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When deciding which applicants to accept, colleges and universities typically look for the best of the best. But, that doesn’t always mean the “best” is the person with the highest grades in high school.

Yes, a student’s grade point average, or GPA, is a good metric for measuring how successfully they completed their high school courses, but how much does a student’s GPA really matter for college admission? It depends.

Keep reading to find out when GPA matters, when it doesn’t, and all the other factors college admissions take into account beyond a student’s GPA.

Weighted vs Unweighted GPA

Traditionally, high schools measure a student’s academic performance on an unweighted GPA scale, meaning the number only goes up to a 4.0 for an A in a class. This measurement method does not take into account the difficulty level of classes, so an honors English class will be measured in the same way as a non-honors class.

On the other hand, weighted GPAs do take into account the difficulty level of a student’s coursework. Most weighted GPA scales measure from a 0 to a 5.0. This means an AP or honors-level class could earn a student a 5.0, while a lower-level class would award a maximum of 4.0 for an A.

A weighted scale can offer students a little more flexibility when it comes to their overall GPA. Say a student is taking four classes, one is an honors level course and the three others are typical classes. The student receives an A in the honors class, which accounts for a 5.0; an A in two other courses, denoting a 4.0 and a 4.0; and a B in the last, at a 3.0. Despite receiving a B in a course, that would still end up with a weighted 4.0 GPA.


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Do Colleges Look at Weighted vs. Unweighted?

For the sake of looking at all applicants equally, colleges generally look at unweighted GPAs. They will typically separately consider how rigorous the coursework was. For example, if you took all AP classes and have an unweighted 4.0 GPA, you would be seen as a stronger applicant than someone who took less challenging courses and also has an unweighted 4.0 — even though your GPAs are the same.

Colleges also look at unweighted GPAs (as well as standardized test scores and other factors) for merit-based scholarships. The more successful students are more likely to receive tuition funding.

College admissions staff may also look into other things when it comes to a student’s GPA, including grade trends. If a student didn’t start out high school on the best note, but performed well during their junior and senior year with a strong GPA, admissions may see that as excellent growth and perseverance in a student’s academic career.

Recommended: How Do Grades Affect Your Student Loans?

A “Good” GPA

It’s important to remember that your GPA isn’t everything, and that college admissions staff will likely look at much more than just your grades. However, it’s also always nice to know where you stand amongst the pack.

The average high school GPA is around 3.0 (or a B), including students who do and don’t apply to college. However, the average GPA for students applying to college is closer to 3.5 to 4.0, and the average for students applying to Ivy League schools can be even higher – 4.00 or close to it. The average weighted GPA is 4.5-4.8 at Harvard, for example.

While GPA isn’t everything, it’s a good idea to keep it in mind when deciding which schools, or how many, to apply to.

Recommended: How to Get Into College With a GED

What Else Do Colleges Look At?

Colleges and universities do not just look at GPA, they also take into account a complete picture of who a student is. That means they look into trends in a student’s grades throughout their education and likely look at a student’s test scores on the SAT or ACT.

College admissions officers also look at a student’s involvement in extracurriculars, sports teams, their involvement in their community through organizations and volunteer work, and any relevant work experience.

Admissions staff will also likely weigh a student’s application using their recommendation letters, which speak to a student’s merit far beyond their grades. Admissions will also read a student’s complete application and read any required essays.

Again, a lot goes into the admissions process, and grades aren’t the end all be all. This all means when you are preparing for college, even in your early high school years, you may want to prepare by diversifying your interests and pursuits to ensure they can tell a larger story in their application.

Colleges That Don’t Take GPA Into Account

There are schools out there with low or no minimum GPA requirements for applicants. These include many for-profit schools, as well as community colleges. In fact, if your GPA is on the lower end, you might consider attending a community college for a year or two and then transferring to a four-year university or college.

For example, California Community Colleges do not have a minimum GPA or testing requirements for incoming students. Attending a community college could be a great way for students to learn and grow personally and academically, and to increase their academic performance before transferring.

