Whether you have below-average grades or are just hoping to simplify the university admissions process, you may be looking for the easiest colleges to get into.
“Easy” is a relative term, but there are various characteristics that can make college admissions easier at some schools than others.
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As you learn about those characteristics, consider how they may influence your decisions about where to apply. In your search for the right school, a high acceptance rate may just be one piece of the puzzle.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into
When it comes to college admissions, are you looking for a challenge? Or would you prefer to be a shoo-in for the schools where you apply? While you might lean toward one or the other of those options, it’s often strategic to apply to a balanced mix of long shot and safety schools.
No matter where you apply, the application process can be lengthy. It’s rare to fill out paperwork one day and start classes the next.
To increase your chances of beginning when you want to, you can add a few easy colleges to get into to your list of prospective schools. That way, you’re more likely to receive at least one acceptance letter—and hopefully more!
What makes a college easy to get into? That depends, at least in part, on your academic history. Strong students may find that many colleges welcome them with open arms. Those with lower grades or test scores may have to work a little harder to identify the right schools for them.
To figure out if a school might be less difficult for you to get into, you can look at its:
- Average student GPA
- Average student test scores
- Percentage of applicants admitted
- Policies about admissions
If your academic track record isn’t the best, then you’ll probably want to search for colleges where most students didn’t graduate high school with a 4.0 GPA and a 36 on the ACT.
You can research the average GPA and test scores of colleges’ freshman classes and then look for schools where those figures are close to yours—or even lower.
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You may also appreciate colleges with high acceptance rates, meaning they take most of the students who apply. Some schools send acceptance packets to over 90% of their applicants.
Even more reassuring are schools with open-admission or guaranteed-admission policies. They accept all students who meet their minimum qualifications. Many of these simply require a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
No matter where you apply, you can expect the admissions process to take time and effort, but choosing some easier schools may help you feel more confident along the way.
Choosing Your College
You may not want to settle on a school just because it’s one of the easiest universities to get into. Selecting the right college depends on a variety of factors, not just acceptance rates.
The following criteria can help you pick out schools:
- Accreditation. It’s advantageous to only apply to accredited schools. Accreditation signifies that a school is credible and offers high-quality education.
- Cost. It’s strategic to pay attention to tuition prices before you commit to a school. You can also compare financial aid packages at different schools. You may receive a larger financial aid package at schools where you’re an above-average student.
- On-campus vs. online. Do you want to attend class in person, or do you want the flexibility of being able to log in to online classes at times that work for you? With either approach, you can gain a solid education and earn an accredited degree.
- Programs. If you know what field you’d like to study, it’s necessary to select a college that offers that program.
- School atmosphere. Each college has its own feel. You may find that certain campuses, whether online or in-person, just “click” with you.
When shopping for colleges, it’s beneficial to select several that meet your preferences. Ideally, you’ll have a mix of schools—some more challenging to get into and some easier.
Typical College Admissions Requirements
Even for the easiest schools to get into, it’s still necessary to apply and be accepted. What does that entail? You may need to provide an application packet that includes:
- An essay or another sample of your writing
- High school transcripts and any college records
- Letters of reference from teachers, bosses, or mentors
- SAT or ACT scores (not required at all colleges)
In addition, there’s often an application form to fill out, along with an application fee, though there are colleges with no application fee that you may want to consider. Also, there are colleges that don’t require SAT scores as part of the application and admissions process.
Is a High Acceptance Rate Bad?
You can’t judge a school based on its acceptance rate. Just because a school is less competitive doesn’t mean that it won’t provide a good education. Some colleges have higher acceptance rates simply because they have the capacity to accommodate more students.
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Other characteristics that can help you evaluate schools include the average GPA and test scores of incoming freshmen, the percentage of accepted students who enroll, and the four-year graduation rate. Above all, the top quality to look for is whether a school is regionally accredited.
What Is the Easiest Ivy League to Get Into?
The most competitive colleges have acceptance rates lower than 10%. Ivy League schools typically fall into that category. There’s one Ivy League school with a slightly higher acceptance rate, though: Cornell University. It accepts about 10.85% of the students who apply.
Cornell still isn’t considered easy to get into, though, in comparison to non-Ivy League schools. The vast majority of Cornell’s students graduated near the top of their high school classes. Most earned impressive ACT or SAT scores as well.
Is Community College Easier to Get Into?
