Bates College will waive the admission application fee, beginning with the Fall 2025 pool of applicants. Previously, domestic applicants paid a $65 application fee but could request to have that fee waived based on their financial needs. The change to no fee for any applicants is effective immediately.
“We’re so pleased that all our prospective students will be able to apply to Bates fee-free,” said Leigh Weisenburger, the former vice president for enrollment and dean of admission, now serving as the college’s vice president for institutional affairs. “This shift fits with Bates’ mission-driven and long-standing commitment to access and affordability. At a time in a student’s life when there is a lot on their mind and many details to attend to — particularly with regard to the college application process — removing a step and that cost will be meaningful and have a direct impact. We are proud to provide this access to our Bates applicants in the name of equity.”
Mixed feelings. On the one hand of course it’s great to make a school more accessible. On the other hand, I’ve mocked Colby for doing this to drive applications. Wesleyan has historically had a fee, but allowed everyone applying for financial aid to waive the fee without further documentation. That seems like a good approach.
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