2023 Best Colleges with No Application Fee in America

• West Point, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  466 reviews

Junior: Even though the past year has been tough because of COVID restrictions, I have had overall a pretty good time at West Point. The people here are mainly what makes it worth it--I've made friends that I know will last a lifetime. There are also endless opportunities (both during the semester and summer), especially if you want to get involved with research as an undergraduate. I have been able to publish my research in well known journals and conduct research alongside experts professors in the field I hope to pursue graduate school. The academics are not too hard, but it is very hit or miss in the core classes, because the instructors are randomly assigned and you don't get to choose. You might end up with someone not that great. However, in the upper division classes in the major, instructors are amazing and passionate about the subject. I really enjoy most parts about West Point and I look forward to commissioning as an army officer!... Read 466 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price —

• SAT range 1200-1440

• Wellesley, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  617 reviews

Sophomore: Teachers are very kind and connected to their students and small class sizes make it very easy to participate in class discussions. The food isn't great. Some people can be very pretentious, but overall people tend to be very kind and welcoming.... Read 617 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 16%

• Net price $21,862

• SAT range 1400-1540

• New Orleans, LA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  1,639 reviews

Freshman: Tulane University is so fun and lively. The classes are interesting and valuable, and the professors are very passionate and care about their students' success. The campus environment is amazing, and there is an abundance of student resources. The city of New Orleans is a blast, and uptown New Orleans is relatively safe. I may be biased as a student at Tulane, but I genuinely believe it is the best university, and I am so happy with my decision to attend. Tulane University is a community, and I encourage anyone interested to apply. Roll Wave!... Read 1,639 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 10%

• Net price $45,048

• SAT range 1360-1510

• Waterville, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  557 reviews

Freshman: Colby is a really great school, and all that I was looking for academically. While the workload for some of my classes took a little bit of transitioning towards, I feel like I am being challenged while also learning a lot. The school gives great financial aid and funding, which is a huge advantage too. Personally, I like the smaller campus size. It's easy to navigate and get around, but there's still a pretty wide expanse so you don't feel suffocated. However, because it is a small campus, there isn't much to do outside of events being held. Downtown is also pretty barren, and there's nothing to do. The shuttle is a bit limited, and only goes downtown and to Walmart. Having a car would be very nice here! If you love nature and the outdoors, it's perfect here. There is a lack of diversity, but also more diversity than I was expecting from a college in the middle of nowhere Maine.... Read 557 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $17,912

• SAT range 1400-1530

• Grinnell, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  435 reviews

Senior: Grinnell College is a special place. If you're considering coming to Grinnell, you should keep some things in mind: - It's very isolated. Grinnell is located in a small community with only one bus that goes to Chicago per day. This also means that it is a tight-knit community where everyone knows and care for each other. Also, the college started a free local shuttle on Wednesdays-Saturdays that stops at many places downtown including Walmart, which was amazing. We also have a free Saturday shuttle for neighboring cities such as Iowa City and Des Moines. - The academic life is very demanding. I love studying, but even for me the workload is a bit too much sometimes. However, I truly believe Grinnell professors are one of a kind. They are understanding, absurdly knowledgeable, and kind. I have three professors who really inspire me and numerous staff/faculty members who helped me when I most needed. Nonetheless, Grinnell is not a place to just earn a degree, it's about learning.... Read 435 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $37,423

• SAT range 1370-1530

• Northfield, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  518 reviews

Sophomore: Full of warm people and chilly weather! Lots of liberal arts colleges will pass out fancy brochures that claim "a strong sense of community" with inviting phrases like "close-knit" and "supportive peers" but I never knew that that really meant until I came to Carleton. Have a question about financial aid? Balancing course work? Class content? Special accommodations? There is someone on campus whose job it is to help you. More than that, someone that actually cares about helping you-- who will follow up and check in. That being said, going to school here can be a lot to manage. Attending somewhere this academically rigorous takes its toll on stress levels, sleep, and having the time to be social. My take: passionate professors and a unique student body create a one of a kind and worthwhile college experience so far.... Read 518 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $31,718