How to Pay for College

Being financially prepared for college can help take some of the stress away from worrying about how your GPA will affect your chances of admission.

While filling out applications, you may want to also look into all your financial options as well. This begins with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to see if you are eligible for federal student aid, which include grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal loans.

If you still have gaps to fill, you may also want to consider a private student loan via a bank, credit union, or private lender. Unlike federal student loans, this involves a credit check. Students who have strong finances (or have a cosigner who does) stand to get lower interest rates and more favorable loan terms. Keep in mind that private student loans don’t come with government protections such as forbearance and forgiveness programs.


💡 Quick Tip: It’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of private student loans and federal student loans before committing to them.

The Takeaway

GPA is one factor in the college admissions process. How heavily GPA is weighted as a factor in admissions decisions will vary from school to school. Many schools will list the average GPA of admitted students, which can help give you an idea of how your GPA stacks up to students at that school. Other factors for admission might include a student’s transcript, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.

When it comes to how to pay for college, students with a high GPA may receive merit-based scholarships. In addition, students rely on cash savings, grants, federal student loans, and private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Does GPA matter when applying for college?

Yes, GPA matters when applying for college, but it’s just one of several factors. Admissions officers also consider test scores, essays, recommendations, and extracurricular activities. A strong GPA can help, but a holistic review process is typically used.

What is the minimum GPA for college?

The minimum GPA for college varies by institution, but many require at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive schools may have higher requirements, often around 3.0 or above. Always check the specific college’s admission criteria.

Can a high GPA compensate for low standardized test scores?

A high GPA can help, but it may not fully compensate for low standardized test scores. Admissions committees consider a holistic view, including test scores, essays, recommendations, and extracurricular activities.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

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Alongside going to school and doing homework, high school students may spend time studying for standardized tests, participating in extracurriculars, and volunteering in their community, with the hopes of standing out in their college applications.

On top of all that work, high school students also have to manage the many deadlines that are a major part of the college application process. A bit stressful, right? Especially when you consider the fact that applying to college costs money.

In order to make the whole experience a bit more seamless, we’ve rounded up important college application deadlines that are helpful for students to track. That way, instead of worrying about missed deadlines, you can jot these dates down and get back to hitting the books.

SAT Deadlines

While the SAT is not the only college entrance exam that students take, it is the one that is more commonly utilized by universities and colleges during the admissions process. This exam is administered by the College Board and is intended to measure the student’s readiness for college.

Typically, high school students will take the SAT starting in the spring of their junior year and ending in the fall of their junior year. Some students choose to take the test multiple times throughout this time period. The SATs are available to take each year in the months of March, May, June, August, October, November, and December.

While the official testing dates will vary on a year-to-year basis, these are the anticipated dates for registration and testing for the 2025-26 school year. SAT subject tests are not necessarily available to take on all of these dates.

When it comes time for students to provide their scores to colleges, they will do so when they submit their complete application. Application deadlines will vary by school, but there are some common deadlines worth considering.

For regular decision applications (not early decision), the most common deadline is January 1st. Many schools also have a January 15th deadline. The main exception to these January deadlines is the University of California system which has a much earlier deadline of November 30th for all schools in their system.

Some schools offer later deadlines in February, March, or April, but this is less common.

ACT Deadlines

Similar to the SAT, the ACT is a college entrance exam that colleges and universities use during the admission decision process. Also like the SAT, the ACT is designed to evaluate how ready a high school student is for college. ACT test scores are taken into consideration during the admission process by the colleges that require them.

Students take this exam during the same time period as the SAT, from the spring of their junior year to the fall of their senior year. Students can choose to take this test multiple times in the hope of improving their score before they submit their college applications.

Each year, the ACT is offered in the months of February, April, June, July, September, October, and December. The one exception being that there are no tests scheduled in July in New York.

The official testing dates vary each year, but the following dates are available for registration and testing for the 2025-26 school year.

