Northwest Christian University

Reed College

Pennsylvania

Albright College

Allegheny College

Arcadia University  ($30 fee for paper application)

Bryn Mawr College  ($50 fee for paper application)

Carlow University

Cedar Crest College  ($35 fee for paper application)

Central Pennsylvania College

Chatham University

Delaware Valley College

Elizabethtown College  ($30 fee for paper application)

Gannon University  ($25 for paper application)

Gwynedd-Mercy University  ($25 for paper application)

Immaculata University

Juniata College

King's College

La Roche College

La Salle University

Lebanon Valley College

Lincoln University of Pennsylvania

Lycoming College

Marywood University  ($35 fee for paper application)

Mercyhurst University

Moravian College

Neumann University  ($35 fee for paper application)

Point Park University

Robert Morris University

Rosemont College

Saint Francis University

University of Scranton

University of the Sciences  ($45 fee for paper application)

Susquehanna University

Ursinus College

Washington & Jefferson College  ($25 fee for paper application)

Wilson College

Rhode Island

Johnson & Wales University - Providence

South Carolina

Allen University

Coker College

Columbia College

Columbia International University

Converse College

Erskine College

Limestone College

Presbyterian College

South Dakota

University of Sioux Falls  ($25 fee for paper application)

Christian Brothers University

Freed-Hardeman University

Lane College

Martin Methodist College

Maryville College

Rhodes College

Sewanee: The University of the South

Tusculum College

Austin College

Baylor University

Houston Baptist University

Howard Payne University

LeTourneau University

Saint Edward’s University

Southwestern Adventist University

Southwestern University

St. Mary's University

University of Houston-Victoria

University of Texas-El Paso

University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley

University of Texas of the Permian Basin

Texas Wesleyan University

Trinity University  ($50 fee for paper application)

Stevens-Henager College - Murray

Champlain College

Green Mountain College  ($30 fee for paper application)

Averett University

Bridgewater College

Christendom College  ($25 fee for paper application)

Emory & Henry College

Hampden-Sydney College  ($30 fee for paper application)

Hollins University

Liberty University

Lynchburg College  ($30 fee for paper application)

Randolph-Macon College  ($30 fee for paper application)

Randolph College

Roanoke College

Sweet Briar College

Cornish College of the Arts

Olympic College

Pacific Lutheran University

Saint Martin’s University

Whitworth University

West Virginia

Alderson Broaddus University

Bluefield State College

Concord University

Davis & Elkins College

West Liberty University

West Virginia University at Parkersburg

West Virginia Wesleyan College

Wheeling Jesuit University

Alverno College

Beloit College

Cardinal Stritch University

Carroll University

Lakeland College

Marquette University

Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design

Milwaukee School of Engineering

Mount Mary University

Northland College

St. Norbert College

Wisconsin Lutheran College

517 Colleges with No Application Fees for 2021 [interactive tool]

Sources: Prep Scholar Edmit Scholarship Fellow College Raptor DIY College Rankings

Further Reading: Cheapest Online Colleges

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10 Great Universities That Don’t Require Application Fee

Most reputable universities require an application fee that’s used to ensure students’ investment in their application process. However, an admission fee can be a barrier for students that can’t afford it. That’s why some colleges have ditched that requirement. 

This guide will show you colleges that don’t require an application fee. We have chosen these universities based on their reputation, application fee policy, and flexible options available. You will also find some of the best online colleges that don’t require an application fee. 

Find your bootcamp match

What is an application fee and why is it normally required .

An application fee is a stated amount of money that institutions require applicants to pay during their application processes. This fee is meant to guarantee students’ actual interest in the program, which is ultimately meant to decrease or avoid the admission of applicants who don’t actually intend to attend the university.

How Much Are College Application Fees?

The average cost of a college application fee is $45 , according to US News and World Report. This survey also determined that some of the highest application fees range between $75 and $100. With that, some universities don’t charge application fees and most universities have a fee waiver that qualifying students can take advantage of.

Is It Easy to Find Universities That Don’t Require An Application Fee?

Yes, it is easy to find universities that don’t require an application fee. It’s important to note that if your dream school is among the universities that do require application fees, you can always request a fee waiver. Fee waivers are granted to qualifying students based on certain factors, such as income. 

How to Get Into a College That Doesn’t Require An Application Fee

To get into a college that doesn’t require an application fee, you first need to find one that you want to apply for. You can do this by examining the application requirements of your preferred schools, or you can find lists of schools that don’t require an application fee, such as the one in this guide. Once you’ve found a school that you want to apply to, you’ll need to complete the process. Below are some of the common application requirements:

• Letters of recommendation
• SAT score 
• High school official transcripts
• Online application form

Which Schools Do Not Require An Application Fee for College Admissions?

Best colleges that don’t require an application fee.

We have compiled the following list of colleges that don’t require an application fee based on their offerings, their reputation, and other requirements. These are all accredited institutions that are part of US News & World Report rankings of the best national universities in the United States. 

Tulane University

Tulane University is a highly reputable school located in New Orleans. It is especially relevant in the field of engineering. This school has the highest-ranking position on our list. It doesn’t have any admission fees for engineering school applicants in PhD and certificate programs. Tulane alumni are also exempt from this fee. If you don’t fall into these categories, you will need to pay the fee. 

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private research institution that focuses on engineering, science, and humanities. It is located in Worcester and was founded in 1865. Before 2020, this school used to charge an application fee, but it dropped that requirement to reduce barriers between students and education. 

Baylor University

Baylor University is a private and religious Texas-based university that offers major programs in various topics. Some of its most popular programs are nursing, science, education, and business. According to US News & World Report, Baylor University had a 68 percent acceptance rate in 2020 . The application fee is free for all prospective and school students.

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University is known for being one of the first healthcare, law, and business schools in west Mississippi. According to US News & World Report, this school has strong curricula and a 56 percent acceptance rate . You won’t have to pay an admission fee in any bachelor’s degree programs.

Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago is a private and religious institution that is known for its rigorous classes in finance, nursing, psychology, and marketing. This school is ranked #103 on the US News & World Report’s national list and has a 71 percent acceptance rate. You can apply for free on its website. 

Online Colleges That Don’t Require An Application Fee

The following list will show you some of the best online colleges that don’t require an application fee. These schools offer strong online programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. 

University of Dayton

University of Dayton is a private Catholic school located in Ohio. This school’s application process is straightforward because it focuses only on the most important questions. A benefit of this application process is that you automatically participate in a scholarship during the selection process.

Drake University

Drake University is another excellent college for online learners. It offers programs in journalism, business administration, education, and science. The application fee is waived if you apply online, but it is $50 if you apply in person or if you are an incoming student.

Maryville University

Maryville University is very popular among all liberal arts schools. It is located in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. This school offers multiple financing options, including loans, grants, and scholarships. There are no application fees for new or current students.

University of St. Francis

University of St. Francis is an Illinois-based institution that promotes Catholic values. The difference between this school and the rest is that it has an open-enrollment method, which means they don’t conduct admission tests. However, you have to submit proof of your high school diploma or GED equivalency. The application process is completely free and online.

Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University is an accredited online institution located in Colorado Springs. Its programs were designed for active students with busy schedules, so they’re available either part-time or full-time.  The college experience is pretty flexible so you can choose between an online, in-person, or hybrid approach. 

Should I Attend a College That Doesn’t Require An Application Fee?

Yes, you should attend a college that doesn’t require an application fee if you’re trying to cut back on college expenses. This will reduce costs significantly if you apply to multiple colleges in a particular period. All the schools mentioned above are part of US News & World Report’s national ranking of the best universities.

Colleges That Don’t Require An Application Fee FAQ

An application fee is what you pay to apply to college. A fee waiver allows you to apply to a school without paying the fee. It is frequently given to low-income students. 

No, application fees are generally non-refundable unless the school specifies otherwise. However, in most cases, they will not refund your money regardless of whether or not you are accepted by the school. 

According to US News & World Report, the highest application fee is $100 at Arkansas Baptist College. Many colleges charge an application fee of varying amounts before you can submit your application.

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• Campus Life

There’s no doubt about it: college application fees can quickly pile up. But who would’ve thought that the costs start once you reach the application stage? 💸

For example, college application fees in the US range from $30 to $90 (with an average of $45 ). This means that you can rack up hundreds of dollars in fees before getting a single acceptance letter . 😬

But, there’s a surefire way to avoid spending a small fortune before you officially enroll — go for colleges without application fees ! 🥳 We’ve thrown in handy tips to get the most bang for your buck, too. 

Why Go for a College With No Application Fee?

What to know before choosing a college with no application fee, other ways to reduce college application fees, complete list of us colleges that you can apply to for free, ranked us colleges without application fees: frequently asked questions.

Normally, students are advised to apply to five to eight colleges, which means paying up to $360 (average application fee multiplied by eight) from the get-go.  

This sounds like a measly sum, but add in SAT or ACT fees (which can grow if you’re planning to submit scores to more than four colleges), and you’re left with a thinner wallet before you even enroll. 😵‍💫

That’s not all, though. Remember that you also have to spend on travel, meals, and accommodation during campus visits or in-person interviews . 

Requesting your high school transcript and submitting paper applications come with more fees, too. So, it’s best to consider schools where zero fees or waivers are possible . 💸

Good to know: More than 80 percent of four-year colleges are now test-optional, meaning that they don’t require SAT/ACT scores to assess student applications.

