Based on financial hardship, you might be eligible for a fee waiver

Applicants for whom payment of the application fee presents a significant financial hardship may request an application fee waiver. You might be eligible for an application fee waiver based on program participation or financial hardship. 

International students do not qualify for an application fee waiver.

Program Participation

If you have participated in one of the programs below, you are eligible for an application fee waiver.

  • McNair Scholarship Program
  • SROP (Summer Research Opportunity Program)
  • AGEP (Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate)
  • FreeApp Big Ten Academic Alliance
  • National GEM Consortium
  • Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Microbiology
  • Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP)

Financial Hardship

Applications are not processed until the Office of Admissions receives one of the following four forms of documentation:

  • Have your previous institution’s financial aid office sign the Verification of Student Financial Background and Status form (pdf) confirming it would present a significant financial hardship for you to pay the application fee.
  • Letter from a social service agency stating that you are receiving some form of public assistance.
  • Copy of your latest income tax return.
  • Letter from AmeriCorps stating you are currently serving and cannot afford to pay the fee.

Once you’ve submitted your application, fee waiver documentation should be uploaded to your Admissions Profile in MyUI.