Kansas's first Apply Free Days will be held on November 7-9th, 2023, for Kansas residents! During these three days, any Kansas resident, regardless of age or income can apply for free at any of our 7 public universities, 19 community colleges, 6 Technical colleges, and the 21 private member institutions of the Kansas Independent College Association. Eligible programs include general applications, certificate programs, associate degree programs and bachelor degree programs. (Graduate programs or other mid-degree applications will not qualify.)
Start your Applications Early!
To make sure your college application is in tiptop shape and ready to submit on time, it's a good idea to start your application before November 7. Even if you finish the application early, you can wait until Tuesday, Nov 7th to push "submit" and finalize your application. Remember- only applications submitted during this three day time frame, Tuesday, Nov. 7-Thursday, Nov. 9, will be free. There will be no refunds given for applications submitted outside of this three-day window, even for technological errors. (You will need to contact the admission office of the individual institution you are applying to if you have problems with application submission.)
Using the Common Application at KU, KSU or WSU? Contact the admission department at these institutions to find out how to waive the application fee when submitting your common application during Nov 7-9.
Fee Waivers for Financial Hardship Year-Round
All of our Kansas colleges and universities have application fee waivers for financial hardship during the entire year. As such, if you are struggling to pay an application fee and wish to submit your admission application before (or after) the Apply Free Days, contact the admission office at the college/university you want to apply to for more information or complete the Application Fee Waiver form linked below.
Who is Eligible to Participate in Kansas Apply Free Days?
All residents of Kansas who are applying for undergraduate programs at all state public and private* Kansas colleges and universities are eligible to submit their admission applications for free on Nov. 7-9, 2023. Undergraduate programs include undergraduate level certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor degrees. This means all of the following applicants are eligible:
First-time freshmen
Transfer students
Returning students
Applicants seeking a second bachelor's degree
Applications for graduate-level programs are not eligible.
*Private Institutions outside of the Kansas Independent College Association may not be participating in the Kansas Apply Free Days. Please check with the individual institution's admission department if it is not listed here.
Some Kansas colleges are free to apply everyday!
Not all of the Kansas colleges and universities have application fees. Applying to our 19 community colleges is free every day, all year around. In addition, Pittsburg State University and Washburn University removed their application fees, so students can apply there for free every day. Many of our Private Colleges and Universities do not have application fees. Visit their websites for more information!
Next steps after your Apply Free Days
After you apply, it's important to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is your ticket to grants, scholarships and work study positions that can help reduce the costs of college. Learn more about the FAFSA!
After the FAFSA, consider your options for state aid through the Kansas State Scholarship Program. Learn more here.
Why do we have Apply Free Days?
To encourage more Kansans to continue their education, all 32 public colleges and universities in Kansas and most of the private institutions allow students to apply for free on Tuesday, Nov. 7 - Thursday, Nov. 9 in a statewide effort to break down barriers to higher education.
Kansas Apply Free Days immediately follow the completion of Apply Kansas month, a state wide application campaign held annually in October that helps support 12th grade students to complete applications for their post-secondary plans.
The Kansas Apply Free Days program is designed to increase Kansas's college-going and FAFSA completion rates. In the last 10 years we have seen our college-going rate decline. As of 2021, we are only sending 59.5% of our high school graduates to a college, university or certificate program, and less than 50% of students submit a FAFSA application-a key indicator of students' likelihood to continue their education.
By removing barriers for students to achieve a credential, Kansas can help residents take that first step into continuing their education to increase the number of students who complete their programs and enter the workforce with a degree or competitive skills. Kansas Apply Free Days encourages residents to realize their fullest potential.
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