Just like with their SAT scores, students will submit their ACT when they complete their college applications. The ACT automatically sends the students scores from the ACT test directly to the schools of their choice.

Recommended: Ultimate College Application Checklist

The Common Application Deadlines

The Common Application is a highly convenient option for many students applying to more than one college. With just one application, students can apply to up to 20 schools (with more than 1,100 schools to choose from) in the U.S. and internationally. The Common App even helps students manage the many application deadlines they may be facing.

In each student’s “Dashboard” through The Common App, they will be alerted of their application deadlines. To meet an application deadline, the student must submit their application materials by 11:59 pm in their local time zone on the deadline date. The Common App recommends submitting the application well before 11:59 pm in case there are any last minute complications caused by a technical barrier, such as loss of internet connection.

FAFSA Deadlines

When students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), they will be considered for federal student aid. Many states and colleges also use the FAFSA to determine their own financial aid awards for students, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. The amount of aid is limited, so meeting the FAFSA deadlines is super important.

The following deadlines are worth remembering:

Federal Deadlines

To be considered for federal student aid for the 2025–26 award year, the FAFSA must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Time (CT) on June 30, 2026. Any FAFSA corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on September 12, 2026.

College Deadlines

Each college a student is accepted at may have a different deadline for submitting the FAFSA to their particular financial aid department. Students should double check this deadline for any schools they want to potentially attend.

State Deadlines

Each state has a unique deadline which students can review on the Federal Student Aid website .

Early Decision Deadlines

When applying for an early decision, the traditional deadline is in November, typically falling on the 1st or the 15th. However, some schools now offer what is called Early Decision II, which offers students a chance to apply for an early decision but at a later date, typically in January. Each school’s dates vary, so it’s a good idea for students to confirm these dates with the schools they are interested in.

Recommended: What Happens If You Back Out of Early Decision?

Early Action Deadlines

Students applying for early action can expect a deadline of November 1st or November 15th for the most part. As they are applying early, they generally receive an admissions decision early as well. This usually happens in mid-December.

The main difference between early decision and early action is that early decision binds a student to attend that specific school. Early action simply means you are receiving a decision early in the application process; it’s non-binding.

Rolling Admissions Deadlines

Some schools offer more flexibility on their admissions deadlines by offering what is called “rolling admissions.” The difference between a rolling admission process and a deadline-based admission process is that colleges with rolling admissions evaluate applications as they are submitted, rather than waiting until an official deadline to review them all at once. These schools evaluate applications as they receive them until they have filled all of their incoming class slots.

A rolling admissions decision essentially allows a student to apply anytime they would like and they have until the school’s decision deadline to choose if they will attend. Typically schools with rolling admissions deadlines have longer admission windows, which gives students time to apply to other schools.

College Decision Day Deadlines

While not all schools set their acceptance deadlines for the College Decision Day date, many schools do. May 1st is National College Decision Day, the deadline for students to officially choose which college they will attend — though they can make their decision earlier if they wish. Students have to sign a letter of intent to enroll and typically need to submit a deposit to hold their spot in the incoming class.

College Education Financing Options

Once the college application deadlines for high school seniors pass and the acceptance letters begin to roll in, students and their families may begin to think about how they’ll finance a college education. After reviewing the financial aid package offered by their school, the student will have a better idea of how much they may need to take out in student loans in order to cover the costs of tuition, books, and room and board.

There are two types of student loans: federal and private. Federal student loans can be obtained from the United States government and their terms are set by law. As mentioned, students can apply for federal student aid by filling out the FAFSA annually. Federal loans offer fixed income rates and certain protections, such as income-driven repayment plans.

Private student loans, on the other hand, come from private lenders such as credit unions, banks, and online lenders. Terms for private student loans are generally based on the applicant’s (or cosigner’s) credit history, among other factors. Unlike federal loans, private loans don’t come with government-based protections.

