Fee Waiver Assistance Program

The CAATE first introduced income-based fee waivers with the 2020-2021 application cycle and continues its commitment to this program. The fee waiver program has been implemented to reduce the financial burden of the application process for selected individuals, which has been shown to encourage applications from those who may find the initial application process to be financially challenging. The program is based on financial need, and the determination of low-income guidelines are based on 100% of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines. These guidelines are the same as those used for the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) and Loans for Disadvantaged Students (LDS) programs. The fee waiver program will apply only to the first designation by an applicant. The CAATE remains committed to this program, fully funding 100% of fee waivers submitted through ATCAS to date and encourages programs to direct interested applicants to the fee waiver information through ATCAS.

More Information

Program Overview

Beginning at the start of the cycle, a limited number of fee waivers are provided to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Each fee waiver covers only the initial application fee, so if you wish to apply to additional programs, you are responsible for the remaining balance. If you received a fee waiver during a previous cycle, you may still apply for another in the next cycle.

You may request a fee waiver as soon as you create an application, but keep in mind that fee waiver funds can be quickly depleted. Contact customer service at 617-612-2075 before you submit a fee waiver request to determine if waivers are still available.

Qualification Requirements

To qualify for a fee waiver, you must have either:

• Filed a 2021 Federal Income Tax Return Form 1040 with an adjusted gross income that falls below the Low Income Level listed below, or
• Been listed as a dependent on a filed 2021 Federal Income Tax Return Form 1040 with an adjusted gross income that falls below the Low Income Level listed below. If you were claimed as a dependent by a parent or guardian on their 2021 Federal Income Tax Return, ATCAS requires you to use that individual's Federal Income Tax Return instead of your own.

Additionally, you must request a fee waiver before you submit your application. Requests received after an application has been submitted will not be honored.

If you are approved for a fee waiver, you are required to submit your application within 30 days (including holidays and weekends). Extensions will not be granted; failure to submit your application on time will void your fee waiver and you will not be allowed to reapply for a waiver.