Seniors at Ridge Point, Elkins, Marshall and Stafford high schools can apply to any Texas public college or university this week without paying application fees.
The four public high schools serving Missouri City and Stafford families are covered under Texas Free College Application Week, which started Monday, Oct. 12, and runs through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18. Every public two-year and four-year institution in the state must waive undergraduate application fees for Texas residents who submit through the ApplyTexas portal, KPRC 2 reported.
Application fees at Texas public schools range from $50 to $100 each, according to the report. A student applying to a dozen schools could save as much as $1,200.
The program is not limited to graduating high school seniors. Transfer students and Texans looking to return to college can also apply fee-free, according to KTXS. Graduate programs and private universities are not included.
Last year drew 260,000 applications
State lawmakers created the program under legislation passed in 2025. During last year's inaugural week, students submitted more than 260,000 applications to Texas public colleges and universities, the Austin American-Statesman reported.
The waiver covers schools across the state's public higher education systems, including the UT System, Texas A&M System and University of Houston System, according to USA Today.
Advice for applicants
Jessica Buscemi, lead advisor for Texas Connections Academy at Houston, told KPRC 2 that students should focus on schools matching their academic goals rather than applying everywhere.
"Missing deadlines is one of the biggest mistakes students make during the college application process," Buscemi said.
She also urged students to use their essays to highlight personal strengths and challenges they have overcome, giving admissions officers a fuller picture beyond grades and test scores.
Applications must be fully submitted by 11:59 p.m. Oct. 18 to qualify. An application started during the week but finished after the deadline will be charged the regular fee, according to WFAA.