Colleges without application fees can save you hundreds of dollars, especially since most students are advised to apply to multiple colleges based on three categories. 🏫

• Reach schools are often prestigious colleges where there’s a narrow chance of being accepted, like Ivy League schools
• Target schools are colleges you’re most likely to get into due to your credentials
• Safety schools are those with high acceptance rates because of flexible standards 

Application fees exist to cover the costs of processing student applications and to narrow down applicants to only the most eager and qualified. 🧑‍🎓

But some liberal arts schools and faith-based colleges with zero application fees prioritize inclusivity, so they remove anything that can act as a barrier. 

But application fees alone should not be the main driver when choosing a college. Other core details will help form an accurate opinion, such as school accreditation , non-refundable enrollment deposit fees, and rich programs with career-building opportunities. 

READ MORE: Is Your College Bankrupt? How to Check a University’s Financial Health

If a no-fee school isn’t up to your standards or doesn’t have any programs you’re interested in, then there’s no real reason to ignore colleges that charge application fees.  

Good to know: Many schools with application fees offer student financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, and waivers that can offset the cost of attendance. 👍

READ MORE: College vs. Trade School: Which Choice Is Right for You?

A secret to reducing the bill on college applications is to acquire an SAT or ACT fee waiver to make standardized tests (and the subsequent delivery of results to your target schools) free of charge. 👍

All you have to do is meet at least one of the eligibility requirements:

• A low-income 11th- or 12th-grade student
• An orphan or a ward of the state
• Eligible or enrolled in the National School Lunch Program
• Family income falls within the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s Income Eligibility Guidelines
• Enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that helps students from low-income families
• Recipient of family public assistance
• Live in a foster home or housing subsidized by the federal government

Visiting the college can work wonders because some schools waive application fees for students who drop by the campus , such as the University of Richmond and Hampden-Sydney College . This option is not commonly advertised among schools, so you might have to inquire directly from the college admissions office to confirm.

You can also apply for a formal waiver through the Common App or the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) . 😉

Handling college applications online through websites like C o alition , Common App , or the school’s personal application system can erase fees because this process is less labor-intensive.  

To save even more cash, consider cheap colleges , free community colleges , schools that accept fee waivers, or those that don’t have application fees from the get-go — like the ones on the list below! 

READ MORE: How to Transfer Colleges: All You Need to Know

Start your college journey on the right foot by knowing how to budget , and checking out colleges without application fees can be your first step. ✅ The money kept in your piggy bank can be used to pay for anticipated college expenses, such as your room and board or student loans. 

Happy hunting! 😉

What is a college application fee?

A college application fee is charged by educational institutions to cover the costs of reviewing student applications and to control the number of applications they receive. However, there are many US colleges without application fees nowadays. 

What is the average cost of application fees?

According to US News , the average cost of application fees is $45. Domestic college students can find Stanford University’s application fee to be the highest at $90 , while schools such as Nicholls State University charge the lowest at $20 . 

How can I skip college application fees?

You can forego college application fees by applying online, applying for waivers, visiting the campus, or choosing colleges without application fees. 

Which Ivy League has the lowest application fees?

The Ivy League with the lowest application fee is Princeton University at $70 , followed by Brown University and University of Pennsylvania priced at $75.

Do all Ivy Leagues have an application fee?

Yes, all of the eight Ivy Leagues have an application fee. For the 2022-2023 school year, these are the application fees for first years per institution:

• Princeton University: $70
• Brown University and University of Pennsylvania: $75
• Cornell University, Dartmouth College, and Yale University: $80
• Columbia University and Harvard University: $85

Can you get accepted into a college without paying the application fee?

Yes, you can get accepted into a college without paying the application fee by applying for a fee waiver (usually for students with a demonstrated financial need), visiting the campus on-site, or choosing a college without application fees. 

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Top Colleges With Free Applications

Cait Williams is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cait recently graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Journalism and Strategic Communications. During her time at OU, was active in the outdoor recreation community.

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As you might know by now, college application fees are certainly not cheap. When you have to pay upwards of four or five application fees, that money adds up! So, let’s dive right in and look at some colleges that do not charge to apply!

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University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • Private, Non-Profit, City, Need-Blind

Chicago, IL

Private, Non-Profit, City, Need-Blind

Colby College

Waterville, ME • Private, Non-Profit, Town

Waterville, ME

Private, Non-Profit, Town

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA • Private, Non-Profit, Suburb, Need-Blind

Wellesley, MA

Private, Non-Profit, Suburb, Need-Blind

Dickinson College

Carlisle, PA • Private, Non-Profit, City

Carlisle, PA

Private, Non-Profit, City

Mount Holyoke College

South Hadley, MA • Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

South Hadley, MA

Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

St Olaf College

Northfield, MN • Private, Non-Profit, Town

Northfield, MN

Trinity University

San Antonio, TX • Private, Non-Profit, City

San Antonio, TX

Wabash College

Crawfordsville, IN • Private, Non-Profit, Town

Crawfordsville, IN

Carleton College

Wheaton college.

Wheaton, IL • Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

Wheaton, IL

Rhodes College

Memphis, TN • Private, Non-Profit, City

Memphis, TN

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Rolla, MO • Public, Town

Public, Town

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MI • Public, Town

Houghton, MI

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA • Private, Non-Profit, City

Worcester, MA

Smith College

Northampton, MA • Private, Non-Profit, Suburb

Northampton, MA

Colorado College

Colorado Springs, CO • Private, Non-Profit, City

Colorado Springs, CO

Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA • Private, Non-Profit, Town, Need-Blind

Grinnell, IA

Private, Non-Profit, Town, Need-Blind

University of Dayton

Dayton, OH • Private, Non-Profit, City

Hendrix College

Conway, AR • Private, Non-Profit, City

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, MO • Private, Non-Profit, City

Saint Louis, MO

About the Data

We sort colleges on our lists according to their Scholarships360 Top Colleges Index Score. This score is calculated using up-to-date information taken directly from the College Scorecard . Additional information is sourced from the colleges themselves, as well as other publicly available information. If you see an error, feel free to contact us .

Military academies

Before we close, it’s worth noting that all United States military academies (including the Merchant Marine Academy above) also have free applications. While the application process for these schools can be long and rigorous, you’ll likely not find many other schools that can offer the quality of education they do and a free application. If you haven’t explored them as options, take a look and see for yourself whether one might be the right choice for you!

• Air Force Academy
• West Point 
• Naval Academy
• Coast Guard Academy

Average cost of applying to college

If an average student applies to between five and eight colleges, those fees can add up. With the average cost of each application landing between $50-$90, this means that students can end up spending well over $300 to $500 on applications alone. Considering that students may or may not be accepted into all those schools, and even if they are, they can only attend one, the price tag above can be a tough pill to swallow. So, applying to even just one or two schools with free applications can be a big help!

Fee waivers

If there is a college you really want to attend, but you cannot afford to pay their application fee, check with the school to see if there are any fee waivers that you may be eligible for. Fee waivers may cover the whole or partial cost of the application.

• Paying college application fees can get expensive, which means that applying to some schools with zero application fees might be a great way to mitigate some costs 
• You shouldn’t just apply to a school because they have no application fee, however, it’s worth looking into what schools with your major do offer free applications
• Our list above is by far not exhaustive, but it is a start to help you explore what colleges might be out there
• If the school you really want to apply to doesn’t have a free application, contact them to see if they have any fee waivers that you may be eligible to use

Frequently asked questions about colleges with free applications  

What does it mean when colleges send you free applications, is it better to apply through the common app or directly, does the common app let you apply to colleges for free, 3 reasons to join scholarships360.

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33 Colleges Without Supplemental Essays

At many top schools, essays form a critical part of the college admissions process. Overwhelmingly, students find writing essays to be the most stressful part of the application process. So, when applying to multiple schools, many applicants look for colleges without supplemental essays. Colleges that don’t require essays allow students to focus on other aspects of their application like extracurriculars, test scores, or recommendation letters. 

However, finding colleges that don’t require supplemental essays can be tedious. That’s why we’ve created a list of 33 colleges without supplemental essays to make the search easier.

Contrary to what you may have heard, you can find college application requirements without supplemental essays. Moreover, a lack of supplemental essay requirements doesn’t mean a university isn’t good.  

This guide will help you find colleges without supplemental essays that meet your needs. In addition to discussing colleges that don’t require essays, we’ll also talk about other college application requirements. By the end of this article, you’ll be better prepared for the college application process. 

What is a supplemental essay?

Before you start searching for colleges that don’t require supplemental essays, it’s important to understand what they actually are. Supplemental essays are extra essays that each school requires; some schools require only one, while others require several. They cover a range of prompts from the “why school” essay to the cultural diversity essay and more. Usually, supplemental essays are rather short, hovering in the 50-250-word limit range. They serve as an opportunity to showcase an applicant’s strengths, moments of personal growth, and personality. 

It’s important to note that supplemental essays are different from the personal statement on the Common Application . The Common App essay prompts allow you to submit one personal statement to every college where you apply. In other words, you’ll almost certainly write this personal statement plus supplemental essays for each college on your list . You can also look up each school’s supplemental writing requirements on the Common App site. 

