Many states host college application events with programs to encourage high school seniors to apply to college. In addition, many of these events include free application periods. The American College Application Campaign (ACAC) kicks off the application season with #WhyApply Day in late September. On this day, the ACAC encourages sharing why students applied/should apply to college using the hashtag #WhyApply. Each state determines the official month or week for the College Application Campaign.
It's College Application Time!
Colorado: October 20-22 20
The Colorado Free Application Days campaign is an initiative designed to inspire more Coloradans to continue their education. All 32 public colleges and universities and several private institutions waive their application fees. Thus, anyone can submit an application for free.
Connecticut: October 15-November 2.
Students who apply for fall 2026 admission to the University of Connecticut or any of Connecticut's public universities on Application Fee Free Day, November 2, may have their admission application fee waived. Qualifying students include those who have an active mailing address in Connecticut or who are attending a secondary school in Connecticut.
Delaware: October 1-November 30
Launch into Your Future Month aims to boost student success post-graduation. High school seniors are given time during the school day to plan their postsecondary steps to a fulfilling and wealth-generating career.
Idaho: October 1-June 30.
High school seniors can apply to a maximum of 10 Idaho colleges for free via Next Steps Idaho. ACAC hosts additional events at public high schools throughout October.
Illinois: October 1–31.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission sponsors events throughout the fall. Students can participate in One Click College Admit to apply for free with direct admission to most state universities and all community colleges.
Indiana: September 21-25
The Indiana College GO! program includes virtual FAFSA workshops and free applications to several colleges. You can also visit Learn More Indiana.
Kansas: October 5–9
During the Kansas Apply Free Days, any Kansas resident can apply for free to any of the state's 7 public universities, 19 community colleges, 6 technical colleges, and the 21 private member institutions of the Kansas Independent College Association.
Maryland: October 1–November 12
The Maryland College Application Campaign (MCAC) is open to all high school students. The campaign provides hands-on assistance with college applications and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion process.
Want to learn more about applying to college?
Check out our College Application Guide
Michigan: October 1–31
Michigan College Month strives to provide every graduating high school senior the opportunity to apply to college and for financial aid. First-generation students and those who may not have otherwise considered college receive special focus.
Minnesota: October 1-30
Throughout College Knowledge Month, students can apply to Minnesota postsecondary institutions for free.
Missouri: September-October
Many high schools host Apply Missouri events every fall to help seniors explore their options for higher education. Students are given time to submit applications to schools they are interested in attending.
Montana: Always
High school students can use ApplyMontana year-round.
Nebraska: August 1-November 1
Nebraska residents can apply for free using the codes HUSKER at UNL, MAVERICK at UNO, or LOPER at UNK. Students should use Nebraska's application, as these codes are invalid when using the Common Application.
New York: October 1–31
During October, the New York Public Schools support seniors by helping them complete at least one postsecondary application during their school day by October 30. Seniors and their families are encouraged to participate in application completion activities at their schools and at home.
North Carolina: October 19–25
NC Countdown to College (C2C) is a year-long initiative to help high school seniors learn about three college enrollment steps: residency, financial aid, and college applications. Also, many North Carolina colleges and universities participate in C2C by waiving application fees during College Application Week (CAW).
Ohio: October 1–31
The 3 to Get Ready, 4 to Go campaign is an evolution of the “3 To Get Ready!!!” campaign, which helps high school students prepare for their postsecondary education by focusing on applying for financial aid, submitting college applications, and selecting where they’ll pursue their postsecondary education.
Want to learn more about applying to college?
Check out our College Application Guide
Oklahoma: September 21-25
Oklahoma College App Week enables seniors to receive hands-on assistance from knowledgeable volunteers while completing their application to college. College App Week happens at local high schools, libraries, or other community agencies. The entire community works to promote college as the next step after high school.
South Carolina: October 1-31
The South Carolina CAN Go To College (SC CAN GO) campaign includes College Application Month.
South Dakota: October 1-November 30
Students may apply to South Dakota’s public technical colleges and universities free of charge through Dakota Dreams. During the free application period, students can apply to any of the public technical colleges and universities.
Texas: October 12-18
The statewide initiative, Free College Application Week, allows Texas residents to apply to public colleges for free each year.
Utah: October 1–31
Utah College Application and Financial Aid Awareness Month provides every senior at partner schools the opportunity to complete at least one application during the school day. Students can also complete the FAFSA during a coordinated FAFSA Night event with access to parents. AdmitUtah helps students discover which of the 16 higher education institutions in Utah will offer them automatic acceptance
Virginia: October 19-23 and 26-30
For the past 10 years, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia has teamed up with Virginia colleges, universities, and the national education nonprofit ECMC to sponsor Virginia College Application Week (VCAW).
Washington, DC: November 1-30
DC College Application and Exploration Month builds excitement and enthusiasm around the college application and exploration process. Every senior has the opportunity to complete their college applications during normal school hours with the help of volunteers.
West Virginia: September 18-October 18
College for West Virginia is a chance for the entire school community to discuss college options and promote going to college.
