AUSTIN, Texas — Senate Bill 2231 waives college application fees and establishes the second week of October as Free College Application Week for all public higher education institutions. This new law just took effect, making it easier and cheaper for Texas students to apply to college.
What This Means for Students
Every year during the second week of October, students can apply to any Texas state university or college without paying application fees. This includes schools like:
- University of Texas (all campuses)
- Texas A&M University (all campuses)
- Texas State University
- University of Houston
- Texas Tech University
- And all other public colleges and universities in Texas
How Much Money Can Students Save?
College application fees typically range from $30 to $90 per school. Here’s what students could save:
- Applying to 3 schools: Save $90-$270
- Applying to 5 schools: Save $150-$450
- Applying to 8 schools: Save $240-$720
For example, Texas A&M University application fee for international students is USD 90, and Texas A&M University-San Antonio charges a $30 application fee.
Why This Is Important
Before this law, many students had to choose carefully which schools to apply to because:
- Application fees add up quickly when applying to multiple schools
- Some families couldn’t afford to apply to many colleges
- Students might miss out on better schools because of cost
Now students can apply to more schools without worrying about fees, giving them:
- More options to choose from
- Better chances of getting accepted somewhere
- Ability to compare financial aid offers from different schools
Does This Apply to All Colleges?
No – only Texas public colleges and universities. This law does not cover:
- Private colleges (like Rice University or Baylor)
- Community colleges (they typically have lower fees anyway)
- Out-of-state schools
When Does This Start?
The law is already in effect, so the first Free College Application Week will happen during the second week of October 2025.
Bottom Line
This new law removes a financial barrier that prevented some Texas students from applying to college. Students can now apply to multiple state universities during one week each year without paying any application fees, potentially saving hundreds of dollars and opening up more educational opportunities.
