The secret college perk parents are discovering too late
A viral video says colleges will pay for your child's campus visit. Here's what's actually true — and exactly how to ask.
By the CounselMore
counseling team
4 min read
The internet is losing its mind over a tip for college-bound families: a recent video revealed that low-income students can get colleges to pay for their campus visits. Parents are flooding the comments, stunned that this funding exists at all.
The viral advice: just ask for a free trip
The video drops a real truth bomb for accepted students who used fee waivers. If you want to visit a campus but can't afford the trip, don't assume you're stuck at home.
Colleges frequently offer "fly-in" programs or travel vouchers for students they want to enroll. Email admissions, say you're seriously considering attending, and ask for travel support.
Knowing who to email — and what to say — is exactly where a counselor helps. Get a free 30-minute assessment with a CounselMore counselor.
The reality check from the comments
The advice sounds amazing. The community response is a mix of grateful disbelief, real success stories, and a few hidden hurdles.
The "real talk" verdict
The video is right — with a catch. Colleges absolutely have the money to fly out students they want to impress. They just don't advertise it to everyone. You won't get a yes from every school, and you have to be bold enough to ask.
If your student used a fee waiver and is holding an acceptance letter, they have real leverage. Never assume the answer is no until you ask.
Did a college help cover your visit?
Tell us which school came through — or which one said no. Your story helps other families figure out who's actually paying.
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Many families have no idea these tools exist. Plenty of parents don't know about application fee waivers — let alone acceptance fee waivers or travel funding.
This isn't wishful thinking — there are receipts. One parent was reimbursed up to $500 for a visit. Another said Hawaii Pacific University covered their daughter's entire flight from California. Some schools reach out first to offer it.
The perk isn't universal. Schools like George Washington and American University don't always have these funds for everyone. It depends on the college's budget — and how badly they want to recruit your student.
The viral clip says "reach out" but skips the how. Don't email your high school counselor for this. Talk to a real college counselor - free - for more information.