For the first time, Texas students will be able to apply to public colleges and universities at no cost during Free College Application Week, an initiative created to make higher education more accessible across the Lone Star State.
A New Opportunity for Texas Residents
Free College Application Week was established under Senate Bill 2231 during the 89th Texas Legislative Session. The law requires all Texas public colleges and universities to waive admission application fees for Texas residents applying through ApplyTexas, the state’s centralized application portal for undergraduate programs.
The program’s debut will take place October 13–19, 2025, marking a new statewide effort to remove financial barriers and encourage more students to pursue higher education. Moving forward, Free College Application Week will occur annually during the second full week of October (Monday through Sunday).
Who Can Participate
The initiative is open to all Texas residents applying for undergraduate admission at any public college or universityin the state through the ApplyTexas platform. This includes both first-time college applicants and transfer studentslooking to continue their education at another Texas institution.
To qualify, applications must be submitted through ApplyTexas by 11:59 p.m. CST on the final dayof Free College Application Week. Applications that are started but not completed by the deadline will not be eligible for the fee waiver.
Supporting Access and Equity
State education leaders say the initiative will help more Texans—especially those from rural areas, low-income families, and underrepresented communities—take the first step toward earning a degree. Application fees, which can range from $40 to over $100 per college, are a common barrier for students applying to multiple schools.
By eliminating these costs, Free College Application Week is expected to encourage broader participation in the state’s higher education system and support long-term workforce development goals.
How to Get Started
Students can begin preparing their applications now by creating an ApplyTexas account at www.applytexas.org. They can explore programs, gather transcripts and recommendation materials, and plan ahead to ensure their applications are complete and submitted before the deadline.
Free College Application Week gives every Texas resident a no-cost chance to open the door to new educational opportunities—and the future possibilities that follow.