Applying to college can get expensive, fast. Between mandatory standardized tests, to campus visits, and pricey application fees — families can find themselves spending hundreds of dollars on college before a student has even enrolled for classes.
But this week, Alabama seniors are getting a break on the whopping price-tag of higher education. Application fees are being waived as part of the state’s fifth annual Alabama College Application Week (ALCAC). From October 30 through November 3, seniors can apply to select state colleges and universities at no charge.
The following colleges and universities have officially waived their application fees to allow Alabama students participating in ALCAC Week, to submit their applications to their institutions at no cost:
- Alabama A&M University
- Alabama State University (ASU)
- Alcorn State University – Mississippi
- Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM)
- Benedict College – South Carolina
- Berea College – Kentucky
- Bethune-Cookman College – Florida
- Claflin University – South Carolina
- Concordia College
- Dillard University – Louisiana
- Edward Waters College – Florida
- Fisk University – Tennessee
- Fortis College
- Georgia College – Georgia
- Hampton University – Virginia
- Jackson State University – Mississippi
- Jacksonville State University
- Judson College
- Marion Military Institute
- Miles College
- Mississippi Valley State – Mississippi
- Murray State University – Kentucky
- Norfolk State University – Virginia
- Selma University
- Springhill College
- Stillman College
- Talladega College
- The University of Montevallo
- The University of North Alabama (UNA)
- The University of Tennessee – Knoxville
- Troy University
- Tuskegee University
- University of Dayton – Ohio
- Western Kentucky University – Kentucky
- Xavier University of Louisiana
ALCAC was started five years ago to increase the overall number of students in our state applying to, and ultimately enrolling in, postsecondary education. This year’s event will focus on increasing the number of young people, especially first-generation and low-income students, pursuing college degrees.
“Students need every opportunity to reach their full potential – earning a college degree after high school graduation is a very rewarding way to accomplish this goal,” said Alabama College Application Campaign (ALCAC) Coordinator, Dr. Willietta Conner.
During this celebration, many schools statewide will be hosting local college application fairs. Students will attend these events during the school day, and work-on and submit their final applications to colleges across the country.
During last year’s event, more than 26,000 Alabama high school seniors applied to college. Almost 52,000 applications were submitted to colleges throughout the country.
This year, more than 350 schools have already registered to participate.
Last year 70 Alabama high schools had 100 percent of their senior class to apply to college. More schools this year are working hard to achieve this same goal during Alabama College Application Week.