Students considering college have an opportunity to save some money this week as colleges and universities across Alabama waive application fees.
Free Application Week begins Monday, October 5, and continues through Friday, October 9, giving prospective students a limited window to submit applications without paying the normal application fee at participating schools.
Several universities serving students in West Alabama are participating.
The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa is waiving application fees for undergraduate and graduate applicants, as well as students applying to UA Online and UA Early College.
Undergraduate and UA Early College applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Friday, October 9. Eligible graduate applicants can also apply for free but must obtain a fee-waiver code before submitting their application.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is also offering free applications October 5–9. The waiver is available to first-time freshmen, transfer students and online students, including applicants from outside Alabama. UAB says no promotional code is necessary, but the application must be started and submitted during the five-day period.
Auburn University is waiving its application fee for Alabama residents applying as freshmen or transfer students. Applicants must use the code FALL2026 and submit their application by 11:59 p.m. October 9.
Other Alabama institutions participating in free-application opportunities this week include the University of West Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Troy University, Tuskegee University, the University of Montevallo and the University of South Alabama.
For students in West Alabama, the week could be especially helpful for those considering multiple schools. Application fees can add up quickly when a student applies to several universities.
Students should not wait until Friday evening to begin the process. Requirements and fee-waiver procedures vary by institution, and some colleges require applicants to use a promotional code or apply through a particular admissions portal.
Applicants should also have important information ready, including their high school or previous college information, transcript details and other materials required by the institution.
The free application period provides an opportunity not only for graduating high school seniors but also for adults considering returning to college and students looking to transfer to another institution.
Students interested in applying should visit the admissions website of each college they are considering and confirm its specific requirements before submitting an application.
The free application period ends Friday, October 9.
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