Are there any grad programs left that have no application fee?

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SUMMARY

Several graduate programs currently offer no application fee, including the University of Rochester and Carnegie Mellon University. Ohio State University charges a nominal fee of $5. While Penn State has a $65 application fee, it is only charged upon acceptance and matriculation, effectively making it free for applicants. Applicants should be aware that most programs still require submission of transcripts and GRE scores, which adds to the overall cost of applying.

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  • Understanding of graduate school application processes
  • Familiarity with GRE score requirements
  • Knowledge of transcript submission protocols
  • Insight into interdisciplinary programs in physics and astronomy
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application processes for University of Oklahoma's physics/astronomy department
  • Investigate the specific requirements for interdisciplinary programs in cognitive science and computational biology
  • Explore the implications of applying to multiple graduate programs simultaneously
  • Examine the financial aspects of graduate school applications, including potential fees and waivers
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Prospective graduate students in physics, astronomy, cognitive science, and computational biology, as well as individuals seeking to minimize application costs.

Simfish
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I know that Penn State and Georgia State were both free-to-apply several years ago, but they both seem to have put in application fees since then.

What about other programs? In addition to Physics/Astronomy, I'm especially interested in interdisciplinary programs that take students from all analytical majors (especially cognitive science and computational biology).
 
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FYI, Penn state will only charge you $65 if you are accept and matriculated, so it's basically free. Here's my list,
Rochester is free, Carnegie Mellon is free, Ohio State is only $5. Keep in mind that most schools still require you to send in transcripts and GRE scores, so it's not entirely free.
 
On Penn State, really?

It says this:

The graduate degree application fee is $65, non-refundable. This fee is in effect for all degree applications submitted beginning October 1, 2008, regardless of the intended date of enrollment.

http://www.gradsch.psu.edu/prospective/apply.html

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EDIT: Oh, for *PHYSICS*, there is no application fee (there is one for astro, which is the one i looked at first). But if I apply to physics, is my application going to be forwarded to the astrophysics department? (I'm an astrophysics major and I've heard that applications from the physics dept get forwarded to the astro dept if they feel that the student is a better fit there). Am I *not* allowed to apply to both physics and astrophysics?
 
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I'm afraid that this may have gone the way of the dodo. Many schools that used to be free now have an application fee. 10,000 applications at $50 a pop is serious money.
 
One university that I passed up applying to had an application fee only if you were accepted. That's practically free! However, it's not like you're applying for a job at fast food or something, it's a phd program where you'll spend the next 5-8 years of your life with tuition rates $15-$40k per year... even though for most it is waived... not really a cheap game to be playing.
 
Simfish said:
Oh, for *PHYSICS*, there is no application fee

You have to read between the lines there. What they are saying is that if you send the application to the department first, and you don't get in, don't bother applying to the graduate school. They'll just take your money.

Not a bad deal.

Simfish said:
Am I *not* allowed to apply to both physics and astrophysics?

[PLAIN said:
http://www.gradsch.psu.edu/prospective/apply.html][/PLAIN]
Applicants may apply to only one graduate program and campus at a time.
 
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I know that University of Oklahoma physics/astronomy department is free. You have to physically mail to application to the physics department, and the department will pick up the check. You can submit an online application, but that'll cost you.

But applications can bring in a couple dollars, so almost every school you will apply to will have fees. Some schools can get quite expensive (more than $100).
 
Oh okay I see. Thanks for all the additional information, everyone!
 

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