Riverland Community College, in conjunction with College Knowledge Month, will waive the application fee for all high school seniors that apply to attend Riverland Oct. 26-30.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system is participating in College Knowledge Month, a statewide effort to provide every graduating high school senior with the preparation, opportunity, and support needed to apply to college. In conjunction with this effort, Riverland is one of the MnSCU colleges and universities waiving application fees for new students for a limited time.

“Every day, our colleges and universities deliver the highest value, most affordable higher education option in the state of Minnesota,” Steven Rosenstone, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities chancellor, said in a press release. “In keeping with this commitment, we are pleased to waive application fees as part of College Knowledge Month and look forward to partnering with high schools as they encourage students to explore the many ways higher education offers a path to a brighter future.”

The initiative is designed to provide opportunities for high schools and postsecondary institutions to collaborate in a concentrated effort to engage, inform and support students as they enter into the college application process.

The culmination of College Knowledge Month is a week in which many colleges and universities across the state waive application fees. This year, every one of the MnSCU colleges and universities will waive application fees Oct. 26-30.

“During last year’s event, 54 of the students who applied during College Application Week are now attending Riverland,” Nel Zellar, Riverland’s director of admissions and new student relations, said in the release. “This year, we have already had three high schools ask us to assist with the college application labs they are offering as part of College Knowledge Month: Mankato East, Mankato West and United South Central. I’m hoping we hear from even more high schools.”