Recommended: A Complete Guide to Private Student Loans

The Takeaway

Navigating college application deadlines is crucial for a smooth and successful admissions process. By staying organized and meeting key deadlines for regular decision, early decision, financial aid, and scholarships, students can maximize their opportunities and reduce stress.

When it’s time to pay for college, students can turn to a combination of federal aid — such as grants, scholarships, and federal loans — as well as private student loans to help cover the cost.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

What are the important dates for college applications?

Important dates for college applications include early decision/early action deadlines (usually in November), regular decision deadlines (typically in January), financial aid application deadlines (often in February), and decision notification dates (usually in April). Students should also note campus visit and scholarship application deadlines.

What month do most people apply for college?

Most people apply for college in December and January for regular decision deadlines, while some apply in November for early decision or early action programs.

What is the most common college application deadline?

The most common college application deadline is January 1st for regular decision, though early decision and early action deadlines are typically in November.

About the author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.

A pass/fail grading system allows a student to receive either a grade of “P” (pass) or “F” (fail) for a particular class instead of the usual letter grading system. Many colleges offer this option in order to encourage students to explore new academic areas without having to worry about it affecting their transcripts.

However, the pass/fail grading system comes with some limitations, including restrictions on which and how many classes you can take pass/fail each year. And, in some cases, taking a class pass/fail can still have an impact on your academic record.

Read on to learn exactly what pass/fail means, what a passing (and failing) grade is, and when to consider a pass/fail option.

How Pass/Fail Grading Works

The traditional grading system was initially established centuries ago by English universities like Oxford and Cambridge as a way of encouraging students to work harder. While letter grades may still be the dominant system in American universities, some schools have deviated from this structure, establishing their own ways of evaluating students largely based on the pass/fail system.

Reed College in Portland, Oregon has a unique style of grading that encourages students to “focus on learning, not on grades.” While students are still assigned grades for each course, these grades are not distributed to students. Instead, students are given lengthy comments and reports on their academic performance. Reed does not have a dean’s list or honor roll either.

At Brown University, students can take an unlimited number of classes “satisfactory/no credit (S/NC),” and GPAs are not calculated. They also do not name students to a dean’s list.

Some schools, including Swarthmore College and MIT, have students take all classes pass/fail in the first semester of their freshman years. Swarthmore’s policy is meant to encourage students to stretch themselves and take risks, and is aligned with their policy of collaboration as opposed to competition with classmates. MIT’s policy is designed to help students adjust to increased workloads and variations in academic preparation and teaching methods.

In both cases, taking the emphasis off grades is meant to improve students’ experiences of higher education, helping them to take full advantage of their time on campus.

Of course, most schools emphasize letter grades more than Brown and Reed, as it allows them to distinguish high achievers and highlight specific areas where students excel or may need to improve.

It’s common, however, for colleges to allow students to take one class pass/fail per semester. Typically, this is only offered for elective (not core) classes. Often, a grade of “P” is equal to a grade of D- or higher, but has no impact on the student’s overall grade point average. A grade of “F,” however, will usually have the same effect on the grade point average as a traditional failure.


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What Are the Benefits of Pass/Fail?

While college can be a rewarding and stimulating time for students, it also has its challenges, including constant pressure to keep up your grades. The beauty of taking a class pass/fail is the sense of freedom it gives you — once the stress of getting a perfect grade is removed, you are at liberty to fully embrace the kind of intellectual curiosity that should be at the heart of a college experience.

Maybe you’re a pre-med student and want to take a painting class, or perhaps you’re majoring in sociology and want to dabble in art history. These options can lead you down unexpected paths, opening creative doors you might have avoided if you were solely focusing on your GPA.

Recommended: How Grades Affect Your Student Loans

The Limits to Pass/Fail

The pass/fail system also has some potential downsides. One is that should you end up doing really well in the class, you generally can’t change your mind and ask to take the class for a grade rather than pass/fail. By the same token, if you do poorly in a class, you can’t make a belated request for a pass/fail.

