The Kansas Apply Free Days will be held on October 6-8, 2025! During these three days, any Kansas resident, regardless of age or income can apply for free at any of our 7 public universities, 19 community colleges, 6 Technical colleges, and the 21 private member institutions of the Kansas Independent College Association. Eligible programs include general applications, certificate programs, associate degree programs, and bachelor degree programs. (Graduate programs or other mid-degree applications will not qualify.)
Refer to the 2024 Apply Free Days Application Instructions for detailed institution-specific guidance on completing applications for admission. These instructions will be updated for 2025.
Start your Applications Early!
To make sure your college application is ready to go, start working on it before October 6. Even if you finish early, wait until Monday, October 6, to submit so you can take advantage of the free application window.
Only applications submitted between Monday, October 6, and Wednesday, October 8, 2025, will be free. Any applications submitted outside of this timeframe—regardless of technical issues—will not be eligible for a refund.
If you run into any issues while submitting your application, contact the admissions office of the institution directly for assistance.
Using the Common Application? Contact the admission department at these institutions or check out the "Apply Free Days Application Instructions" above.
Who is Eligible to Participate in Kansas Apply Free Days?
All residents of Kansas who are applying for undergraduate programs at all state public and private* Kansas colleges and universities are eligible to submit their admission applications for free on October 6-8, 2025. Undergraduate programs include undergraduate level certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor degrees. This means all of the following applicants are eligible:
First-time freshmen
Transfer students
Returning students
Applicants seeking a second bachelor's degree
Applications for graduate-level programs are not eligible.
*Private Institutions outside of the Kansas Independent College Association may not be participating in the Kansas Apply Free Days. Please check with the individual institution's admission department if it is not listed here.
Some Kansas colleges are free to apply everyday!
Not all of the Kansas colleges and universities have application fees.
Applying to the 19 Kansas community colleges is free every day, all year around.
Pittsburg State University, Washburn University, and Emporia State University removed their application fees, so students can apply there for free every day. Many of our Private Colleges and Universities do not have application fees. Visit their websites for more information!
Next steps after your Apply Free Days
After you apply, it's important to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is your ticket to grants, scholarships, and work-study positions that can help reduce the costs of college. Learn more about the FAFSA
After the FAFSA, consider your options for state aid through the Kansas State Scholarship Program. Learn more here.
Why do we have Apply Free Days?
To encourage more Kansans to continue their education, all 32 public colleges and universities in Kansas and most of the private institutions allow students to apply for free on Monday, October 6 - Wednesday, October 6 in a statewide effort to break down barriers to higher education.
Kansas Apply Free Days is during Apply Kansas month, a state wide application campaign held annually in October that helps support 12th grade students in the completion of applications based on their post-secondary plans.
The Kansas Apply Free Days program is designed to increase Kansas's college-going and FAFSA completion rates. In the last 10 years we have seen our college-going rate decline. As of 2021, we are only sending 59.5% of our high school graduates to a college, university or certificate program, and less than 50% of students submit a FAFSA application-a key indicator of students' likelihood to continue their education.
By removing barriers for students to achieve a credential, Kansas can help residents take that first step into continuing their education to increase the number of students who complete their programs and enter the workforce with a degree or competitive skills. Kansas Apply Free Days encourages residents to realize their fullest potential.
Apply Free Days Resources
Apply Free Days Social Media Posts
Facebook Blue Facebook Gold Facebook Sunflower
Instagram Blue Instagram Gold Instagram Sunflower
Powerpoint Slide for Presentations
Fee Waivers for Financial Hardship Year-Round
All of our Kansas colleges and universities have application fee waivers for financial hardship during the entire year. As such, if you are struggling to pay an application fee and wish to submit your admission application before (or after) the Apply Free Days, contact the admission office at the college/university you want to apply to for more information or complete the Application Fee Waiver form linked below.
*form does not need to be submitted to KU, KSU, WSU as Fee Waiver eligibility is embedded in their application.
Reports
2023 Apply Free Days Annual Report
2024 Apply Free Days Annual Report