Kansas residents who are interested in applying to in-state colleges can do so for free over the span of three days.
For the first time, Kansas will hold Apply Free Days. The initiative is an effort “to break down barriers to higher education,” according to the Kansas Board of Regents.
From Tuesday, Nov. 7 through Thursday, Nov. 9, any Kansas resident, regardless of age or income, can apply to the seven public universities, 19 public community colleges and six technical colleges in the state for free. The 21 private institutions that are members of the Kansas Independent College Association, such as Baker University, Bethel College and Ottawa University, also qualify.
Students applying as first-time freshmen, transfer students and returning students as well as applicants seeking a second bachelor’s degree are eligible for Apply Free Days. Applications for graduate-level or mid-degree programs do not qualify.
Costs to apply to colleges and universities across Kansas range. In Lawrence, the University of Kansas charges $40 to apply for undergraduate admission, and Haskell Indian Nations University charges $10 to apply.
But not all colleges and universities in Kansas have application fees. Kansas’ 19 public community colleges, in addition to some public universities, such as Washburn University and Pittsburg State University, are always free to apply to. Many private institutions offer free applications, too.
The Kansas Board of Regents recommends checking individual schools’ websites for their application requirements. It also encourages applicants to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which allows students to earn grants, scholarships and work study positions that can help with college costs. After that, they should seek information about state financial aid opportunities.
Learn more about FAFSA at studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out. For more information about Apply Free Days, visit kansasregents.org/students/apply-free-days.
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Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