In addition, pass/fail grades generally don’t count toward a major or minor, which limits your options when deciding whether or not to go this route.

While it’s hard to know for sure, some students feel that taking a higher number of pass/fail classes could reflect poorly on their college academic record and be a strike against them when applying for a job or to graduate school. However, it’s also possible that a potential employer or an admissions officer might be impressed by a student’s breadth of study and sense of initiative in studying “outside the box.”


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The Takeaway

Taking a few of your classes pass/fail can be a great way to explore new academic areas of interest during college, and is unlikely to adversely impact your post-grad opportunities, including summer internships, employment, and graduate school.

Whether you take a class pass/fail or for a letter grade won’t have any impact on how many credits you get from the course — or the cost of tuition. If you’re concerned about how you’ll cover the cost of your education, keep in mind that you have a range of options — including savings, scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and federal or private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

How does pass/fail grading work?

Pass/fail grading simplifies academic evaluation by assigning a “pass” for satisfactory performance and a “fail” for unsatisfactory performance, typically without letter grades. It reduces pressure and allows students to explore subjects without impacting their GPA.

Does pass/fail hurt your GPA?

Pass/fail courses generally do not affect your GPA. A “pass” does not add points, and a “fail” may or may not lower it, depending on the institution’s policy. Check your school’s guidelines for specific details.

Does a pass/fail class look bad?

Pass/fail courses typically don’t impact your GPA. A “pass” doesn’t add points, while a “fail” might or might not lower it, depending on your school’s policy. Always check your institution’s guidelines for clarity.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

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When applying for college, there are many details to consider. Once the SAT scores are in, the essay is written, and the application is complete, there’s one more step: paying the college application fee.

If you are applying to more than one school, those fees can really add up. Luckily there is a way to get out of paying to apply to a school: a college application fee waiver.

Here’s more intel for students and their parents about college application fees and waivers.

The 411 on College Application Fees

Many colleges and grad schools require applicants to pay a fee. The average application fee is $48 at four-year public colleges and universities. At private universities, that fee is $54-$57, on average.

If a student is applying to more than one school, these costs can not only add up but also be prohibitive for some.

While there is no set standard for how many schools a student should apply to, some experts say it’s a good idea to apply to between six and eight colleges — two to three to act as safety schools, two as target schools, and two “reach” schools.

At $48 per college, on average, that could add up to $288 to $384. There are, however, ways to get around the fees.

Ask the College for a Waiver

Many colleges and universities allow students to directly ask for an application fee waiver.

Typically, the application will have a field that students or parents can fill out asking for the application fee to be waived.

If there is no space on the application, students or parents could simply call the school’s registrar office and ask what options may be available to them.

Recommended: Important College Application Deadlines

Getting Help From Nonprofits

Nonprofit organizations can play a vital role in easing the financial burden of college application fees for students from low-income or underserved backgrounds.

National Association for College Admission Counseling

The National Association for College Admission Counseling offers a request for an application fee waiver that can be filled out online and submitted with each application.

To fill out the form, the student simply writes the name of the college on the top line, and then fills out the “Student” section and checks the appropriate boxes in the “Economic Need” section. If none apply, an applicant can click “Other Request” and explain the financial need for the fee waiver.

Then, a school counselor, postsecondary support person, or principal at the student’s school, or a person from a community-based organization, needs to complete the “Authorized Official” section to verify economic eligibility.

Students send the completed form directly to the university’s admissions office. College applicants may want to check with the office if they do not hear back about an approval status within a month.

Recommended: Grants For College — Find Free Money for Students

Common Application

The Common Application is a generic application used by 1,000 schools. Using the application makes it easy for students to apply for more schools at once. And, within the application, students can request a fee waiver in the profile section.

According to the Common Application, students can qualify for a fee waiver for a variety of reasons. Those include if they are enrolled in or eligible to participate in the federal free or reduced-price lunch program, annual family income falls within the income eligibility guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, and if they are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families.

