Free College Application Week Helps Texas Students Save on Fees

Texas students can apply to public colleges without fees from Oct. 13–19 during the inaugural Free Application Week, designed to make higher education more accessible. Senate Bill 2231, passed earlier this year, establishes this initiative to alleviate financial burdens on first-time, transfer, and returning undergraduate students. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board oversees the program, which requires candidates to apply through the ApplyTexas portal. Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the initiative as a strategic investment in the workforce, underscoring its role in preparing students for high-demand jobs.

According to estimates, students typically incur costs of $60 to $75 per application, making this fee waiver particularly impactful. Texas Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser stated that the program will help more students enter college. Eligibility is restricted to Texas residents, excluding out-of-state and international students. For more information, students can visit ApplyTexas to review eligibility requirements.