• SAT range 1370-1550

• Saint Paul, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  461 reviews

Alum: Over my 25 years as an Academic Physician, I can say with confidence that my Mac education enabled me to be the doctor I am. Mac taught me to think critically, consider others empathetically, and stay curious about the world around me. These are the factors that truly drive my everyday practice, research, and teaching/mentoring of medical students. Mac today is even more solid than a generation ago, maintaining its excellence in teaching while supplementing with hands on internship opportunities. Thank you Macalester!... Read 461 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 31%

• Net price $30,939

• SAT range 1340-1480

• Northampton, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  907 reviews

Alum: I loved my time there! Excellent environment for education. Great investment for your future ,You get to pick your courses and learn what would be the best for you. Professors are your friends and mentors. They would share their enthusiasm for their fields. You would get support and understanding at every level in administration. You would make life-long friendships. Students support each other and are inclusive and kind, that's the school culture. Not a party school, but there are tons of clubs, groups, activities.... Read 907 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $29,569

• SAT range 1370-1530

• Gambier, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  401 reviews

Niche User: My son is planning to go and from visits, as well as discussions with other students, we can tell it’s a special, amazing place. With a recent $100 million donation, they are building 3 new dorms, renovating some dorms, and tearing down some. The library and athletic complex are spectacular. A modern light filled building is almost complete that will house the center for American democracy, political science and history departments. The science center is gorgeous. Upper class houses are amazing and allow groups of friends to live together in rows of real houses, with outdoor areas etc. The students he spoke to all said they have a great time on weekends, so much so that even those who plan to go on road trips often bail at the last minute bc they don’t want to miss out. Academics are top notch and professors are exemplary, approachable and caring. Its academic reputation is clear when you look at the list of grad schools students attend.... Read 401 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $38,927

• SAT range 1340-1500

• San Antonio, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  734 reviews

Alum: The undergraduate research programs are incredible that you get that kind of opportunity. Some classes are definitely not for everybody, but I for sure found a home within the Geosciences department.... Read 734 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 34%

• Net price $27,356

• SAT range 1280-1440

• Colorado Springs, CO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  786 reviews

Sophomore: I like Colorado College, and the block plan and small size really intrigued me into coming here, even though I'm not a native Coloradan. It's definitely a great location if you love the outdoors. Those are the main reasons I chose this school. I quickly learned that I could fit in here! However, from being here for two months, I have noticed some of the struggles the area and the school has, including housing and crime. Many cities have these issues, but CC in the Greater Colorado Springs area has tried to fix them to a degree, but there's clearly still work to be done... Not to be too pessimistic, however, I will say though that I've met many really nice people on CC's campus, especially the students, although I do tend to see the liberal and privileged side of things in a simple classroom environment often. I would say for this school to truly be diverse as they say, CC needs more diverse viewpoints as a whole. For now, CC has an amazing mathematics department, and that's my major.... Read 786 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $30,200

• SAT range —

• Portland, OR•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  286 reviews

Sophomore: Reed is a great school with a good balance of academics and social life. Faculty are so helpful and supportive and really encourage you to engage with the material. They are easily one of the best parts of Reed, always available and they make a genuine effort to get to know you. The academics are involved and it feels like you get a good academic experience for your money. There's always something to do on the weekend and people are generally really friendly and open so it's pretty easy to strike up a conversation with a classmate and get to know them. The only issues with the social scene at Reed are that rumors can move pretty fast in a small school and it can be hard to avoid people that you don't want to see. Overall though people are so nice and its easy to meet people in around the school. There's a lot of community in academic departments, fostered by the faculty, to help you meet other people in your major and make connections with students and faculty alike.... Read 286 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 44%

• Net price $33,056

• SAT range 1320-1520

• Houghton, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  1,015 reviews

Freshman: I recently got admitted into Michigan tech! So far it has been a thrilling affair with their admission process. It was really easy to apply and I'm really happy that I have the opportunity to go to such a great university. I had always wanted to be a husky and my dream is finally coming into fruition. Financing was my only obstacle. I had the grades, extracurricular activities, sports but not the money to get there. Niche and several other scholarships have given me hope that I might eventually end up there. Michigan tech has been helpful with all the opportunities they have provided. To sum it all up, I'm happy I got the chance.... Read 1,015 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $17,826