There aren’t many colleges that don’t require essays at all. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. With that said, most American universities have some essay requirements, even if they don’t ask for writing supplements.

Supplemental essays vs. Personal Statement

Often, top colleges without supplemental essays will require students to write a personal statement . Recall that supplemental essays vary in length and number of essays to complete depending on the school. In contrast, the personal statement is one essay that most schools have as a part of their college application requirements. However, both supplemental essays and the personal statement are important when it comes to creating an authentic application narrative . 

The personal statement is a part of the Common Application. There are seven prompts to choose from, one of which is open, meaning you can write anything you’d like. The personal statement is longer than most supplemental essays at 650 words. While you’ll just write on one of these prompts, the others touch on common college essay topics. Don’t hesitate to brainstorm for a few of the Common App prompts, not just one.

Supplemental essays are usually shorter than the personal statement. School requirements will vary. While there are colleges without supplemental essays at all, others may have as many as six!

How many supplemental essays do college require?

While there are competitive colleges without supplemental essays, the majority of universities require at least one supplemental essay. However, the number of required supplemental essays will vary greatly. 

For example, Northeastern University doesn’t have a writing supplement requirement on the Northeastern application. However, that doesn’t necessarily make the Northeastern application easier than other universities. Since it’s a top school, applicants will still need to do everything possible to make their Northeastern application stand out. 

Unlike the Northeastern application, the University of Chicago has one required “why school” essay and various supplemental essay prompts to choose from. In total, students applying to UChicago will write two supplemental essays. 

When it comes to the number of supplemental essays a school requires, there is no single answer. All schools will be different, so be sure to check each school’s individual application requirements on their admissions sites. 

What kind of colleges require essays?

Generally, it is rare to find colleges that don’t require essays at all. While there are some colleges without supplemental essays, most still require students to submit the personal statement. Therefore, most colleges in the U.S. require essays in some form. Even if you’re applying through a different platform like UC Apply or the Coalition Application , you’ll have to write.

A better question might be: why do colleges require essays? The majority of universities’ admissions teams use a holistic evaluation process. That means that each of the college application requirements receives equal consideration. Your supplemental essay is an opportunity to share more about yourself with admissions. Successful college essay ideas will center on stories that show personal growth and self-reflection. 

What are college application requirements?

If you’re looking for colleges without supplemental essays, then you’ll need to sift through each school’s requirements. Simply put, college application requirements are all the materials that applicants need for a complete application. 

Here are some of the most common application requirements: 

• Basic biographical and demographic information
• Extracurricular activities
• Personal statement
• Application fee
• Transcripts
• Counselor and/or Teacher letter(s) of recommendation

In the application, students will be able to add their essays. Keep in mind that each school’s college application requirements vary, so you should confirm specifics on their websites. 

Do all colleges require supplemental essays?

Luckily for those who dread essay writing, there are colleges without supplemental essays. Soon, we’re going to provide you with a comprehensive list of well-known colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. 

However, keep in mind that most schools do require students to complete the personal statement. So, for those who are hoping to find colleges that don’t require essays of any kind, it will be challenging. Nevertheless, students who have an extreme aversion to essay writing will find some top colleges without supplemental essays. 

Why apply to colleges that don’t require essays?

There are a few reasons that students want to apply to colleges without supplemental essays. Some students may feel like the essays are too stressful. And while there are ways to manage that stress and write compelling essays, some students may just prefer not to. 

However, probably the number one reason that students are intrigued by colleges without supplemental essays is time. Thinking of college essay ideas and writing essays is time-consuming. When you consider that some students apply to as many as 15 schools, it can feel overwhelming. Even adding just a few colleges that don’t require essays to your college list will lighten the burden. 

Additionally, there are many competitive colleges without supplemental essays. Just remember: if you apply to colleges without supplemental essays, make the rest of your application as competitive as possible. It certainly isn’t an excuse to slack on your application narrative. In fact, with colleges that don’t require essays, you must pay extra attention to your demonstration of academic achievements and extracurricular involvement. 

As stated above, colleges without supplemental essays usually still require a personal statement. However, this essay can be used for multiple schools. That is to say, once it’s written, you’re set for all of your applications to colleges without supplemental essays. 

33 Best Colleges without Supplemental Essays

Finally, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Let’s check out some colleges without supplemental essays. 

Top 33 Colleges without Essays

1. colby college.

This small liberal arts school in Waterville, Maine, is the first to make our list. As the 12 th oldest liberal arts school in the US, Colby College has ample experience providing students with an intimate learning environment. If you’re interested in a liberal arts education from a small Northeastern University, then check out Colby’s application requirements .  

2. Grinnell College

Students who attend Grinnell are encouraged to “pursue passions with purpose.” While it may seem surprising that such a school numbers among colleges that don’t require essays, take advantage of it and apply ! Grinnell College is consistently a high-ranking liberal arts school. Here, students are encouraged to create a course of study that best supports their intellectual freedom.

3. Middlebury College

Another of the many liberal arts colleges without supplemental essays on our list is Middlebury College. Located in Vermont’s Champlain Valley, the natural beauty will inspire your learning as a natural laboratory is just outside. Its acceptance rate is 13%, so you’ll need an impeccable application in the absence of supplemental essays. 

4. Colgate University

Located in New York state, Colgate University provides its students with a high quality liberal arts education. Like all others on our list, the Colgate application doesn’t include supplemental essays. There are 56 majors for students to choose from. Colgate values a curious mind, so be sure to show your curiosity in your Colgate application. Check out what you need to complete your Colgate application. 

5. Temple University

This is the first public research university on our list of colleges without supplemental essays. Temple University has 17 schools and colleges in which to study, but an emphasis is placed on experiential learning. Given Temple’s location in the heart of North Philadelphia, students will have all the opportunities that the city provides. 

6. Oberlin College

The one-of-a-kind education provided by Oberlin College allows students to explore both academics and the arts. Indeed, the Oberlin College ranking across metrics speaks for itself: the Oberlin College ranking in national liberal arts colleges is #39 . And, perhaps unsurprisingly, the Oberlin College ranking in Most Innovative Schools is #16 . Of course, the Oberlin College ranking isn’t everything. But, the Oberlin College ranking does speak to the school’s quality, unique liberal arts education. For Oberlin College (not the conservatory) no supplemental essay is needed. 

7. Case Western Reserve University

There are hundreds of programs at Case Western Reserve for students to pursue. However, overall, the student population is committed to making a difference, with education a stepping stone to an impactful career. In addition to being one of our colleges without supplemental essays, Case Western Reserve is also test-optional through fall 2024. 

8. Bates College

The Bates way is all about “aligning who you are with what you do.” Students will be a part of a community with values such as social responsibility and diversity and inclusion. Check out the requirements for what it takes to be a part of this unique campus. Keep in mind that the Bates College acceptance rate is quite competitive. In fact, the Bates College acceptance rate is considered most selective at 17% . So, although Bates is among the colleges that don’t require essays, the Bates College acceptance rate means intense competition for admittance. 

9. Northeastern University

This well-known university in Boston , Massachusetts, is among the most competitive colleges without supplemental essays with an 18% acceptance rate. Experiential learning and research are among the core parts of a Northeastern University education. If you’re interested in innovation and impact, then see what you need to apply .

10. Hampshire College

It may be unsurprising that Hampshire College, the self-proclaimed “original disruptors of higher education,” is among the colleges that don’t require essays. Hampshire believes that their radical education experience leads to greater impact. This is a community that values experimentation, discovery, and investigation in a non-traditional manner. If that sounds up your alley, take a look at their application requirements. 

11. DePaul University

This large private university in Chicago, Illinois, is next on our list of colleges without supplemental essays. Faculty provide high-quality teaching in order to give their students the best educational experience. DePaul aims to provide an experience that combines “mind, place, people, and heart.”

12. Drexel University

Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University is arguably one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. It’s nationally recognized for its co-op experience. This learning model allows all students to have ample hands-on experience in their field of interest before even graduating. Drexel admissions may not seem super competitive with an acceptance rate of 83% . However, that doesn’t mean you should slack on the application. Impressing Drexel admissions could lead to scholarships, which are also an extremely important part of the college application process. 

13. Kenyon College

This college may not be a household name, but they’ve played a huge part in the model of faculty advising nationwide. In fact, according to Kenyon College , they invented it. So you can imagine the quality attention the learning experience that students will receive here. 

14. Dillard University

Louisiana’s first private liberal arts HBCU makes our list of colleges without supplemental essays. The undergraduate population is around 1,200, making it a small school. At Dillard, students can expect personalized attention and a tight-knit campus community. After applying and being accepted, students will have 22 majors to choose from. 

15. Skidmore College

Creative thinking is at the heart of Skidmore’s education model. Located in Saratoga Springs, New York, this private university offers students an excellent education in a bucolic college town . At Skidmore College , students are encouraged to explore a variety of educational interests as all majors are interdisciplinary.

16. Ohio State University

Located in Columbus, Ohio—the fastest-growing metropolitan in the Midwest — Ohio State University places an emphasis on improving local and global communities. In fact, they have contribution efforts in every county in Ohio. And, with six campuses throughout the state, students can choose which location will best serve them. 

