Online Colleges With High Acceptance Rates. You might find it unexpected that there are online colleges with acceptance rates reaching 100%. However, what does this high acceptance rate truly signify? Does it imply that anyone, regardless of qualifications, can get admitted? Are these considered lower-quality institutions? Do more selective schools tend to provide more scholarship opportunities? Discover the advantages of enrolling in such schools and explore a list of top online colleges boasting high acceptance rates.
High Acceptance Rate Colleges: The Advantages
Save time and money, and enjoy various advantages by applying to schools that admit a larger number of students. Discover several significant benefits of choosing online colleges with high acceptance rates, some of which may be unexpected.
- You’re more likely to be accepted
Your chances of getting accepted into a degree program increase significantly at a school with a high admission rate. This not only allows you to pursue your education but also reduces stress, as applying to three or four schools increases the likelihood of securing admission to at least one.
- You may have a higher chance of receiving a scholarship
Even if you don’t have exceptionally high standardized test scores or an outstanding GPA, you are more probable to secure a scholarship or merit-based aid at a school with a high acceptance rate rather than a more selective one. This is because compelling applications stand out at high acceptance rate schools, whereas they might be disregarded at highly selective colleges.
- Spend less on application fees
Opting for schools with higher acceptance rates can help you cut down on application expenses as you’ll likely submit applications to fewer institutions. Additionally, the application fees at these schools are usually lower and in some cases, even waived, compared to highly selective ones.
- More diverse student body
Online with high acceptance rates provide economical education and welcome students with less impressive academic records, enhancing accessibility for a broader applicant pool. High acceptance schools tend to feature a more varied student body compared to those employing a more rigorous selection process.
- Support and resources for all
Online colleges with a high acceptance rate welcome a diverse student community and generally possess the necessary resources and counselling support. This aids students from various academic and economic backgrounds, enabling them to persist in their studies, make informed financial choices, and eventually complete their degree, enhancing their earning prospects.
High Acceptance Rate vs. Open Admissions: What’s the Difference?
High acceptance rate colleges admit a larger number of students compared to highly selective schools. On the other hand, institutions with open admission policies accept all applicants with a high school diploma or GED, meaning they are non-competitive or unselective.
Your likelihood of getting accepted is even higher at open admissions schools than colleges with high acceptance rates. Most open admissions schools do not demand standardized tests like the ACT or SAT, though you might need to take a placement exam. As long as you can afford tuition and meet basic admission requirements, you’re eligible to attend an open admissions school.
Online Colleges with High Acceptance Rates
Before you begin your applications, explore online colleges that readily accept students and find ones that provide the degree you’re keen on pursuing.
-
New England College
NEC, a private liberal arts institution located in Henniker, New Hampshire, established in 1946, is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). This nonprofit school provides a range of online bachelor’s degrees in fields such assciences, humanities, public service, nursing, and business, including associate degrees in healthcare administration, liberal studies, sociology, and criminal justice.
NEC offers popular online programs like;
- Accounting
- Cybersecurity
- Healthcare Administration
- Human Services
- RN to BSN
- Sociology
The school received 10,012 applicants and admitted the same number, boasting an acceptance rate of 100%. They offer a total of 26 online programs.
-
Northeastern State University
Founded in 1909 and situated in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, NSU holds the title of the oldest university in the state. NSU provides online students with over twelve bachelor’s degree options, covering fields such as legal studies, business, technology, public service, and nursing. Additionally, NSU extends scholarship opportunities to incoming freshmen.
Popular online degrees offered at NSU:
- General Studies
- Geography and Sustainability Studies
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- International Business Management
- Information Systems
- Medical Laboratory Sciences
The school received 1,529 applicants and admitted the same number, boasting an acceptance rate of 100%. They offer a total of 13 online programs.
