NC State Application Fee Waiver: Who Qualifies and How to Get One

When you’re applying to NC State University, a public research university in Raleigh, North Carolina, known for strong engineering, agriculture, and business programs, the $90 application fee can feel like a wall—especially if your family is tight on cash. But you don’t have to pay it. The NC State application fee waiver, a program that removes the cost barrier for students who demonstrate financial need is real, easy to access, and used by thousands of high school seniors every year. It’s not a secret. It’s not a special favor. It’s a standard part of the admissions process designed to make college accessible.

Eligibility for the fee waiver, a tool used by colleges nationwide to reduce financial barriers for applicants isn’t based on grades or test scores. It’s based on your family’s income, participation in federal assistance programs, or being in foster care, homeless, or a ward of the state. If you qualified for free or reduced-price lunch in high school, you likely qualify. If your family’s income falls below the USDA guidelines for your household size, you qualify. If you’re the first in your family to go to college and your parents didn’t attend, you still qualify. You don’t need a letter from a counselor—though having one helps—but you do need to check the right box on the Common App or Coalition App and submit proof if asked. The Common App fee waiver, a widely accepted tool used by over 900 colleges including NC State is your fastest path. Just ask your school counselor to verify your status. No forms. No essays. No stress.

Some students think they need to wait until they’re accepted to ask for help. That’s backwards. You ask for the waiver before you apply. If you wait, you might miss the deadline. If you skip it, you might miss the chance. NC State doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor. They care if you’re ready. And if you’re ready but can’t afford the fee, they’ll waive it. You’re not asking for a handout. You’re asking for a fair shot. And that’s exactly what this program is for.

Below, you’ll find real advice from students who’ve been there—how they got the waiver, what they wish they’d known, and how to avoid the common mistakes that delay applications. Whether you’re juggling a part-time job, caring for siblings, or just trying to keep your head above water, this collection has your back. No fluff. No jargon. Just what you need to get your application in—without paying a dime.