The University of Nebraska system is waiving the undergraduate admissions application fee for Nebraskans from Oct. 1-18 as part of an effort to expand access and encourage college-going among students and families.
Beginning Oct. 1, resident students using NU’s shared application for admission to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska at Kearney and Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture may have the $45 application fee waived. Both first-time freshmen and transfer students applying for admission for fall 2021 are eligible for the waiver.
When applying, students should select “fee waiver” and enter the code “NUforNE” to have the fee waived.
“Affordable access is the highest priority of the University of Nebraska,” said Ted Carter, president of the NU system. “Especially during this challenging time, we’re doing everything we can to reduce potential barriers to education for students and families. Offering an application fee waiver is one more step we can take to support Nebraskans and further expand access — especially among low-income and first-generation students who have historically been underrepresented in higher education.”
The “NUforNE” application fee waiver aims to grow the campuses’ applicant pools during a critical time in the enrollment cycle. It coincides with the EducationQuest Foundation’s Apply2College activities, which promote college selection and application across the state.
Oct. 1 is also the date when the 2021-22 Free Application for Federal Student Aid becomes available. That offers NU campuses an opportunity to promote the application fee waiver in conjunction with the Nebraska Promise, the new financial aid program that provides free tuition for Nebraska students with family incomes of $60,000 or less. Students must complete the FAFSA to be eligible for the Nebraska Promise.
In addition to the Nebraska Promise, other steps the university has taken recently to expand access include a two-year tuition freeze, reduction of undergraduate online tuition rates, and the addition of a student’s GPA as a qualifying factor for admission.
Those steps helped drive a systemwide 2% increase in resident enrollment this year, with all four campuses experiencing growth among Nebraska undergraduates.
Due to difficulties with public health concerns, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has also removed requirements for students to take the ACT and/or SAT test this year. Test scores may be submitted at a later date of desired, but they are not required for university admission and scholarships.
Carter noted that NU’s growth – including gains among minority, first-generation and other underrepresented students — is especially noteworthy given the challenges presented by COVID-19. He praised campus leadership teams and the admissions offices for their commitment to ensuring that a University of Nebraska education remains accessible for all students.
To apply for admission or for more information on the process at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, click here.