-
Dickinson State University
Situated in Dickinson, North Carolina, DSU, established in 1918, caters to about 1,400 students. Online bachelor’s degrees encompass areas like education, business, and the hard sciences
DSU extends online associate degrees, including an AAS in administration and an AS in agriculture sales. Additionally, online certificates are available in graphic design, digital marketing, and banking. The university also offers merit- and need-based scholarships for incoming and returning students.
Popular online degrees at DSU include
- Applied Science
- Business Administration in Accounting
- Business Administration in Human Resource Management
- Business Education
- University Studies.
With 376 applicants and 375 admissions, DSU provides 20 online programs, boasting a 100% acceptance rate.
-
Martinsburg College
Martinsburg initiated its skills-oriented and career-centric educational initiatives in 1980. Presently, this entirely online institution, located in Martinsburg, West Virginia, is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Individuals pursuing online education can select from various associate degree and certificate programs in fields like business, technology, and healthcare. Martinsburg’s certificate options encompass programs in medical administration, healthcare, security, business and professional development, and information technology.
Prominent online degree choices at Martinsburg include Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, and Integrated Technologies.
Application Count: 347
Admission Count: 347
Number of Online Programs: 8
Acceptance Rate: 100%
University of Texas at El Paso
UTEP, a large public research school with around 25,200 students, is the second-largest university in the U.S., primarily catering to a majority of Mexican American students. Online bachelor’s programs cover areas like nursing, business, and marketing. The university provides various scholarships for incoming freshmen, including the Presidential Scholarship, valued at $8,000 annually.
Popular online degrees encompass
- Chicano Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Media Advertising
- Organizational
- Corporate Communication
- Security Studies.
UTEP boasts an acceptance rate of 100%, with 10,971 admissions out of 10,972 applicants. The institution offers eight online programs.
Colorado State University – Global Campus
Established in 2007, CSU Global, a public institution, provides online education to nearly 20,000 students, covering incoming freshmen and those working towards degrees. Alongside eight scholarship opportunities, CSU Global follows an accommodating transfer credit policy, recognizing life and work experience, CLEP, and military credits. The institution features 15 online bachelor’s degree programs and 11 undergraduate certificate programs.
Popular degrees include
- Business Management
- Cybersecurity
- Information Technology
- Marketing
- Organizational Leadership
- Project Management.
With 26 online programs, CSU Global received 209 applications and admitted 206 students, boasting a 99% acceptance rate.
-
Florida Institute of Technology – Online
Florida Tech, a private research institution in Melbourne, Florida, consists of four colleges specializing in psychology and liberal arts, business, engineering and science, and aeronautics. Remote learners can access 13 online bachelor’s degrees covering management, technology, marketing, criminal justice, and more. The university also provides associate and certificate programs in areas like accounting, business administration, behavior analysis, and computer information systems. Florida Tech extends various merit-based and need-based scholarships and grants for incoming freshmen.
Popular online degrees include
- Accounting
- Aviation Management
- Computer Information Systems
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resource Management
- Liberal Studies
- Psychology
The university receives 127 applicants, admits 126, and offers a total of 26 online programs, boasting a high acceptance rate of 99%.
-
Adams State University
Founded in 1921, Adams State is a public university with around 3,500 students. They provide online bachelor’s degrees in various fields such as business, sociology, education, and media industry and communication. Each program offers diverse concentrations for undergraduates.
Some popular online degrees at Adams State include:
- Business Administration with General Business Emphasis
- Elementary Education
- Media Industry and Communication with a minor in Business or Marketing
- Sociology with Social Welfare Emphasis
Key statistics:
– Applicants: 1,765
– Admissions: 1,749
– Online programs: 4
– Acceptance rate: 99%
-
Concordia University – Saint Paul
Situated in Saint Paul, Minnesota, CSP is a private institution established in 1893. With a student body of 5,600, CSP provides a diverse range of online bachelor’s degrees, including fields like child development, health and fitness, business, information technology, nursing, and marketing. Additionally, CSP offers associate programs in general studies and early childhood education.
