Texas Free College Application Week runs Oct. 12-18

Texas Free College Application Week begins Monday, October 12, giving eligible Texas residents the opportunity to apply to public colleges and universities across the state without paying the usual application fees.  The statewide initiative runs through Oct. 18, and includes all Texas public colleges and universities, including community colleges.

The program, established through Senate Bill 2231 during the 2025 legislative session, requires public institutions to waive undergraduate admissions application fees for eligible Texas residents who submit applications through the ApplyTexasportal.

“Free College Application Week is another way Texas makes it easier and affordable for students to plan  for and advance their education,” Texas Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser said in a statement.  “All prospective students should take full advantage of this opportunity, which can save them hundreds of dollars as they apply to their chosen public Texas colleges and universities.”

According to state officials, more than 260,000 applications were submitted during Free College Application Week in 2025.  The program includes public two-year and four-year institutions across Texas.  Graduate program applications are not covered under the statewide fee waiver, although individual universities may offer additional promotions.

Eligible applicants include:

~First-time college students

~Transfer students

~Returning students

~Visiting students applying to undergraduate programs

Students must submit their applications through ApplyTexas.org to qualify for the guaranteed fee waiver.  The application window opens at midnight Monday, Oct. 12, and closes at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18.  The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board says students can apply to multiple public institutions during the week without paying application fees.  Students should be reminded of:

~Applications must be submitted during the designated week.

~Applications started but not submitted before the deadline will not qualify.

~Students may still see application fees or payment instructions while completing the process, but eligible applicants will not be charged.

~The fee waiver applies to undergraduate applications for any available semester.

~Colleges and universities may request additional documents, including transcripts or other admissions materials, after an application is submitted.

Free College Application Week is part of a broader statewide effort to make higher education more affordable.  Gov. Abbott has directed public colleges and universities to freeze undergraduate tuition rates through the 2026-27 academic year.  The state is also exploring three-year bachelor’s degree programs in high-demand fields, which officials estimate could reduce the cost of earning a degree by as much as 25%, potentially saving students between $15,000 and $35,000.

Students who are still deciding where to apply can use My Texas Future to explore colleges, compare tuition costs and find degree programs that match their career interests.  For complete eligibility requirements and additional information, visit the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Free College Application Week website.

The deadline to apply without paying an application fee is 11:59 p.m. CDT Sunday, Oct. 18.