17. Louisiana State University

As a leading research university in Baton Rouge, LSU is among the best colleges without supplemental essays. No matter their major, every student is able to participate in research opportunities. LSU ’s emphasis on research is a crux of the community as it comes from a drive to improve the world. 

18. University of Alabama

With over 100 areas of study in 8 schools and colleges, the University of Alabama provides students with ample options. At the University of Alabama, research is highly valued, but students are ultimately encouraged to pursue their passions. Check out the freshman requirements to learn more about applying. 

19. University of Cincinnati

Another large public research university makes our list of colleges without supplemental essays. UC has excellent co-op and internship programs from which students can gain practical professional experience while studying. University of Cincinnati students will gain an excellent education and hands-on experience.

20. Clemson University

Clemson admissions prides itself on the university’s tireless work ethic. Through this, they encourage their students to “change lives, change perceptions, and…to change the world.” Students willing to work hard to achieve their future goals should check out the application requirements . Clemson admissions falls in the middle when it comes to selectivity. The Clemson admissions rate is 49% . Logically, we can see from the Clemson admissions rate that nearly half the students that apply will gain admittance. 

21. University of Pittsburgh

Located in the heart of the city, the University of Pittsburgh is among the top colleges without supplemental essays. This large public university focuses on innovation as a path to positive change. With a prime location, students are encouraged to take advantage of all that the university and city have to offer.  

22. Wesleyan University

Forming students to be “intellectually agile” is a huge part of the Wesleyan curriculum. With 45 majors to choose from, students are encouraged to take advantage of the large range of available courses. Additionally, there are over 5,000 internships opportunities available starting from your first year on campus. 

23. Miami University

You may have seen this school ranking in the top 50 public universities in the US. There’s certainly no doubt that Miami University in Ohio is one of the best colleges without supplemental essays. With many dynamic undergraduate programs available, students will be able to pursue a wealth of careers in their chosen fields. An active student body helps in forming a strong campus community in a location brimming with natural beauty. 

24. University of Connecticut

As a large university with a rural location, the UConn campus community is like a small town of its own. Students can enjoy a wide range of study options, ample student organizations and clubs, and renowned leaders as faculty members. Learn more about the application requirements. 

25. University of Delaware

The beautiful campus and experienced faculty of the University of Delaware provide for about 18,000 students. Through research, internships, and study abroad opportunities, students are encouraged to find their authentic way of changing the world. 

26. Florida State University

FSU is one of the best value colleges without supplemental essays. Students here are intellectually curious, academically driven, and socially conscious. The FSU experience is centered around providing students with the tools to achieve their goals. 

27. University of Georgia

Even though this is a large university, students are seen as “the individual they are.” The University of Georgia is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Additionally, 92% of the university’s graduates are employed or continuing their studies within six months of graduation. 

28. University of Houston

As the third largest university in Texas , the University of Houston is one of our top colleges without supplemental essays. As a diverse campus community, the university aims to change lives and communities for the better. It emphasizes discovery and conversation as a foundation for students’ development.

29. Indiana University – Bloomington

The possibilities are endless when you study at Indiana University Bloomington . Students will gain hands-on experience in their field either in the lab or on the ground. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to learn from faculty who are renowned in their discipline. 

30. University of Kansas

There is certainly no lack of options when studying at the University of Kansas . There are over 400 degree and certificate programs to choose from spread out over 14 schools. Innovation, research, and the pursuit of knowledge are pillars of the UK educational experience. 

31. University of Kentucky

Another UK makes our list of colleges that don’t require supplemental essays. The University of Kentucky offers over 200 degree programs in 16 schools. One of the university’s main values is finding ways to advance Kentucky—from education, to health, economy, and culture— to ensure its progress. 

32. University of Massachusetts Amherst

Located in an ideal college town, UMass Amherst is the largest public research university in New England. The school offers over 110 majors on campus. In addition, students are encouraged to be curious explorers through study abroad opportunities. 

33. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

This large university with a city campus encourages students to discover the unknown. Whether it’s through internships or research opportunities, students are challenged to pursue their interests and push their academic limits. Learn more about the application requirements to get started.

As you review this list, please note that college essay requirements are subject to change. With this in mind, make sure to visit each school’s admissions website to confirm all supplemental essay requirements.

It may seem alluring to apply only to these colleges that don’t require essays. However, keep in mind that these institutions place more importance on GPA and extracurriculars. So, when considering applying to schools without supplemental essays, think about these factors. Will your application narrative be impactful to admissions teams without additional essays? Will your personality and values shine through? 

What is the best school that doesn’t require supplemental essays?

Looking at the acceptance rates of the colleges that don’t require essays, we can determine which schools are the most selective. In this case, Colby College ( 9% ), Grinnell College ( 11% ), and Middlebury College ( 13% ) have some of the most selective acceptance rates. However, the Bates College acceptance rate also makes it quite selective. In fact, the Bates College acceptance rate is similar to that of Northeastern University. 

The best colleges without supplemental essays will vary depending on what you’re looking for. So, how can you determine your top colleges without supplemental essays? Well, when making your college list you should consider factors such as majors, location, size, and campus culture. This will help you focus your college search on a few key criteria.

Firstly, make a list of what you want in your university. For example, do you want to go to school in a large city? Are internship or co-op programs important to you? Is your major available, and are you intrigued by its curriculum? Ideally, you want to be excited imagining yourself on a college’s campus. As you think about your college list priorities, you’ll be better able to identify which university is best for you. In fact, you may have already started by determining you want to look at colleges that don’t require essays!

College Application Requirements: Beyond Essays

Coming up with college essay ideas might be one of the biggest stressors in the college application process. And yet, there is certainly much more to completing an application than just essays. Colleges that don’t require essays still have other requirements that applicants will need to send by the school’s application deadlines . 

For example, let’s look at Colby admissions, which features on our list of colleges that don’t require essays. The Colby admissions site states the application requirements are the completed application, academic records, and financial aid application. Non-native English speakers may also be required to submit a language proficiency certification.

Additionally, there are optional materials you can add to enhance your application, which vary from school to school. Colby accepts standardized test scores , additional recommendation letters, an arts supplement, and an “elevator pitch” video.

Of course, these are just application requirements outlined by Colby admissions. Drexel admissions, Clemson admissions, and any other college admissions office will have other—often similar—application requirements. When comparing colleges to add to your college list, these requirements will likely be an important factor. 

Students can usually count on the following materials being required during the application process: 

• Completed application
• Academic records
• Teacher/counselor letters of recommendation
• Language proficiency exam (where applicable)

Many schools are continuing test-optional policies first instated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some do require standardized testing scores as well. Always check the admissions site for the application requirements and deadlines. For example, Colby and Drexel admissions have slight differences in their requirements, even though they’re both colleges that don’t require essays. Always confirm requirements on admissions websites!

How to make your college application stand out!

Even when applying to colleges that don’t require essays, you still need to carefully craft a compelling application narrative. Creating a cohesive application narrative or personal brand during the college application process can be tricky. Ideally, your application should tell the story of who you are and what drives you, both academically and personally. You’ll show this through your grades, courses, achievements, and extracurricular activities . 

Regardless of other college essay ideas you need, you will need to write the Common App personal statement. This is the only significant writing the admissions teams will see from applicants at colleges that don’t require essays. In light of that, it needs to be an excellent example of your writing skills while also demonstrating your personality. 

The Common App provides students with a few college essay topics to choose from. In order to generate the best college essay ideas, choose to write on college essay topics that genuinely excite you. While brainstorming , make a list of college essay ideas from the given college essay topics. Think about anecdotes, meaningful experiences, and personal growth that pertain to the college essay topics. Successful college essay ideas lead to authentic essays, which is the key in standing out to admissions. 

Essay Guides and Essay Resources

As we’ve mentioned, even when applying to colleges that don’t require essays, most applicants must complete the personal statement. Don’t stress about coming up with college essay ideas on your own! CollegeAdvisor.com provides ample free resources for students at every step of the college application process—including the essays. 

Unfortunately for those aiming to apply to colleges that don’t require essays of any kind, most require the personal statement. The best way to generate college essay ideas is by reading successful essay examples. Check out some of these Common App essay examples to understand what works. And, before even worrying about college essay ideas, learn more about the Common App essay in this article . We’ll outline the most important factors when writing this essay. 

If you’re reading this, you probably want to apply to colleges that don’t require essays. However, don’t let that limit you in the college application process. If you love a school, but they require supplemental essays, keep it on your list. Don’t let a disdain for essays keep you from attending your dream school .

CollegeAdvisor has many school-specific essay guides covering everything from college essay ideas to revising that final draft. Check out our USC , Yale , UChicago , and many more college-specific supplemental essay guides. If you’re stuck on thinking up college essay ideas, then these guides are a good place to begin.

Colleges Without Supplemental Essays – Final Thoughts

Without a doubt, supplemental essays are one of the most stressful parts of the college application process for many students. From choosing college essay topics to generating college essay ideas and actually writing essays, there’s a lot of effort involved.

However, as you can see from this article, there are many colleges that don’t require essays. So, if you’re crunched for time or feel overwhelmed by needing various impactful college essay ideas, you have options. It’s never a bad idea to add some schools that don’t require essays to your college list. 

