---
title: "NC College Application Week Waives Fees Through Oct. 25"
url: https://www.hereobx.com/2026/10/20/nc-college-application-week-fee-waivers-oct-25/
date: 2026-10-20T09:30:17-04:00
modified: 2026-10-20T09:30:17-04:00
author: "HERE City State Desk"
categories: ["Education"]
site: "HERE Outer Banks"
attribution: "HERE Outer Banks"
---

# NC College Application Week Waives Fees Through Oct. 25

> RALEIGH, N.C. — High school seniors across North Carolina have until Sunday afternoon to send in college applications without paying the usual fee, as the state annual College Application Week runs its course. This year the window opened Monday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 a.m. and closes Sunday, Oct. 25, at 5 p.m. During that stretch

*Source: [HERE Outer Banks](https://www.hereobx.com/2026/10/20/nc-college-application-week-fee-waivers-oct-25/) — October 20, 2026 by HERE City State Desk*

RALEIGH, N.C. — High school seniors across North Carolina have until Sunday afternoon to send in college applications without paying the usual fee, as the state annual College Application Week runs its course.

This year the window opened Monday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 a.m. and closes Sunday, Oct. 25, at 5 p.m. During that stretch many colleges and universities in the state drop their admissions fees.

There is a catch on where to apply. The fee waiver is only guaranteed for participating schools when a student starts the application from the Application Hub on CFNC.org, the state college planning site. Some campuses also accept the Common App or other forms, so students using another platform should ask the college whether the waiver still applies.

Applying through the hub takes a few clicks. Students search the list of colleges with applications available, choose the right application from a drop-down menu next to the campus name and then hit Apply.

Separate waivers exist for SAT, ACT and NACAC fees, and school counselors can explain how to get them. The fee break is aimed at North Carolina high school students, though some campuses choose on their own to extend it to transfer, graduate or out-of-state applicants.

The week is the best-known piece of NC Countdown to College, a yearlong effort that starts each October and walks students through three steps toward enrolling: establishing residency, applying for financial aid and submitting college applications.

High schools and college access groups are asked to sign up as host sites, and organizers encourage them to make the week a school-wide celebration, even offering prizes donated by local organizations or colleges as students reach milestones.

Students who run into trouble logging in can call 866-866-CFNC and choose option 5, or file a technical assistance request online during the week.