Today is fee-free application day and Connecticut high school students can apply to UConn and the state universities in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities for free on Tuesday, regardless of income, according to a statement on UConn’s website.
The cost for an undergraduate application to the University of Connecticut is typically $80 and the cost to apply to schools in the CSCU system is typically $50.
“For UConn, the fee is $80 which is a lot lower than some places, maybe a little higher than some places. But for a family of very limited means, that could make the difference between filling your tank and getting some groceries,” UConn spokesperson Stephanie Reitz said.
UConn said in a statement online that certain applicants can already waive the fee if they are eligible. They usually apply when a student is an orphan or ward of the state, qualifies for SAT/ACT test cost waivers, receives public assistance or lives in foster care, is eligible for free or reduced-cost school lunches, and related circumstances.
Get Connecticut local news, weather forecasts and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Connecticut newsletters.
“This initiative came to us from the Connecticut General Assembly. They looked at this for all the state universities as a way to increase access and take some of the financial barriers,” Reitz said.
The Nov. 15 Fee-Free Application Day applies to high school students from Connecticut at any income level who submit their materials that day.
Learn more on applying to the University of Connecticut here.
Local
Learn more about admission to CSCU schools here.
“I think it’s super beneficial. It gives people who don’t have as many opportunities, especially from different financial backgrounds, the opportunity to pursue different careers and take pathways that may have not been available to them otherwise,” high school senior Ariana Dallas said.
Southern Connecticut State University posted on social media that students can apply for free on Nov. 15 using the Common Application or apply for free between Nov. 15 and 30 using the Southern First Year Application.
Sign up for our Breaking newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox.
