Free College Applications Available to Texas Students Next Week
Texas students thinking about college can save some money next week and potentially apply to several schools without paying a dime.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott is reminding Texas residents that Free College Application Week runs Oct. 12 - 18, giving students the opportunity to apply to undergraduate programs at any public college or university in Texas without paying an application fee.
That's Right... No Cha-Ching!
The fee waiver applies to Texas residents who apply through ApplyTexas during the week. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Oct. 18 to qualify.
This program should be particularly helpful for students who want to apply to multiple schools. Last year, more than 260,000 applications were submitted during Free College Application Week.
“Next week, a Texas student can apply to any public college or university and pay no application fee,” Abbott said.
The waiver is part of the state's broader effort to make college more affordable. Texas public colleges and universities have had undergraduate tuition rates frozen since 2023, with the freeze continuing through the 2026-27 academic year.
The state is also working on three-year bachelor's degree pathways in high-demand fields. State officials say completing a bachelor's degree in three years could reduce the overall cost by as much as 25%, potentially saving students $15,000 to $35,000.
How Do You Take Advantage?
Students can use My Texas Future to explore schools, compare programs, and look at potential career paths before applying.
To get the free application, students must apply through ApplyTexas during the Oct. 12 - 18 window.
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For students who have been putting off college applications because of the cost of applying to multiple schools, next week is the perfect time to get those applications submitted. Be sure you check your Texas Residency status.
Go get 'em Tigers... or Bulldogs, Hawks, Leopards, whatever your mascot is.
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Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll