Applying to Texas colleges is free next week — here's how it works
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Texas college hopefuls can apply for undergraduate programs at any public university or college in the state for free next week.
Why it matters: Application costs can add up, becoming a barrier for those seeking higher education.
How it works: The inaugural Free College Application Week — running Monday through Sunday — waives fees for all Texas residents.
- All public colleges and universities must participate.
Flashback: Lawmakers created the initiative under Senate Bill 2231 earlier this year.
By the numbers: Most students apply to five to 10 schools during their senior year of high school, according to the bill.
- UT San Antonio, Texas State University, the University of Texas at Austin and Texas Tech University charge $75 for applications.
- Texas A&M University charges $65, while its San Antonio campus charges $30.
Threat level: Those costs can quickly multiply, limiting how many schools a student applies to or straining families already facing financial hardship.
Zoom in: In San Antonio ISD — where nearly 90% of students are economically disadvantaged — officials are promoting Free College Application Week across campuses and on social media, spokesperson Lorraine Pulido tells Axios.
- Students will get help with their applications.
- Most SAISD students qualify for existing fee waiver programs, but they must request one for each school, which can cause administrative delays and discourage some from applying.
- The new initiative removes that hurdle, streamlining the process, Pulido says.
Zoom out: Many states have held similar free college application weeks, but this marks Texas' first time.
What's next: Free College Application Week will take place annually during the second week of October.