Indiana College Application Week 2026 runs through this Friday, September 25. Most participating colleges are waiving application fees right now, through the end of the week.
Over 30 Indiana public, private, and proprietary colleges and universities are participating this year, according to Governor Mike Braun’s office and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.
Indiana isn’t the only state doing this. See the full 2026 state-by-state list if you’re applying outside Indiana too.
Dates — and why they vary by college
The statewide window is September 21 through 25, 2026. That is the official “College Application Week” set by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and Learn More Indiana.
Individual colleges sometimes run their own version of the window. The University of Southern Indiana, for example, is waiving undergraduate application fees from September 20 through 25, 2026.
That means most schools line up with the Monday-to-Friday statewide week. A few start a day earlier or extend slightly into the weekend.
Confirmed 2026 date ranges:
- Statewide College Application Week (Indiana Commission for Higher Education): September 21–25, 2026
- University of Southern Indiana undergraduate fee waiver: September 20–25, 2026
- College GO! campaign launch (Learn More Indiana): September 21–25, 2026
One caution: Indiana’s own state events calendar still lists outdated dates from a prior year. Always confirm the deadline directly on your target college’s admissions page before you submit.
Which colleges are participating
Over 30 Indiana colleges and universities are participating in 2026, per Governor Braun’s announcement and the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.
Confirmed participants include all Ivy Tech Community College campuses, Indiana University Columbus, Franklin College, and the University of Southern Indiana.
Other Indiana University regional campuses and additional private and public schools typically join every year. For the current full roster, check Learn More Indiana’s participating colleges list, linked below.
If your target school isn’t listed yet, contact its admissions office directly. Some colleges confirm participation late or offer fee waivers year-round regardless of this week.
Who is eligible
College Application Week is aimed primarily at high school seniors, per the Indiana Commission for Higher Education’s official language.
That said, the broader College GO! initiative supports students pursuing certificate programs, two-year degrees, and four-year degrees, not just traditional four-year applicants.
If you’re a returning adult student or applying to a certificate program, check with your specific college. Many extend the same fee waiver to all first-time applicants that week.
What if your college’s window already closed
Some individual college windows started earlier than the statewide week and may have already ended for that school.
If that happens, do not assume you’re out of options. Contact the admissions office directly and ask about a hardship or need-based application fee waiver.
Many Indiana colleges, including several Ivy Tech campuses, waive application fees year-round regardless of this specific week.
You can also ask your high school counselor about NACAC or College Board fee waiver programs, which apply at many participating institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indiana College Application Week still open?
Yes, as of this week. The statewide window runs through Friday, September 25, 2026. Some individual college windows may close sooner.
Which colleges are participating in 2026?
Over 30 Indiana colleges and universities, including all Ivy Tech Community College campuses, Indiana University Columbus, Franklin College, and the University of Southern Indiana.
Does the fee waiver apply to community colleges?
Yes. All Ivy Tech Community College campuses are participating this year, per the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.
What if I miss the deadline?
Contact your target college’s admissions office directly. Ask about hardship fee waivers, need-based waivers, or year-round free application policies.
Helpful Links
- Indiana Commission for Higher Education — Official News and Press Releases
- Learn More Indiana — College GO! and Participating Colleges List
- Governor Braun’s 2026 College Application Week Announcement
Last Updated: September 23, 2026