Students can also qualify if their family receives public assistance or if they live in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home, or are homeless. Students who are wards of the state or can provide a supporting statement on economic need from a school official can also apply for a waiver.

The Common Application fee waiver may also be available for international applicants. It’s important to note that it is still up to each school if it accepts a fee waiver request.

Recommended: Paying for College Without Parents’ Help

College Board

Students aiming for college will likely have to take a standardized test, presumably either the ACT or the SAT, as part of their application. The SAT costs $68 for each standard SAT a student takes, and each ACT is $68 (there is an additional cost if a student wants to take the essay portion of the tests).

Eligible students can get fee waivers for up to two of each standardized test. Typically, they qualify if they live in a foster home or public housing or receive free or reduced-price lunches. Family income can also be a qualifier. Students will have to speak to a school administrator to receive the waiver, as each testing company allocates a specific number of waivers to each school.

So, how can this help with the college application fee? By qualifying for the SAT or ACT waiver, a student also gets to waive the application costs for four colleges. Those who are eligible for an SAT waiver will receive application waivers via the College Board, making it easy to streamline the process.

Attend a College Fair or Visit the School

Some colleges and universities may be willing to hand out application fee waivers to students who visit the school.

Most schools do not actively advertise these specials, so students are encouraged to dig deeply into their choice school’s website or call the school’s office of admissions to find out if this may be an option.

How to Find Colleges With No Application Fees

There are a number of colleges out there that don’t require an application fee at all.

Tulane University in New Orleans, Loyola University Chicago, and Baylor University in Waco, Texas are just a few of the many schools that don’t require an application fee.

In some cases, a school will waive their application fees during certain time frames, such as the middle of October. You can do an online search for “colleges with no application fees” to find lists, but will want to follow up with any schools you’re interested in to make sure the information is up to date.

Paying for College

Getting past the application is just the beginning. From there, students will have to navigate the cost of attendance, including housing, tuition, books, and more. For many, that means taking out loans.

Students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA®, to see if they are eligible for student aid from the federal government. Colleges may then use the information provided to determine specific aid needs.

You can discuss federal aid and loan options directly with the schools of choice. If you still have gaps in funding, you may be able to cover them with a private student loan. These are available through banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Keep in mind, though, that private loans don’t offer the same protections, such as government forgiveness or forbearance programs that come with federal student loans.

To qualify for a private student loan, you need to fill out a loan application alone or with a cosigner. The amount of money you can borrow and the interest rate usually depend on credit scores and income.

The Takeaway

Qualifying for a college application fee waiver can make a significant difference in your college application process, easing the financial strain and allowing you to focus on presenting your best self to potential schools. By understanding the eligibility criteria, gathering the necessary documentation, and taking advantage of available resources, you can increase your chances of securing these valuable waivers.

When it comes time to pay for college, students can rely on scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

What is a college application fee waiver?

A college application fee waiver is a form of financial assistance that allows eligible students to apply to colleges without paying the standard application fee. This can significantly reduce the financial burden of applying to multiple schools, making the college application process more accessible.

Who is eligible for a college application fee waiver?

Eligibility for a college application fee waiver varies by institution, but common criteria include financial need, participation in certain educational programs, being a first-generation college student, or having a low family income. Some colleges also offer waivers to students who have faced significant personal or educational challenges.

How do I apply for a college application fee waiver?

To apply for a fee waiver, you typically need to complete a waiver form provided by the college or university. This form may require you to provide documentation of your financial situation, such as tax returns or a letter from your high school counselor. Some colleges also accept fee waiver codes from standardized test providers like the College Board or ACT.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

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The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is a form that incoming and returning college students (and their parents) need to fill out to be considered for federal financial aid. The FAFSA helps students qualify for federal grants and loans, such as the Pell Grant and Federal Direct Subsidized Loans. States and colleges also use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for grants and scholarships.