Keep in mind, though, that you’ll most likely still need to write the personal statement essay. But one essay is better than six. And, remember that CollegeAdvisor can provide personalized attention for anything from brainstorming college essay ideas to applying for financial aid. Reach out if you’d like some guidance in your college application process. Otherwise, take advantage of our large library of free resources!

This article was written by Sarah Kaminski. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, no application fee colleges: recommendations.

Hi everyone! I'm trying to broaden my college application list, and I've heard there are some colleges that don't require an application fee. Can you guys recommend some good colleges with no application fee? How common is this, and are there any hidden catches? Thanks for your help!

Hi there! You're right, there are indeed colleges that don't require an application fee. This can be a great way to expand your college list without incurring extra costs. While these fee waivers are not incredibly common, you can still find a handful of quality schools offering no application fees.

Here are some noteworthy colleges with no application fee:

1. Carleton College

2. Colby College

3. Grinnell College

4. Kenyon College

5. Oberlin College

6. Reed College

7. Smith College

8. Tulane University

9. Wellesley College

Keep in mind that these schools may have other requirements, such as supplemental essays or portfolio materials, which may take additional time to compile.

There aren't typically hidden catches with these no application fee colleges. These schools are usually trying to attract a diverse applicant pool and lower barriers to entry for students who might be hesitant to apply due to financial reasons.

If you're eligible, you can also consider applying for a fee waiver to broaden your college list even further. The College Board, NACAC, and other organizations offer fee waivers for students who demonstrate financial need. You can use these waivers to apply to schools that do have application fees without incurring any additional cost.

Best of luck with your college search, and please let us know if you have any more questions!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

Colleges Without Supplemental Essays 2021-2022

We recommend that most students apply to 8-12 colleges —typically at least two safeties, four targets, and two reaches. This strategy boosts a student’s odds of getting into multiple schools, increases their options, and even offers leverage to negotiate for more financial aid. 

Unfortunately, applying to this many schools is time-intensive, especially considering that many schools require supplemental essays as part of their application. Applying to 10 colleges could mean that you need to write 10-20 extra essays! Luckily, there are many schools that don’t have any extra essays beyond the Common App essay or personal statement, if you’re looking for schools to balance out your list without the additional writing.

Below is a list of 45 liberal arts colleges and universities without essay supplements. The list isn’t comprehensive, but it covers a spectrum of schools of varied selectivity. The list does not include any schools with optional essays, which are something we always encourage applicants to complete. 

Top Liberal Arts Colleges Without a Supplemental Essay Requirement

Update: We removed Grinnell College and Colgate University from this list because they’ve historically sent optional supplements to students after they applied.

Top Research Universities Without a Supplemental Essay Requirement

Should you only apply to schools with no supplement.

Applying only to schools with no supplement would limit your options severely, so we don’t recommend it. That said, supplements can serve as a litmus test for how much you care about a particular college. If you’re really excited to attend a particular college, you’re more likely not to mind extra application work (after all, it’s a chance to show a college why they should accept you). Conversely, if you’re turned off by writing a supplemental essay, it could indicate that you’re not as excited about a school as you thought you were.

Some essay prompts also give you insight into the personality of a college. For example, the University of Chicago is known for its quirky essay prompts—the 2021-2022 supplement has applicants explore ideas like What if the moon were made of cheese? and What’s so easy about pie? If UChicago’s unorthodox essay prompts make you cringe, it’s a possible sign that the school’s culture isn’t right for you. If they excite and inspire you, you could be a perfect fit.

Overall, a college’s essay requirements should not be a major deciding factor as to whether or not you apply to a school (unless you’re truly short on time). What’s most important is whether or not you will fit with the school academically and socially . Consider things like:

• Do you match the stats for admitted students? 
• Does the school offer strong programs in your areas of interest? 
• Are there resources to support your unique values and pursuits outside of the classroom? 
• Is the school located somewhere desirable for you? 

What Are Your Chances of Acceptance at these Schools?

If you’re trying to round out your school list, it’s important to know whether a particular school is a reach, target, or safety. CollegeVine can help! Our free chancing engine considers factors such as your grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities to estimate your odds at hundreds of colleges across the country, along with providing tips to strengthen your profile.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

No application fee, no essay! Apply or not?

<p>My child has been getting emails from colleges that he does not need to write essays and there is no application fee. </p>

<p>Should he apply since there is nothing to lose? I am afraid that he will be taking other kid’s spots by applying to those schools.</p>

<p>Has your son examined the website to see if the school even interests him? Does it have his major? Is it located in a place that he could see himself being? Does the school have anything that appeals to him? </p>

<p>These schools do this so that they could report an increase in applications. Schools would not do this if they had nothing to gain. To answer your question about should he apply…only if he could see himself there. He will not take the place of someone who wants to be there because these schools know that many students will apply but much fewer will attend. They adjust things accordingly.</p>

<p>And you likely will have to pay to have scores and transcripts sent so they aren’t “free” but much cheaper than most. My daughter did apply to a couple that were not schools she would have rulled out just so she could have some "yes"es early in the game which had its own advantages. Make sure though they are schools that would interest them.</p>

<p>I applied to some “no fee!” colleges that were spamming me and a couple of them ended up giving me really generous financial aid offers. The in-state public flagship was still cheaper, so I ended up going with that one . . . but nonetheless the scholarships offered by a couple of those schools would’ve made it possible for me to attend there. I did some research and the schools weren’t too shabby, either. </p>

<p>I don’t know why they’re contacting your son, but I know the reason the colleges were contacting me was because I was a CC student in Phi Theta Kappa.</p>

<p>Consider the hidden costs as mentioned above. You only get so many free test reports sent and his HS may also limit the transcripts or letters of recommendation. Teachers may not be as enthusiastic in spending time on their recommendations to too many schools he is applying to on a whim/because it is easy to do so. Be sure he is serious about attending any school he applys to.</p>

<p>Also make sure you think about whether you are going to apply ED or EA anyplace, and whether these applications would interfere with that.</p>

<p>The free application/no additional essay offers my daughter has received have actually been helpful in spurring us on to discuss what characteristics she’d like in a college. So far, I think she has chosen to apply to one and declined two due to their locations.</p>

<p>My kids applied to some of these - but only to those where they would consider attending.</p>

<p>Your child isn’t likely taking anyone’s spot. These schools waaay over-admit because they know that they’re safeties for many students.</p>

<p>We had a thread last year listing schools with easy applications - no essays and no recs required (not all were free, but they were all easy). The thread was very popular.</p>

<p>Maybe that thread should be revived…</p>

<p><a href=“ http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/802256-list-good-schools-have-fast-ez-apps-no-essays-no-recs.html?highlight=essays[/url] ”> http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/802256-list-good-schools-have-fast-ez-apps-no-essays-no-recs.html?highlight=essays&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt ;

<p>I would advise my child to apply only if she was willing to attend that school. There’s little point in applying to a school you’d never consider attending, no matter how easy or inexpensive the application is. Remember that there are costs involved in sending scores and sometimes in sending transcripts.</p>

<p>I am really curious about University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Application?</p>

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2024 Best Colleges with No Application Fee in the New York City Area

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1-25 of 134 results

Yeshivath Viznitz

Monsey, NY •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Freshman: Yeshivath Viznitz is place to study also good in Torah teachings with a good everoment with good management ... Read 1 review

• grade  B+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 92%

Net price $2,774

SAT range —

#4 Best Colleges with No Application Fee in New York .

MONSEY, NY ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Yeshivath Viznitz is place to study also good in Torah teachings with a good everoment with good management .

Read 1 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 92% ,

Net Price : $2,774 ,

The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) - New York

New York, NY •

• • Rating 4.11 out of 5   518 reviews

Junior: This school is filled with: Opportunity. Opportunity. Opportunity. AMDA nourishes and builds my career and artistic drive as an actress. I am thrilled with the set up and organization of both the curriculum and school. All of the teachers are currently working in the industry. They serve as role models with genuine constructiveness and wisdom. I have never seen such passion and drive from teachers and students - it's inspiring. It builds trust and excitement in the classroom. AMDA me feel not so trapped or scared to apply myself into the industry. They prepare, step by step, how to get someone into this line of business. They broadened my horizons in artistic possibilities: Classes like Screenwriting, Directing, Stage Combat, Film Making, Improv, Voice Work/Dialects, etc. It's inspiring being a part of a program that is so well rounded! It’s clear that they want you to succeed and are constantly rooting for you. They're friendly, inclusive, and located in the heart of the city. ... Read 518 reviews

Acceptance rate 22%

Net price $44,797

#5 Best Colleges with No Application Fee in New York .

Blue checkmark.

NEW YORK, NY ,

518 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says This school is filled with: Opportunity. Opportunity. Opportunity. AMDA nourishes and builds my career and artistic drive as an actress. I am thrilled with the set up and organization of both the curriculum and school. All of the teachers are currently working in the industry. They serve as role models with genuine constructiveness and wisdom. I have never seen such passion and drive from teachers and students - it's inspiring. It builds trust and excitement in the classroom. AMDA me feel not so trapped or scared to apply myself into the industry. They prepare, step by step, how to get someone into this line of business. They broadened my horizons in artistic possibilities: Classes like Screenwriting, Directing, Stage Combat, Film Making, Improv, Voice Work/Dialects, etc. It's inspiring being a part of a program that is so well rounded! It’s clear that they want you to succeed and are constantly rooting for you. They're friendly, inclusive, and located in the heart of the city. .