Looking for colleges with 100% acceptance rates? If so, you might want to consider starting your educational journey at a community college.
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Most community colleges—but not all—have open-admissions policies. They take any students who meet the basic requirements.
Often, all you need is a high school diploma or a GED certificate. For that reason, community colleges are often considered easier to get into, but you’ll still have to go through an application process. You may also be required to take placement tests.
Best Colleges Easiest to Get Into
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format with high acceptance rates.
The Academy of Art University offers numerous programs for students hoping to build careers in the fine arts or performing arts. To apply, students need to submit the admissions application, a $50 application fee, and official transcripts from high school or GED scores. The university’s acceptance rate is 100%.
Academy of Art University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
With an acceptance rate of 100% and financial aid offered to all students, Averett University may be an excellent choice for applicants that are ready to begin their education. To apply, students need to submit their transcripts and the application. Test scores are only required for students with a GPA of 2.99 or lower.
Averett University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Broward College offers a large range of programs, including Business, Education, and Health Sciences. Applying is as simple as submitting an application, official transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores, for first-time college students. 100% of students who applied in Fall 2020 were offered admission.
Broward College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
With over 45 degree programs, Cameron University serves students with a variety of career interests.
While the school’s admission rate is 100%, the required admissions materials change based on certain test scores or GPA thresholds. Because of this, it is important for each applicant to read the admissions website carefully to determine what is needed based on their scores.
Cameron University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Central Christian College of Kansas offers degree programs at multiple levels in business, humanities, health sciences, and human services, both online and in person. Applying to the institution is free and consists of an application and the submission of transcripts. Its most recent rate of acceptance was 100%.
Central Christian College of Kansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Regardless of their program or specialty, engaged and collaborative learning is at the heart of a student’s experience at Cleveland State University.
With over 175 degree programs in the arts, sciences, and services and an acceptance rate of 100%, CSU is a great fit for many students interested in taking the next step in their education.
Cleveland State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Colorado Mountain College boasts a wealth of degree programs and non-traditional academic pathways, all of which are centered on transforming students’ lives through learning. CMC’s most recent rate of acceptance was 100%. To apply, students need to submit their application, transcripts, and test scores, as needed.
Colorado Mountain College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Students admitted to Delta State University, which has a 100% acceptance rate, have over 40 majors to choose from. Options include majors in health sciences, business administration, and fine arts, as well as the potential for interdisciplinary studies.
Students may not need to submit test scores with their applications, but test scores are required to determine placement upon admission.
Delta State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Admission to Feather River College is open to anyone who is over 18 or those under 18 who have graduated from high school. High school juniors and seniors pursuing dual enrollment are also accepted with permission from their guardians and school principal and the college registrar. The college’s acceptance rate is 100%.
Feather River College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Applications for Granite State College are accepted on a rolling schedule to allow students to begin any term, and their rate of acceptance is 100%.
The college also welcomes non-degree students interested in taking individual courses. Those students are only required to provide proof of their high school diploma or GED and any course-specific prerequisites.
Granite State College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Lewis-Clark State College offers over 130 programs, with more than 20 programs fully online. The college’s recent acceptance rate was listed as 100%, and the application itself is simple and free to submit. While test scores are not required for acceptance, they are used to determine placement upon admission.
Lewis-Clark State College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
MidAmerica Nazarene University has a diverse offering of majors and pre-professional programs that are available both online and in-person. Many students find MNU to be a great option for beginning or continuing their education.
Application requirements vary based on student status and educational background, but the current acceptance rate is 100%.
MidAmerica Nazarene University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Montana State University—Billings boasts a large selection of disciplines, degree levels, and academic pathways that are offered at their university and college campuses or online. The university has a 100% acceptance rate.
It is also a test-optional school but it does encourage students to submit their scores to assist with class placement.
Montana State University Billings is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Combing both Eastern and Western thought into its programs, Naropa University’s goal is to assist all its students in becoming who they are meant to be.
In an effort to pursue inclusive and diverse admissions, Naropa’s admissions team reviews all student applications individually. The school’s acceptance rate is currently 100%.
Naropa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
With over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs offered at its three campuses and online, Northeastern State University is Oklahoma’s oldest and fourth-largest institution.
The school’s acceptance rate is 100%, and its admissions requirements consist of the completion of core classes and the submission of an application and transcripts.
Northeastern State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Pensacola State College admissions department pairs individual students with admissions advisors to assist them in beginning or continuing their educational journey. Advisors help students determine their career goals, qualifications for academic programs, and eligibility for financial aid.