Unfortunately, the FAFSA is known for being a long, tedious, and complex form to fill out. To help ease confusion — and encourage more families to fill out the form — the Department of Education rolled out a new streamlined and simplified FAFSA for the 2025-26 school year on November 21, 2024 (a delay from the usual October 1).

The simplified FAFSA also ushers in a new formula to determine who will qualify for aid and how much they’ll receive. Here’s what you need to know about the FAFSA changes, plus other updates to financial aid.

Why Is the FAFSA Changing?

The Department of Education has long fielded concerns about the complexity and length of the FAFSA. As a result, Congress passed legislation in 2020 — called the FAFSA Simplification Act (FSA) — to make the FAFSA easier for students and their families to complete. The act not only overhauls the FAFSA form, dramatically reducing the number of questions, but also changes the methodologies and formulas used for determining federal student aid eligibility.

The new provisions were designed to be implemented in the 2023-24 school year but, due to delays, the Department of Education has been using a phased approach, with only a few of the new rules appearing on the October 1, 2022, FAFSA. The remaining provisions are set to go into effect for the 2025-26 award year. The new form became available on November 21, 2024.

2025-2026 FAFSA Updates

The FAFSA updates include a shorter, simpler-to-fill-out form, along with changes in how your financial aid is calculated. Below, we break it all down.

Shorter Form/Fewer Questions

A major FAFSA change is that the form itself will shrink from an intimidating 108 questions to no more than 46 questions (though some will have multiple parts). The actual number of questions you’ll need to answer (which could be less than 46) will depend on your financial situation. The new form also makes it easier to import income data from your tax records.

The Department of Education is hoping that a shorter, simpler form will encourage more students and their families to fill out a FAFSA and increase access to financial aid.

Questions About Selective Service and Drug Convictions Dropped

The new FAFSA eliminates any questions about whether a student has had any drug-related convictions. A drug conviction will no longer prevent students from receiving Pell Grants. (This was enacted in the 2023-24 award year.)

In addition, the Selective Service registration — which required male students under 26 to enroll in the draft — was removed as part of the FAFSA Simplification Act. This was taken off the FAFSA in 2021. Students are no longer required to register for Selective Service to receive federal aid.

Other Demographic Questions Added

In the 2024-25 year, the Department of Education also added a new demographic survey to the signature and submission portion of the FAFSA. Students will fill in certain demographic information, such as their gender, race, and ethnicity before submitting the form. These questions are solely for research purposes (to create statistics on who is and is not applying) and are not factored into aid decisions. While you must fill out the demographic survey, you are allowed to decline the answers.

EFC Becomes SAI

The new FAFSA renames the current Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to the Student Aid Index (SAI). This went into effect for the 2024-25 FAFSA and will be carried over to the 2025-26 FAFSA.

The EFC is a number that colleges use to determine a family’s financial need relative to other applicants. The name, however, caused confusion, since the EFC doesn’t actually represent the amount a family will have to contribute (or pay) for college. You could end up spending more, or less, than your EFC.

Besides the name change, there are a few differences in how EFC/SAI will be calculated. Here are some notable updates:

•  EFC factored in the number of family members in college but SAI does not. Families with more than one child in college no longer have an advantage in receiving aid.

•  The lowest EFC an applicant could receive was $0. The SAI can go as low as -$1,500, making it easier to more accurately determine an applicant’s financial need.

•  SAI will increase the Income Protection Allowance (IPA) that shelters a certain amount of parental income from inclusion in the calculation of total income.

Recommended: 31 Facts About FAFSA for Parents

Getting a Pell Grant Becomes Easier

The FAFSA Simplification Act, which took effect in the 2024-25 FAFSA year, increases the number of students eligible for a Pell Grant. The maximum awards will now go to all families who fall below the income thresholds for tax filing, or who have adjusted gross incomes below 225% (single) or 175% (married) of the poverty line. In addition, the Act restores Pell Grant eligibility to incarcerated students.

Students will also be able to estimate their eligibility for the grant before they complete the FAFSA.