• SAT range 1130-1350

• Wheaton, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  669 reviews

Freshman: I have been extremely blessed to be able to go to Wheaton College! One of the aspects of Wheaton that really attracted me was the community and they do it really well. There so many different clubs and groups that you can join, and I love all the groups that I am a part of so far! The food is great, though it can get pretty tiring after the eating similar food for a while. Nevertheless, the food and the people who serve it are amazing. The "ring by spring" culture here can be very intimidating so I suggest you take it slow and don't put pressure on yourself to date. College can be hard and lonely, but floor life can be amazing if you invest in it! I have met someone of the most amazing people, but again, don't put pressure on yourself to be friends with everyone. Pro tip: bring a humidifier; the air is DRY, especially in the winter!... Read 669 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $28,319

• SAT range 1250-1430

• Kings Point, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  89 reviews

Alum: A midshipman does not understand the value of the education until after they graduate. This becomes more clear as the individual ages as the fast paced incredibly overwhelming educational, regimental and "other" requirements that one has to deal with prepare them for leadership. This comment is from someone who hated my experience, couldn't wait to graduate and swore I'd never return. Your classmates will end up being your friends for life, your academics are applicable in real life and you will understand why you were required to take them and best of all you learn to survive! So if you are considering it, cut your hair and leave you ego at the front gate!... Read 89 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 25%

• Net price $4,422

• SAT range 1150-1330

• St. Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  2,111 reviews

Alum: A great international experience with a lot of access to different courses that enrichened my holistic learning. Not only was I able to get involve in different activities but the environment at SLU was perfect for me to concentrate on my studies but be able to have fun at the same time. Professors are always available to help and students are incredibly open to meeting others and welcoming international students. I had the pleasure to be able to work at the international office and get to meet all students and organize activities. Not only did this help me build relationships for trained me for my current job position. I would say that every event and experience at SLU will prepare you for a successful future. Overall, amazing experience!... Read 2,111 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $30,096

• SAT range 1220-1430

• South Hadley, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  883 reviews

Sophomore: Beautiful campus with beautiful natural scenery nearby, however that's it. Outside of campus, there isn't much to do nearby, and going closer to the other five colleges still lacks due to everything closing early (8-10 pm). Many awesome professors are willing to go above and beyond for their students (but ofc there are poorer ones mixed in). Not much diversity racially which is expected of a PWI, but it feels like it's hard to connect with other POC on campus. Many professors of color are alum of MHC and Smith and are willing to share their experiences and help acclimate you. Also, the admin for the Office of Community and Belonging work hard to make campus more inclusive and provide safe spaces. Class-wise, many students are affluent and cosplay being low-income which will make you uncomfortable at times plus admin doesn't really value or recognize low-income students' situations. The new fgli community works to provide a more authentic space but it's still establishing itself.... Read 883 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $29,218

• SAT range 1300-1510

• Worcester, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  749 reviews

Niche User: As a parent of a current Freshman student, we are happy with his choice. I cannot stress “right fit” enough for HS seniors and parents. My son knew he wanted a smaller school, but not too small. Near, but not to near, home. Not in a city but on the outskirts or easy access. Our other top choice in colleges was higher “ranked”, but WPI was a better fit, he just felt like he belonged on both campus visits before deciding. We knew he would have to dig in Term A and focus on getting used to the fast pace of the 7 week terms, and he did well his first term. He’s been able to relax a bit now and find a better balance B and C term. He’s in the oldest dorm and loves it, new housing purchases should ease dorm availability for upperclassmen. It’s a city! So be smart, but relatively safe. I don’t know why the Campus scores so low on Niche, I think it’s beautiful. The only downside is the campus FOOD D-F , it is well below par. Kids look at everything when deciding on colleges. Do better WPI.... Read 749 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $48,230

• SAT range 1310-1480

• Northfield, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  775 reviews

Sophomore: St Olaf College is a small, caring, and engaging community. Everyone uplift each other and everyone is very school spirited. The small town it's in is a 20 minute walk and has really pretty coffee shops and thrift stores.... Read 775 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $27,729

