Kansas students and adults considering college will soon have a special opportunity to apply for free to dozens of institutions across the state.
Kansas Apply Free Days will be held October 6–8, 2025, giving all Kansas residents—regardless of age or income—the chance to apply at no cost to any of the state’s 7 public universities, 19 community colleges, 6 technical colleges, and 21 private institutions that are members of the Kansas Independent College Association.
During these three days, eligible applicants can submit free applications for certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree programs. Graduate or mid-degree program applications are not included.
How to Apply
Students are encouraged to prepare their applications in advance, but they must wait until Monday, October 6 to submit in order to qualify for the waived fees. Only applications submitted between October 6 and 8 will be free. Any sent before or after that window will not be eligible for refunds.
Applicants using the Common Application should contact the admissions office of their chosen schools or review the official Apply Free Days Application Instructions for details.
Who Is Eligible
All Kansas residents applying to undergraduate programs are eligible, including:
• First-time freshmen
• Transfer students
• Returning students
• Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree
Applicants for graduate programs are not eligible.
Some institutions—including Pittsburg State University, Washburn University, and Emporia State University—and all Kansas community colleges already offer free applications year-round.
Next Steps
After applying, students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. They can also explore options through the Kansas State Scholarship Program for additional aid opportunities.
Encouraging Higher Education
Kansas Apply Free Days are part of the broader Apply Kansas Month, a statewide effort each October to help high school seniors complete applications and take the next step in their education.
State officials say the program aims to reverse a decade-long decline in college attendance. In 2021, only 59.5% of Kansas high school graduates pursued higher education, and fewer than half completed a FAFSA—a key indicator of college enrollment.
By removing application fees, organizers hope to make higher education more accessible and encourage Kansans to pursue the degrees or technical training needed to thrive in today’s workforce.
Additional resources, flyers, and social media materials are available online through the Kansas Apply Free Days campaign.