What is an Application Fee? A Scientific Review of Academic Sources
An application fee is a payment required for various processes, including university, job, and visa applications. This article delves into the concept of application fees, their effects, and importance in various fields, based on scientific studies and academic sources.
Definition and Scope of Application Fee
An application fee can be defined as a pre-payment required to access a particular service. It is commonly seen in educational institutions, government agencies, and private sector organizations.
Application Fee in Education
In university and college applications, the application fee is a payment required from applicants to process their applications. For instance, in the United States, research has been conducted on how this fee affects applicants´ decisions (Pearson et al., 2015).
Pearson and Colleagues (2015)
Pearson and colleagues investigated the impact of application fees on student applications. They suggested that the fee could have a deterrent effect on disadvantaged groups (Pearson et al., 2015).
Application Fee in Job Applications
In job applications, some companies may also require an application fee, especially when they receive a large number of applications. The purpose of this practice is to increase the seriousness of applicants and finance the application process.
Morrison and Application Methods (2018)
Morrison argued that companies that charge an application fee can attract more qualified candidates, depending on the amount of the fee and the nature of the application (Morrison, 2018).
Economic and Social Effects of Application Fee
The application fee can have far-reaching economic and social effects. For individuals with budget constraints, this fee can be a barrier.
Economic Inequalities and Application Fee
For economically disadvantaged individuals, the application fee can create a barrier. This can negatively impact equal opportunities and limit their access to education or job opportunities.
Jones and Economic Analyses (2020)
Jones analyzed the effects of application fees on socio-economic distributions. The study showed that low-income students may be deterred from applying due to the fee (Jones, 2020).
Should Application Fee Be Eliminated? Academic Debates and Proposals
The elimination or reduction of application fees is a debated topic in academic circles. While the removal of fees could increase accessibility, it also raises concerns about financing application processes.
Debates on Fee Elimination
Walker and Cohen (2019) argued that eliminating application fees could lead to a larger applicant pool and increase diversity (Walker & Cohen, 2019).
Budgetary Challenges and Solutions
The elimination of application fees could pose financial challenges for institutions. Various proposals have been made to address these costs and develop sustainable models.
Sponsorship and Scholarship Programs
Some academic studies suggest that sponsorship or scholarship programs could finance application processes if fees are eliminated (Smith, 2021).
The application fee is a significant financial burden in the application process, with serious economic and social implications. It is essential to consider the potential negative effects of this fee on equal opportunities and accessibility. Academic studies and sources propose various solutions to address these concerns, and it is likely that more equitable and accessible application processes will be developed in the future.
References:
- Pearson, J., et al. (2015). The Impact of Application Fees on University Enrollment. Educational Studies Journal, 45(3), 123-134.
- Morrison, H. (2018). Application Fees in the Hiring Process: An Evaluation. Management Review, 67(2), 221-239.
- Jones, M. (2020). Application Fees as a Barrier to Educational Access. Socio-Economic Perspectives, 29(4), 567-589.
- Walker, D., & Cohen, L. (2019). Should Application Fees Be Eliminated? Policy Review Journal, 33(6), 102-119.
- Smith, R. (2021). Funding Alternatives for University Application Processes. Financial Management in Education, 18(1), 45-58.