FreeApp - Introduction

The Big Ten Academic Alliance member universities are dedicated to increasing graduate education access for students who possess qualities and experiences that enhance the diversity of the intellectual, cultural, and social environments at their institutions. The FreeApp Program allows prospective students to request a graduate application fee waiver for Ph.D. or Master of Fine Arts programs at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities. FreeApp is a collaborative program for students who have been traditionally underrepresented in graduate education, including racial and ethnic minorities, women in STEM, first-generation college students, and individuals who have faced adversity, such as societal, economic or academic disadvantages. The definition of underrepresented is determined by each university and whether to award a fee wavier is wholly within the discretion of each university.

FreeApp requests are transmitted to the selected universities for review and decision-making. The priority deadline for requests is November 15.  You are responsible for obtaining graduate applications directly from the institutions where you plan to apply. For more information about campus specific admissions, contact the appropriate FreeApp Coordinator.