• SAT range 1240-1430

• Granville, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  690 reviews

Freshman: Wonderful experience at Denison. Professors are approachable, helpful, and have serious expertise in their respective fields. Being a four year residential college, there is the chance to make meaningful relationships and Denison does a great job of easing the college transition for first years (e.g: June-O, Pre-O, Aug-O, First Year Council). The social scene is not cliquey, and Denisonians are encouraged to try different clubs and activities. Being twenty five minutes from Columbus as well as being in the quaint village of Granville is a perfect combination. Overall, I am pleased with Denison... Read 690 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 28%

• Net price $38,833

• SAT range 1230-1430

• Dayton, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  1,445 reviews

Senior: Absolutely amazing experience at UD. I passed up so many 'higher' ranking schools to go here, and I am so happy I did. In engineering, both academically and professionally I have been able to push myself as far as any other school in the country—and am now working with numerous people from top notch & Ivy League schools. UD led to 5 fantastic internships with Fortune 500s, international non-profits, and cutting edge research groups. At the same time, I have been able to develop a well rounded personality and enjoy the 'college experience.' The neighborhood built of just students is very cool. The campus is beautiful, the city is unique & accessible, and the campus has great food. Highly recommend getting to know the Marianists who run the University, and getting involved with their impact on the local community and world. So happy I made the 500+ mile drive to visit, and ultimately decided to attend UD. Go Flyers!... Read 1,445 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $29,933

• SAT range 1130-1330

• Omaha, NE•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,093 reviews

Freshman: I am currently a freshman at Creighton University. From the short time I have been there, I have seen that the community there is kind and caring. I have met many wonderful people that have made the change from home to college easier. People there truly care about you and will help you with any of your concerns. Aside from the people, the campus is small which helps one get to classes quickly from your dorm. It also allows you to get to know campus better and make stronger and lasting relationships. There are several clubs you can join. Currently I am in the EMT club which has allowed me to meet people who are interested in majoring in Paramedicine, but also get to learn some skills that will benefit you once you start EMT classes. I also work at the library which has given me another chance to meet new people and bond with my co-workers. Overall, my experience at Creighton University has been challenging but also exciting. I cannot wait to make more lasting memories!... Read 1,093 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $31,040

• SAT range 1130-1370

• Crawfordsville, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  175 reviews

Freshman: To me, Wabash is a great place for independent students or any men wanna be gentlemen. I am an international student in Wabash, and through some difficulties for the first time. The college has many facilities and offices to help me overcome those bad situations. About professors, never mind... I mean, you never need to mind how NICE they are! They are super nice, friendly, and always willing to help you whenever you need them (including mental health if you want to share to it with them). Wabash also has African and Asian professors, and overall! Perfect diversity and perfect environment. I had not expected much before I came here, but it is worth it.... Read 175 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $21,466

• SAT range 1140-1340

• Los Altos Hills, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  501 reviews

Junior: I have been at Foothill for almost three years now and throughout these past years I feel like I am very satisfied with my education here. To begin, the professors show that they care for their students by being flexible to meet with students one on one and they are very big on advocating for diversity within their classrooms. In every class I have taken, the professors make it a point to emphasize the importance of valuing everyone in the class. Most importantly, the professors provide students with the information of almost every resource that is available to us such as tutoring, mental health services , and financial aid resources. What I also really love about the school is the campus. The style of the campus gives me an old town vibe and I completely fell in love with it. There are so many trees and open space so it is possible to study or do homework at the tables that are spread out in the quad. Overall, this school is a good choice to keep in mind!... Read 501 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,820

• SAT range —

• Rice Lake, WI•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  184 reviews

Sophomore: One of the things that really stood out to me about Northwood Technical College was the level of personalized attention that each student receives. The staff members were always available to answer questions, offer guidance, and provide support whenever it was needed. Whether I needed help with my coursework, advice on extracurricular activities, or just someone to talk to, there was always a friendly face willing to lend a hand. I was also impressed by the level of expertise that the staff members possess and all highly knowledgeable in their respective fields.... Read 184 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,008

• SAT range —