Read 518 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 22% ,

Net Price : $44,797 ,

Saint Elizabeth University

Morristown, NJ •

• • Rating 3.37 out of 5   222 reviews

Junior: Being a small, private university, the professors here at Saint Elizabeth University are some of the sweetest, most genuine, and truly rewarding leaders and set up the students here for success. With the small population, the student-to-professor ratio is just perfect and there is usually never a moment where the professor doesn't engage each individual in the class. In addition to this, the professors genuinely want each student to succeed and find time to provide students with extra time for assistance regarding the course. The university is still growing in diversity but there are very friendly people everywhere! ... Read 222 reviews

• grade  B Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 74%

Net price $21,774

SAT range 890-1100

MORRISTOWN, NJ ,

222 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says Being a small, private university, the professors here at Saint Elizabeth University are some of the sweetest, most genuine, and truly rewarding leaders and set up the students here for success. With... .

Read 222 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B ,

Acceptance Rate : 74% ,

Net Price : $21,774 ,

SAT Range : 890-1100 ,

SUNY Farmingdale State College

FARMINGDALE, NY

• • Rating 3.85 out of 5   672

Saint Peter's University

JERSEY CITY, NJ

• • Rating 3.43 out of 5   723

Montclair State University

MONTCLAIR, NJ

• • Rating 3.58 out of 5   3,168

Raritan Valley Community College

Branchburg, NJ •

• • Rating 3.78 out of 5   683 reviews

Freshman: Raritan Valley Community College provides a challenging but high quality educational experience. They offer a variety of resources for students who need financial help, academic advising, or emotional support. The campus is beautiful and lively and there is a dedicated "college hour" for students to participate in clubs and activities. Unfortunately, the campus is not fully accessible for disabled students, particularly those with mobility issues. ... Read 683 reviews

• grade  B minus Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 100%

Net price $7,412

BRANCHBURG, NJ ,

683 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Raritan Valley Community College provides a challenging but high quality educational experience. They offer a variety of resources for students who need financial help, academic advising, or... .

Read 683 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B minus ,

Acceptance Rate : 100% ,

Net Price : $7,412 ,

Bergen Community College

Paramus, NJ •

• • Rating 3.79 out of 5   863 reviews

Junior: There are not many options to eat from in the school. The school needs better food and needs to stay open for longer hours. Students are always hungry and it's hard to stay focus when you are hungry sitting in 4-hour long classes. The school needs more flexibility when it comes to timing of classes. The departments and professors should not try to cram everything into 1 lesson and expect students to do well on tests. Most importantly, a good majority of the professors teach to fast because they say they have to cover everything within a specific time. But on the other hand, they are not understanding that it makes it difficult for students to learn and understand what they are teaching. As a result, that's a possible reason why people end up getting low grades or failing. Other than that, the school is a good school, its clean, plenty of resources and assistance, they also have a lot of events that takes place on campus. ... Read 863 reviews

Net price $9,138

PARAMUS, NJ ,

863 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says There are not many options to eat from in the school. The school needs better food and needs to stay open for longer hours. Students are always hungry and it's hard to stay focus when you are hungry... .

Read 863 reviews.

Net Price : $9,138 ,

St. John's University - New York

Queens, NY •

• • Rating 3.66 out of 5   3,152 reviews

Senior: During my time at St. John's University, I truly felt like I found my second home. I always felt very comfortable on campus, especially with how much diversity there was. There was a place for everyone regardless of ethnic or religious backgrounds. Additionally, there were even clubs and prayer rooms set for individual religions, which made everyone feel comfortable. The professors are incredibly intelligent and understanding. They truly do understand that students are human, and most will work with you the best they can. Especially when taking classes for a major, the professors are very educated in the topic themselves and explain to an extent where you understand it well. Advisors and deans are easily accessible as well, which is very important when it comes to registration and moving forward in your educational path. ... Read 3,152 reviews

Acceptance rate 85%

Net price $26,655

SAT range 1100-1310

QUEENS, NY ,

3152 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says During my time at St. John's University, I truly felt like I found my second home. I always felt very comfortable on campus, especially with how much diversity there was. There was a place for... The professors are incredibly intelligent and understanding. They truly do understand that students are human, and most will work with you the best they can. Especially when taking classes for a... Advisors and deans are easily accessible as well, which is very important when it comes to registration and moving forward in your educational path. .

Read 3152 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 85% ,

Net Price : $26,655 ,

SAT Range : 1100-1310 ,

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Sarah Lawrence College

Bronxville, NY •

• • Rating 3.48 out of 5   574 reviews

Alum: As a recent graduate, I can say that Sarah Lawrence was the best investment I made for my future. Academics are self-guided, but supported by faculty. Students produce semester-long research papers in lieu of final exams, which enforce skills of time management, written analysis, and consideration. Routine one-on-one meetings with professors are built into class syllabi, and faculty express a true passion for teaching and seeing others learn. No classes are taught by TAs, which is VERY rare. The college has strong connections to Oxford Univ. for study abroad. Students have access to activities like theatre, sports, and clubs. On weekends some may choose to hang on campus, while others take a short train ride to NYC out of Bronxville. Housing is unique. My freshman year, I lived in a renovated apartment with a private kitchen and bathroom. The surrounding neighborhood is very safe. I graduated SLC with an employment offer. Some of my friends went directly to phenomenal grad programs ... Read 574 reviews

Acceptance rate 58%

Net price $34,091

SAT range 1260-1470

BRONXVILLE, NY ,

574 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says As a recent graduate, I can say that Sarah Lawrence was the best investment I made for my future. Academics are self-guided, but supported by faculty. Students produce semester-long research papers in lieu of final exams, which enforce skills of time management, written analysis, and... Students have access to activities like theatre, sports, and clubs. On weekends some may choose to hang on campus, while others take a short train ride to NYC out of Bronxville. Housing is unique. My... I graduated SLC with an employment offer. Some of my friends went directly to phenomenal grad programs .

Read 574 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 58% ,

Net Price : $34,091 ,

SAT Range : 1260-1470 ,

St. Francis College

Brooklyn, NY •

• • Rating 3.71 out of 5   447 reviews

Junior: For the past five years, I have been attending college, and I am currently in my sixth year. I took a sabbatical of two years throughout that time. There, I am a student, and I adore it. My grade point average is currently a 3.1, and I will finish with a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration in the year 2025. The course material was really easy to understand for me. ... Read 447 reviews

Net price $15,481

SAT range 990-1240

BROOKLYN, NY ,

447 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says For the past five years, I have been attending college, and I am currently in my sixth year. I took a sabbatical of two years throughout that time. There, I am a student, and I adore it. My grade... .

Read 447 reviews.

Net Price : $15,481 ,

SAT Range : 990-1240 ,

Ocean County College

Toms River, NJ •

• • Rating 3.69 out of 5   700 reviews

Sophomore: Ocean County College is a small community college located right by the Jersey Shore. Although it is smaller it offers so much and has made me a better student. The professors are amazing and want to help their students suceed. The campus is nice and the classrooms are as well everything is easy to navigate and it is convient because its close. It is located in a town that offers a lot of stores and food and is 15 minutes away from Seaside Heights. It even offers study abroad and I am a hospitality student who is travelling to Switzerland with the school this summer, the oppurtunities are endless there no matter the major. I have never had a bad expierence with a professor, but I hear my peers say otherwise sometimes, so the only change I can think of is maybe evaluating some of the professors and their teaching methods, otherwise amazing 2 year school. ... Read 700 reviews

Net price $10,765

TOMS RIVER, NJ ,

700 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Ocean County College is a small community college located right by the Jersey Shore. Although it is smaller it offers so much and has made me a better student. The professors are amazing and want to... .

Read 700 reviews.

Net Price : $10,765 ,

Connecticut State Community College - Norwalk Campus

Norwalk, CT •

• • Rating 3.72 out of 5   420 reviews

Freshman: Honestly, for a community school you would think that you'll be getting the worse experience, but CT state university has so much resources it is hard to have a bad experience. It's a lot of clubs and activities for the kids, access to a free full gym, and i'm talking FULL GYM. You also get access to go grocery shopping once every week for free, and access to daily free snacks and food stations. ... Read 420 reviews

• grade  C+ Overall Niche Grade

Net price $6,983

NORWALK, CT ,

420 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Honestly, for a community school you would think that you'll be getting the worse experience, but CT state university has so much resources it is hard to have a bad experience. It's a lot of clubs... .

Read 420 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : C+ ,

Net Price : $6,983 ,

Caldwell University

Caldwell, NJ •

• • Rating 3.61 out of 5   459 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Caldwell University has been fantastic! It's an excellent school with a warm and welcoming community. The staff and professors are incredibly supportive and always willing to help. The diversity among students adds depth to the learning environment. While it's not known as a party school, there are occasional social events to enjoy. Overall, Caldwell University offers a great balance of academic rigor and a supportive atmosphere, making it a rewarding place to learn and grow. ... Read 459 reviews

Acceptance rate 96%

Net price $16,222

SAT range 1000-1310

CALDWELL, NJ ,

459 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says My experience at Caldwell University has been fantastic! It's an excellent school with a warm and welcoming community. The staff and professors are incredibly supportive and always willing to help.... .

