Avoid the University of Chicago Application Fee

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Get Your University of Chicago Application Fee Waived Quickly

The University of Chicago is a private institution with a reputation for being one of the most rigorous schools to attend. It’s no secret that this school is expensive as well. If the University of Chicago application fee is too pricey for you, consider obtaining an application fee waiver with DoNotPay.

Why Must You Pay an Application Fee?

Universities and colleges ask for an application fee to cover the costs of the screening process. Technology has made the process less labor-intensive, but there are still people involved in every step. You usually attend an interview and write an essay, and someone needs to evaluate these application segments.

Schools also use application fees to make sure that only serious students apply. Some schools don’t ask for an application fee, and others have window periods when you can apply for free.

What Is an Application Fee Waiver?

While most universities ask for an application fee, they are also willing to offer a fee waiver under specific circumstances. The application fee amount depends on the school and usually varies between $20 and $100. The fees might not seem like much, but if you’re applying to a few colleges, the expenses can quickly add up. Here are some schools that charge the highest application fees:

Apart from the application fee, there are various other fees that you might have to pay before you’re admitted to the school, including:

  • SATs
  • ACTs
  • Travel expenses
  • Test preparation
  • Campus events

Students who can’t afford all of the expenses can request an application fee waiver.

Application Fee Waiver Requirements

To qualify for a University of Chicago fee waiver, you have to:

  • Be eligible for an SAT or ACT fee waiver
  • Have participated in a reduced-fee lunch program or have been eligible to participate
  • Come from a family that receives state assistance—grants for food, childcare, etc.
  • Be a veteran or an active member of the U.S. Armed Forces
  • Live in foster care or subsidized housing or be homeless
  • Meet the USDA Food and Nutrition Service Guidelines

Consult the following table to check if you’re eligible to get financial aid according to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service Guidelines:

Number of People in HouseholdAverage Income Is Less Than
One member$12,760
Two members$17,240
Three members$21,720
Four members$26,200

If your family is bigger than four people, you should add $4,480 for every additional member.

What Is the Chicago University Application Fee?

While the average application fee for colleges in the U.S. is $60, the University of Chicago charges $75. Applicants can apply for a fee waiver if they need financial assistance. The admissions committee may ask you to submit supporting documents before accepting your request. Early application will not guarantee a fee waiver, but late applications won’t be considered at all.

Some students require financial aid but don’t meet any of the required criteria. Such students should still apply for an application fee waiver. The University of Chicago will review your request and may honor the waiver if they find that you need assistance.

How Can You Get a Fee Waiver From the University of Chicago on Your Own?

The University of Chicago is a member school of both the Common and the Coalition Apps. You can request a University of Chicago fee waiver using one of those platforms:

Platform NameHow To Request a Fee Waiver

The Common App

  1. Log in to your account
  2. Click on the Common App tab and choose Profile
  3. Select the Common App Fee Waiver section
  4. Answer all required questions

The Coalition App

  1. Open your account
  2. Visit the Profile section and click on the Fee Waiver option
  3. Provide the necessary info to get a list of schools that grant fee waivers
  4. Choose the school you want to apply to

Let DoNotPay Help You Request a University of Chicago Application Fee Waiver

DoNotPay makes the process of requesting application fee waivers easier. You can apply to different schools, and you only need to fill in the form once.

Your desired school may expect your guidance counselor to request the fee waiver on your behalf. In this case, DoNotPay can send your forms to your guidance counselor and then submit them to the university.

You can follow these steps to request a fee waiver with DoNotPay’s help:

  1. Log in to your account
  2. Open the College Fee Waiver option in the menu
  3. Select Admission Application Fee when prompted
  4. Select the school you are applying to
  5. Answer the questions about your financial situation and indicate whether you need your counselor’s signature

will send the application fee waiver request to each school that you indicate. The school will contact you regarding your request. With our help, you can obtain a fee waiver for any grad or undergrad school in the U.S., including:

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