What members say about Common App
The higher education admissions landscape has never been more complex. See how Common App members are creating new pathways for traditional and post-traditional student populations.
Boost visibility and enrollment with Common App
Expanding your reach to increase access for all
Boost visibility and enrollment with Common App
Expanding your reach to increase access for all
Why join Common App?
We’re a community of over 1,000 colleges and universities dedicated to lowering the barriers to college access by streamlining the application process.
Empowered recruiting
Our built-in tools position your institution in front of students throughout their college planning, search, and application process, allowing you to effectively reach and market to an engaged and diverse applicant pool.
Join an unparalleled network
Common App's strength lies in its diversity, with over 1,000 institutions, including 307 public universities, colleges from all 50 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and international schools, offering rich opportunities for mentorship and networking.
Easy to implement, easy to use
From the moment you become a member—and even before—we are an extension of your team. We work closely with you to ensure a smooth implementation.
Become a member
Common App Minority-serving Institutions (MSI) Program
We have worked to reduce barriers to college admissions for underrepresented students and address the inequities that many MSIs still face. To support these efforts, Common App launched the MSI Program. It offers MSIs all the benefits of membership at a reduced cost.
1. Access a diverse applicant pool
Diversity is our greatest strength. Our members open the doors to possibility for more than one million students every year — a third of whom are first-generation. Last year, they even provided more than $65 million in fee waivers to students in need.
2. Gain insight into your data
Whether it’s blazing a new trail for transfers or delivering insight to inform your strategy, we’re always looking for ways to ensure you get the most from our system. We provide consultation, tools, and expertise to help you truly understand your applicant pool. In September 2024, we introduced near real-time data visualizations that enable colleges to see year-over-year student applicant comparisons and identify trends.
3. Support those who support students
Each year, we develop programming and resources for school counselors, academic advisors, and community-based organizations to scale their services and help students navigate the admission process and discover all that Common App member colleges and universities have to offer. Common App will always be free to students, counselors and families.
4. Connect applicants to a robust ecosystem of resources
Whether it’s through strategic partnerships or technology integrations, our reach and scale allow us to provide more services that support the unique needs of our members, counselors, and students, including:
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Scholarship and financial aid
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Family guides and resources
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Virtual mentoring services
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Online portfolios
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Mobile-friendly college application
5. Value-added partner solutions
Through Common App membership, you'll have access to a broad set of value-added partners, including graduate admissions, online portfolios, virtual tours, and more.
Already a member institution?
Find additional support and information in our Solutions Center