Application fee is a non-refundable charge paid to submit an admissions application for review.
How it works
The applicant completes the online application and pays the fee by card or electronic check, or submits a waiver request. Once payment or waiver is confirmed, the application enters the review queue. Incomplete payment leaves the application unprocessed. Fee waivers, when approved, allow submission without charge. The fee is retained regardless of the admission decision.
Example: an online university charges a $40 application fee. An applicant pays the fee and the application is reviewed. Another applicant qualifies for a fee waiver based on a Pell-eligible SAI from a prior FAFSA and submits without payment. Both applications are processed; the fee itself does not affect the admission decision.
How it differs
An enrollment deposit is paid after admission to reserve a seat and is usually credited to tuition. Tuition is the charge for instruction. An application fee is solely for processing the application and is non-refundable.
Common errors
Expecting the application fee to be applied to tuition if admitted. Submitting an application without paying or securing a waiver and assuming it will be reviewed. Assuming every institution offers fee waivers.
References
- 1. Institutional application-fee policiesAmounts and waivers
- 2. Fee-waiver practicesNeed-based waivers
Application fee is a non-refundable charge paid to submit an admissions application for review.