Read 459 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 96% ,

Net Price : $16,222 ,

SAT Range : 1000-1310 ,

Iona University

New Rochelle, NY •

• • Rating 3.52 out of 5   716 reviews

Freshman: I’m currently a senior at my High school and plan to peruse my major in Secondary Mathematics Education. When I visited Iona University to learn about the campus and feel the environment and people I found the overall experience amazing. It feels like a second home to me, despite the little time I spend there during the student acceptance day I found it a place to grow and learn from. If you are looking into a college that consist of small classrooms allows for more effective communication between peers, professors and students and a non party school Iona University is the way to go. ... Read 716 reviews

Acceptance rate 93%

Net price $28,596

SAT range 1060-1260

NEW ROCHELLE, NY ,

716 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I’m currently a senior at my High school and plan to peruse my major in Secondary Mathematics Education. When I visited Iona University to learn about the campus and feel the environment and people... .

Read 716 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 93% ,

Net Price : $28,596 ,

SAT Range : 1060-1260 ,

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Passaic County Community College

Paterson, NJ •

• • Rating 3.6 out of 5   301 reviews

Sophomore: I enjoy attending Passaic County Community College because the academics are excellent, and I love the professors. The campus is diverse and welcoming, plus the affordable cost is a major benefit. It's also conveniently close to my house, and the staff is incredibly helpful. Overall, I'm really happy with my experience at PCCC. ... Read 301 reviews

Net price $7,731

PATERSON, NJ ,

301 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I enjoy attending Passaic County Community College because the academics are excellent, and I love the professors. The campus is diverse and welcoming, plus the affordable cost is a major benefit. ... .

Read 301 reviews.

Net Price : $7,731 ,

Georgian Court University

Lakewood, NJ •

• • Rating 3.68 out of 5   354 reviews

Senior: As a first-generation student with a Hispanic background, this university provided me with a welcoming environment where I felt comfortable pursuing and achieving my goals. The professors not only served as educators but also as significant role models. Their well-explained lessons in social work were enriched with a personal touch, making the learning experience truly inspiring. I appreciate the well-structured curriculum that encompasses various branches of social work, providing a comprehensive understanding. The reading materials and projects assigned contribute significantly to my preparation for a successful career in social work. I feel prepared to take on future roles, making meaningful impacts on both the community and individuals. I love the inclusion of a toolkit that allows us to integrate our perspectives into social work when collaborating with others. ... Read 354 reviews

Acceptance rate 80%

Net price $20,448

SAT range 980-1160

LAKEWOOD, NJ ,

354 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says As a first-generation student with a Hispanic background, this university provided me with a welcoming environment where I felt comfortable pursuing and achieving my goals. The professors not only... .

Read 354 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 80% ,

Net Price : $20,448 ,

SAT Range : 980-1160 ,

University of Mount Saint Vincent

Bronx, NY •

• • Rating 3.32 out of 5   645 reviews

Junior: My overall experience attending University of Mount Saint is an enriching experience. The small class sizes foster a close-knit environment where students can engage with professors and peers, creating meaningful connections that last a lifetime.The faculty at Mount Saint Vincent are dedicated educators who are committed to the success of their students, providing mentorship and guidance both inside and outside the classroom.With a strong emphasis on liberal arts education, the college provides students with a well-rounded academic foundation that prepares them for a variety of careers and graduate studies. ... Read 645 reviews

Acceptance rate 82%

Net price $20,317

SAT range 1000-1230

BRONX, NY ,

645 Niche users give it an average review of 3.3 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says My overall experience attending University of Mount Saint is an enriching experience. The small class sizes foster a close-knit environment where students can engage with professors and peers,... .

Read 645 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 82% ,

Net Price : $20,317 ,

SAT Range : 1000-1230 ,

Jersey City, NJ •

• • Rating 3.43 out of 5   723 reviews

Other: Saint Peter's University is alright overall. The classes and clubs are decent, but the campus could use some sprucing up. Some professors really know their stuff, while others are just okay. The student body is pretty diverse, which makes for a cool vibe around campus. Dealing with the administration can be a bit of a headache sometimes, though. Overall, it's not the fanciest place, but you'll get a solid education and have some fun along the way. If you're looking for a chill college experience without all the frills, Saint Peter's might just fit the bill. ... Read 723 reviews

• grade  C Overall Niche Grade

Net price $12,937

SAT range 970-1150

JERSEY CITY, NJ ,

723 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.

Featured Review: Other says Saint Peter's University is alright overall. The classes and clubs are decent, but the campus could use some sprucing up. Some professors really know their stuff, while others are just okay. The... .

Read 723 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : C ,

Net Price : $12,937 ,

SAT Range : 970-1150 ,

University of Bridgeport

Bridgeport, CT •

• • Rating 3.5 out of 5   956 reviews

Senior: This university creates a vibrant learning environment with its excellent faculty. A lively community is produced by the variety of extracurricular activities available. Modern facilities and a dedication to top-notch research are distinctive. The educational process is enhanced by global perspectives and supportive mentorship programs. For a more seamless student experience, administrative process simplification could be improved. Furthermore, a stronger focus on real-world applications in the classroom would improve students' readiness for the real world. All in all, a stimulating learning environment with opportunity for ongoing development and improvement. ... Read 956 reviews

Acceptance rate 73%

Net price $24,324

SAT range 950-1130

BRIDGEPORT, CT ,

956 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says This university creates a vibrant learning environment with its excellent faculty. A lively community is produced by the variety of extracurricular activities available. Modern facilities and a... .

Read 956 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 73% ,

Net Price : $24,324 ,

SAT Range : 950-1130 ,

United Talmudical Seminary

Niche User: They are good in values And i like there school because they are respectful, mostly their teachers are good specially the school is standard. ... Read 1 review

Net price $11,579

Featured Review: Niche User says They are good in values And i like there school because they are respectful, mostly their teachers are good specially the school is standard. .

Net Price : $11,579 ,

Yeshiva Gedola Tiferes Yerachmiel

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Alum: amazing best staff great vibes friendly students very helpful and caring the staff takes really good care of the boys highly recomended ... Read 1 review

Acceptance rate 31%

Net price $8,002

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says amazing best staff great vibes friendly students very helpful and caring the staff takes really good care of the boys highly recomended .

Acceptance Rate : 31% ,

Net Price : $8,002 ,

The King's College - New York

• • Rating 3.87 out of 5   234 reviews

Alum: The King's College was a great place to land as a New York transplant. I loved the community, and the initiatives taken to acclimate new students to the city. The best part, however, was the professors. King's professors were kind, reliable, and available. Having a small student body enabled them to invest in students. What needed to change was the financial state of the school, and the leadership who handled it. ... Read 234 reviews

Acceptance rate 44%

Net price $33,968

SAT range 1140-1390

234 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says The King's College was a great place to land as a New York transplant. I loved the community, and the initiatives taken to acclimate new students to the city. The best part, however, was the... What needed to change was the financial state of the school, and the leadership who handled it. .

Read 234 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 44% ,

Net Price : $33,968 ,

SAT Range : 1140-1390 ,

American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education

Piscataway, NJ •

• • Rating 4.58 out of 5   12 reviews

Freshman: My experience with AIMS Education has been amazing from day one. I would recommend this school to anyone looking to further their education. ... Read 12 reviews

Net price $17,996

PISCATAWAY, NJ ,

12 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says My experience with AIMS Education has been amazing from day one. I would recommend this school to anyone looking to further their education. .

Read 12 reviews.

Net Price : $17,996 ,

Lincoln Technical Institute - South Plainfield

South Plainfield, NJ •

• • Rating 3.25 out of 5   4 reviews

Freshman: Excellent school very helpful. Great instructor that is there to help you with any questions you need . ... Read 4 reviews

Net price $23,046

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 3.3 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Excellent school very helpful. Great instructor that is there to help you with any questions you need . .

Read 4 reviews.

Net Price : $23,046 ,

Lincoln Technical Institute - Mahwah

Mahwah, NJ •

• • Rating 4.22 out of 5   9 reviews

Other: I really like the way the teachers are so helpful and adaptable based on learning needs and speed. Everyone is so friendly. ... Read 9 reviews

Net price $30,570

MAHWAH, NJ ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I really like the way the teachers are so helpful and adaptable based on learning needs and speed. Everyone is so friendly. .

Read 9 reviews.

Net Price : $30,570 ,

United States Merchant Marine Academy

Kings Point, NY •

• • Rating 3.67 out of 5   91 reviews

Senior: Kings Point is located in a very nice area and the weekends are always filled with things to do, since Manhattan is not too far way. Plebe year is the toughest year mentally because of the regiment and the heavy load of coursework. My experience at Kings Point was poorer than average because of having to be locked down on campus during COVID-19, not being able to get off my ship during COVID-19, and having to deal with the temporary sea year suspension in late-2022. The food here is mediocre and many of the facilities need significant renovation. Despite all of this, Kings Point still offered a lot. The academics here are challenging but rewarding. The friends that you make here are friends that will last for a lifetime. The regiment can be frustrating at times, but you learn to deal with it. After about 4 years here, I will say that Kings Point has been a roller coaster filled with lots of highs and lows but I would do it again. ... Read 91 reviews

Acceptance rate 25%

Net price $4,422

SAT range 1150-1330

KINGS POINT, NY ,

91 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says Kings Point is located in a very nice area and the weekends are always filled with things to do, since Manhattan is not too far way. Plebe year is the toughest year mentally because of the regiment... .