Introduced the Term “Contributors”

A new term by the Department of Education — contributors — has been introduced for the 2025-26 FAFSA. A contributor is anyone required to provide information on the FAFSA, including the student, the student’s spouse, the student’s parents, and others.

Keep in mind that each contributor will need their own FSA ID, and it’s recommended to set this up a few days before completing the FAFSA.

How Will the FAFSA Changes Affect Students?

The new FAFSA will save time and headaches for all applicants. For many students and their families, the FAFSA changes will also mean more aid. For some, however, the changes will mean less help from the government.

Many families, especially low-income families, will likely get more aid, due to more generous formulas. For example, the IPA will increase by 20% for parents, up to about $2,400 (35%) for most students, and up to about $6,500 (60%) for students who are single parents.

In addition, more families will be eligible for the Pell Grants. Previously, families with incomes higher than $60,000 were generally ineligible for a Pell Grant. Now, students from families earning between $60,000 and $70,000 will likely receive some Pell Grant funding.

On the downside, the number of kids a family has in college will no longer be factored into the formula for the parent allowance. Indeed, families with multiple children in college at the same time may find that they will get less financial aid than they are used to.

Recommended: I Didn’t Get Enough Financial Aid: Now What?

When Does the 2025-2026 FAFSA Become Available?

The FAFSA traditionally opens on October 1 for the following academic year. This year, due to the FAFSA updates taking longer than expected, the Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid released the 2025-26 FAFSA on November 21, 2024.

Even if you’ve filled out the FAFSA in the past, you need to complete a FAFSA every year to unlock federal student loans, grants, work-study, and even some private scholarships.

Once you submit the new FAFSA, you’ll receive your FAFSA Submission Summary, which details the information you included on the application and your SAI.

Cash vs. Private Student Loans: Which One Is Better?

Whatever cash you or your family members can save for college will benefit you in the long run, since it will mean borrowing less and paying less in interest. Therefore, cash is king when it comes to paying for college.

However, if you don’t have enough cash for college, you’re far from alone — and you still have plenty of funding options. By filling out the FAFSA, you may be able to access federal aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study, federal subsidized loans (no interest charged while you are in school), and federal unsubsidized loans (interest accrues while you are in school).

If you still have gaps in funding, you may be able to fill them with a private student loan. These loans are available through banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Each lender sets its own interest rate and you can often choose to go with a fixed or variable rate. Unlike federal loans, qualification is not need-based. However, you will need to undergo a credit check and students often need a cosigner.

If a student (or their cosigner) has excellent credit, it may actually be possible to get a private student loan with a lower interest rate than a federal loan, particularly if you’re looking at federal PLUS loans for parents or graduate students, which carry higher rates than federal loans for undergraduate students.

Just keep in mind that private student loans may not offer the same protections, such as income-based repayment plans, that automatically come with federal student loans.

The Takeaway

When the new simplified FAFSA became available at the end of 2023, it included many changes, including fewer questions and a switch from EFC to SAI (which will serve the same purpose). Some changes also took place behind the scenes, including updates to the formulas used to calculate aid eligibility. More students now qualify for Pell grants, but families with multiple children in college may see their award go down.

Specific changes to the 2025-26 FAFSA include an even more simplified version (no more than 46 questions as opposed to 108) and the introduction of the term “contributors,” which is anyone required to provide information on the FAFSA.

Filling out the FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal funding, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

What is the FAFSA?

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a form used by students to apply for financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs, to help pay for college.

Will the FAFSA still require information about parental income?

Yes, the FAFSA will still require information about parental income, but the process will be streamlined, and some questions will be removed to make it easier to complete.

How will the new Student Aid Index (SAI) differ from the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?

The SAI will be a more accurate measure of a family’s financial need, calculated using a different formula that aims to better reflect a student’s ability to pay for college.

About the author

Melissa Brock

Melissa Brock is a higher education and personal finance expert with more than a decade of experience writing online content. She spent 12 years in college admission prior to switching to full-time freelance writing and editing. Read full bio.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

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