PSC’s most recent acceptance rate was 100%.
Pensacola State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
South Florida State College welcomes a variety of students, including traditional, Florida resident and nonresident students and transient students based at different institutions. Though the college’s acceptance rate is 100%, the admissions process varies based on student type and status.
All applicants need to submit transcripts.
South Florida State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
St. Petersburg College has an open-door admissions policy for applicants who have achieved a high school diploma or the equivalent. Once admitted, students may start toward a new career path, strengthen existing skills, or complete the necessary prerequisites to transfer to a university.
St. Petersburg College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Sul Ross State University offers a wide array of degree programs that cater to students of all interests. Applications are submitted through the Go Apply Texas standardized college application, though specific application requirements may vary based on student status.
The university’s most recent acceptance rate was 100%.
Sul Ross State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
With transparent tuition pricing, varied degree programs, and hybrid learning models, Unity College has the options to match individual needs. The college has few admissions requirements and prefers to look at students holistically, whether they are applying for undergraduate, graduate, or non-traditional programs.
Applications are free, and the school’s acceptance rate is 100%.
Unity College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Guam offers over 40 different degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is open for applications on a rolling basis, allowing students to start in fall, spring, or summer terms.
The university does not require standardized test scores or an admissions interview, and its rate of acceptance is 100%.
The University of Guam is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
The University of Maine—Fort Kent centers its curriculum on nurturing and engaging all students. It aims to support students’ aspirations with a quality and affordable education. The school has a 100% acceptance rate.
To apply, students need to complete the application form and provide both their transcripts and a letter of recommendation.
The University of Maine at Fort Kent is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Maryland Global Campus has a robust offering of programs and an acceptance rate of 100%.
All students who have achieved a high school diploma or the GED equivalent are eligible for admission to the school’s bachelor’s degree programs. Any student with an accredited bachelor’s degree is eligible for admission to its master’s degree programs.
The University of Maryland Global Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
With programs in many disciplines, including criminal justice, social sciences, and fine arts, the University of Pikeville welcomes students of all backgrounds and disciplines. The university does require the submission of an application, transcripts, and standardized test scores to apply, but it also has a 100% admission rate.
The University of Pikeville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
At the University of Texas—El Paso, students have 166 different degree programs across 9 colleges and schools to choose from, helping to ensure an excellent fit for students of all interests. Applications for the university are open year-round and free to submit.
Applicants must submit transcripts along with their applications. The school’s acceptance rate is 100%.
The University of Texas at El Paso is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Students seeking admission to the University of the Ozarks can submit their applications and transcripts year-round, and the school has a 100% acceptance rate.
The university is test-optional. Students may be asked to submit additional documentation, such as community service or extracurricular activities if they withhold their scores.
The University of the Ozarks is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
In addition to its picturesque St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses, the University of the Virgin Islands offers a wide variety of academic programs, robust experiences, and resources. It is also extremely inclusive of all students and accepts 100% of its applicants.
The University of the Virgin Islands is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Utah Valley University seeks to provide students with real-world experiences to prepare them for future academic and occupational endeavors.
While exact admissions materials vary based on student status, the institution values all applicants and boasts a 100% acceptance rate. Transcripts are required from all applicants and standardized test scores are recommended by the admissions department.
Utah Valley University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Wayne State College’s goal is to make education accessible to students while allowing them to remain committed to their communities, work, and families. It offers courses online and at campuses across Nebraska and Iowa. The college offers more than 130 programs of study and accepts 100% of its applicants.
Wayne State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Weber State University’s large selection of programs makes it possible for students to cater their education to their exact needs and aspirations. The school even offers opportunities to pursue double majors and self-designed majors.
The school’s acceptance rate is 100%, but students are asked to submit their applications, transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores (for placement purposes).
Weber State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Getting Your College Degree Online
Many traditional colleges may fit what you’re looking for when it comes to easier admissions, but they’re not your only option. You can also find online colleges with favorable admissions statistics, such as middle-of-the-road student GPAs or high acceptance rates.
With online programs, the class times are often flexible. You can learn when it’s most convenient for your schedule, and you may even be able to balance school and a full-time job while pursuing some of the top online degrees for your needs.
Accredited online schools offer a rigorous, respected education. As you look for colleges that are easier to get into, you might consider including online schools or programs in your search.