Read 91 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 25% ,

Net Price : $4,422 ,

SAT Range : 1150-1330 ,

Lincoln Technical Institute - Shelton

Shelton, CT •

• • Rating 4.2 out of 5   20 reviews

Freshman: Everyone has been so kind and helpful. They have explained any problems I have run into in detail without making me feel unwanted. Their energy about the school in very vibrant. Julia, my adviser has been absolutely wonderful and I will be recommending lincoln tech to my peers who are looking to get into a trade. ... Read 20 reviews

Net price $32,040

SHELTON, CT ,

20 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Everyone has been so kind and helpful. They have explained any problems I have run into in detail without making me feel unwanted. Their energy about the school in very vibrant. Julia, my adviser has... .

Read 20 reviews.

Net Price : $32,040 ,

St. Joseph's University, New York

BROOKLYN, NY

• • Rating 3.7 out of 5   320

Rutgers University–New Brunswick

PISCATAWAY, NJ

• • Rating 3.65 out of 5   6,102

Brookdale Community College

LINCROFT, NJ

• • Rating 4.12 out of 5   1,436

Showing results 1 through 25 of 134

Should college essays touch on race? Some feel the affirmative action ruling leaves them no choice

CHICAGO — When she started writing her college essay, Hillary Amofa told the story she thought admissions offices wanted to hear. About being the daughter of immigrants from Ghana and growing up in a small apartment in Chicago. About hardship and struggle.

Then she deleted it all.

“I would just find myself kind of trauma-dumping,” said the 18-year-old senior at Lincoln Park High School in Chicago. “And I’m just like, this doesn’t really say anything about me as a person.”

When the Supreme Court ended affirmative action in higher education, it left the college essay as one of few places where race can play a role in admissions decisions. For many students of color, instantly more was riding on the already high-stakes writing assignment. Some say they felt pressure to exploit their hardships as they competed for a spot on campus.

Amofa was just starting to think about her essay when the court issued its decision, and it left her with a wave of questions. Could she still write about her race? Could she be penalized for it? She wanted to tell colleges about her heritage but she didn’t want to be defined by it.

In English class, Amofa and her classmates read sample essays that all seemed to focus on some trauma or hardship. It left her with the impression she had to write about her life’s hardest moments to show how far she’d come. But she and some of her classmates wondered if their lives had been hard enough to catch the attention of admissions offices.

“For a lot of students, there’s a feeling of, like, having to go through something so horrible to feel worthy of going to school, which is kind of sad,” said Amofa, the daughter of a hospital technician and an Uber driver.

This year’s senior class is the first in decades to navigate college admissions without affirmative action . The Supreme Court upheld the practice in decisions going back to the 1970s, but this court’s conservative supermajority found it is unconstitutional for colleges to give students extra weight because of their race alone.

Still, the decision left room for race to play an indirect role: Chief Justice John Roberts wrote universities can still consider how an applicant’s life was shaped by their race, “so long as that discussion is concretely tied to a quality of character or unique ability.”

“A benefit to a student who overcame racial discrimination, for example, must be tied to that student’s courage and determination,” he wrote.

Scores of colleges responded with new essay prompts asking about students’ backgrounds. Brown University asked applicants how “an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you.” Rice University asked students how their perspectives were shaped by their “background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity.”

WONDERING IF SCHOOLS 'EXPECT A SOB STORY'

When Darrian Merritt started writing his essay, he knew the stakes were higher than ever because of the court’s decision. His first instinct was to write about events that led to him going to live with his grandmother as a child.

Those were painful memories, but he thought they might play well at schools like Yale, Stanford and Vanderbilt.

“I feel like the admissions committee might expect a sob story or a tragic story,” said Merritt, a senior in Cleveland. “And if you don’t provide that, then maybe they’re not going to feel like you went through enough to deserve having a spot at the university. I wrestled with that a lot.”

He wrote drafts focusing on his childhood, but it never amounted to more than a collection of memories. Eventually he abandoned the idea and aimed for an essay that would stand out for its positivity.

Merritt wrote about a summer camp where he started to feel more comfortable in his own skin. He described embracing his personality and defying his tendency to please others. The essay had humor — it centered on a water gun fight where he had victory in sight but, in a comedic twist, slipped and fell. But the essay also reflects on his feelings of not being “Black enough” and getting made fun of for listening to “white people music.”

“I was like, ‘OK, I’m going to write this for me, and we’re just going to see how it goes,’” he said. “It just felt real, and it felt like an honest story.”

The essay describes a breakthrough as he learned “to take ownership of myself and my future by sharing my true personality with the people I encounter. ... I realized that the first chapter of my own story had just been written.”

A RULING PROMPTS PIVOTS ON ESSAY TOPICS

Like many students, Max Decker of Portland, Oregon, had drafted a college essay on one topic, only to change direction after the Supreme Court ruling in June.

Decker initially wrote about his love for video games. In a childhood surrounded by constant change, navigating his parents’ divorce, the games he took from place to place on his Nintendo DS were a source of comfort.

But the essay he submitted to colleges focused on the community he found through Word is Bond, a leadership group for young Black men in Portland.

As the only biracial, Jewish kid with divorced parents in a predominantly white, Christian community, Decker wrote he constantly felt like the odd one out. On a trip with Word is Bond to Capitol Hill, he and friends who looked just like him shook hands with lawmakers. The experience, he wrote, changed how he saw himself.

“It’s because I’m different that I provide something precious to the world, not the other way around,” he wrote.

As a first-generation college student, Decker thought about the subtle ways his peers seemed to know more about navigating the admissions process . They made sure to get into advanced classes at the start of high school, and they knew how to secure glowing letters of recommendation.

If writing about race would give him a slight edge and show admissions officers a fuller picture of his achievements, he wanted to take that small advantage.

His first memory about race, Decker said, was when he went to get a haircut in elementary school and the barber made rude comments about his curly hair. Until recently, the insecurity that moment created led him to keep his hair buzzed short.

Through Word is Bond, Decker said he found a space to explore his identity as a Black man. It was one of the first times he was surrounded by Black peers and saw Black role models. It filled him with a sense of pride in his identity. No more buzzcut.

The pressure to write about race involved a tradeoff with other important things in his life, Decker said. That included his passion for journalism, like the piece he wrote on efforts to revive a once-thriving Black neighborhood in Portland. In the end, he squeezed in 100 characters about his journalism under the application’s activities section.

“My final essay, it felt true to myself. But the difference between that and my other essay was the fact that it wasn’t the truth that I necessarily wanted to share,” said Decker, whose top college choice is Tulane, in New Orleans, because of the region’s diversity. “It felt like I just had to limit the truth I was sharing to what I feel like the world is expecting of me.”

SPELLING OUT THE IMPACT OF RACE

Before the Supreme Court ruling, it seemed a given to Imani Laird that colleges would consider the ways that race had touched her life. But now, she felt like she had to spell it out.

As she started her essay, she reflected on how she had faced bias or felt overlooked as a Black student in predominantly white spaces.

There was the year in math class when the teacher kept calling her by the name of another Black student. There were the comments that she’d have an easier time getting into college because she was Black .

“I didn’t have it easier because of my race,” said Laird, a senior at Newton South High School in the Boston suburbs who was accepted at Wellesley and Howard University, and is waiting to hear from several Ivy League colleges. “I had stuff I had to overcome.”

In her final essays, she wrote about her grandfather, who served in the military but was denied access to GI Bill benefits because of his race.

She described how discrimination fueled her ambition to excel and pursue a career in public policy.

“So, I never settled for mediocrity,” she wrote. “Regardless of the subject, my goal in class was not just to participate but to excel. Beyond academics, I wanted to excel while remembering what started this motivation in the first place.”

WILL SCHOOLS LOSE RACIAL DIVERSITY?

Amofa used to think affirmative action was only a factor at schools like Harvard and Yale. After the court’s ruling, she was surprised to find that race was taken into account even at some public universities she was applying to.

Now, without affirmative action, she wondered if mostly white schools will become even whiter.

It’s been on her mind as she chooses between Indiana University and the University of Dayton, both of which have relatively few Black students. When she was one of the only Black students in her grade school, she could fall back on her family and Ghanaian friends at church. At college, she worries about loneliness.

“That’s what I’m nervous about,” she said. “Going and just feeling so isolated, even though I’m constantly around people.”

The first drafts of her essay focused on growing up in a low-income family, sharing a bedroom with her brother and grandmother. But it didn’t tell colleges about who she is now, she said.

Her final essay tells how she came to embrace her natural hair . She wrote about going to a mostly white grade school where classmates made jokes about her afro. When her grandmother sent her back with braids or cornrows, they made fun of those too.

Over time, she ignored their insults and found beauty in the styles worn by women in her life. She now runs a business doing braids and other hairstyles in her neighborhood.

“I stopped seeing myself through the lens of the European traditional beauty standards and started seeing myself through the lens that I created,” Amofa wrote.

“Criticism will persist, but it loses its power when you know there’s a crown on your head!”

Ma reported from Portland, Oregon.

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org .