Highlighted online degrees at CSP:
- Criminal Justice
- Family Science
- Healthcare Administration
- Human Resource Management
- Management and Leadership
- Psychology
- Sport Management
Key application details:
- Number of applicants: 1,323
- Number of admissions: 1,298
- Online programs available: 18
- Acceptance rate: 98%
-
National Louis University
In Chicago, Illinois, NLU is a private institution hosting around 7,000 students. Those opting for remote learning can explore its online bachelor’s programs in business, computer science, health and human services. NLU presents various online master’s programs with seven convenient start dates, showcasing an almost 15% higher post-graduation salary compared to peers in the state.
Some online degrees at NLU encompass
- Applied Behavioral Sciences
- Applied Communications
- Business Administration
- Computer Science and Information Systems
- Healthcare Leadership
The institution receives 2,665 applications, admits 2,603, offered 10 online programs, and boasts an acceptance rate of 98%.
-
Eastern Oregon University
EOU, a public university established in 1929, provides 19 online bachelor’s degrees. Academic concentrations cover business, accounting, anthropology, economics, psychology, and public administration. EOU offers various scholarships based on need and merit for new students, including financial aid options for undocumented students.
Some online degrees include
- Communication Studies
- Health and Human Performance
- Information Technology Management
- Politics and Economics.
EOU received 890 applications, admitted 872 students, and offered 19 online programs, resulting in a 98% acceptance rate.
-
Notre Dame College
NDC, situated in South Euclid, Ohio, is a private institution affiliated with the Catholic Church. It provides 14 online bachelor’s programs, including two associate and 12 bachelor’s degrees. The bachelor’s degree options cover fields such as business, technology, criminal justice, and nursing. Remote learners can also finish a business management or liberal studies associate degree entirely online. Scholarships and grants based on merit and need are accessible.
Some noteworthy online degrees at NDC include
- Cybersecurity
- Business Administration-Human Resources Management
- Emergency Management
- Intelligence Studies and RN-to-BSN.
The institution received 2,032 applications, admitted 1,982 students, and offered 14 online programs, resulting in a 98% acceptance rate.
-
Western Kentucky University
Founded in 1906, WKU is a public university offering a wide range of online degree and certificate programs. While renowned for its education, engineering, and business offerings, the university provides 16 programs in diverse fields such as interdisciplinary studies, healthcare, and business for bachelor’s and associate degree seekers. Online undergraduate certificates cover areas like family home visiting, geographic information systems, and organizational leadership.
Popular online degrees include;
- Criminology
- Computer Information Technology
- Dental Hygiene
- Healthcare Administration
- Health Sciences
- Management and Business Administration
- Workforce Administration.
The university received 8,245 applicants and admitted 8,019. It boasts a 97% acceptance rate for its 23 online programs.
-
University of Southern Mississippi
Southern Miss, established in 1910, is a public research institution. They provide remote bachelor’s degrees in areas like child and family sciences, liberal studies, philosophy, public health, nursing, and business. Additionally, Southern Miss offers an online undergraduate certificate in casino management. The university extends various merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen and transfer students.
Popular online degrees encompass;
- Business Administration
- Construction Management
- Elementary Education
- Industrial Engineering
- Liberal Studies
- Management
- Medical Laboratory Science, and RN-to-BSN.
Southern Miss received 9,217 applicants, admitted 8,935, offers 16 online programs, and boasts a 97% acceptance rate.
-
California University of Pennsylvania
Founded in 1852, Cal U provides online associate and bachelor’s degrees in various major academic fields. Bachelor’s degree seekers can pick from areas like computer technology, economics, exercise science, language studies, and more. Those pursuing associate degrees have options like technical studies, liberal studies, and applied policing and technology. Remote students are eligible for internal grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.
Popular online degrees include
- Arabic Language and Culture
- Event Planning and Management
- Exercise Science
- Liberal Studies
- Sociology.
Cal U receives 3,105 applications, admits 3,016 students, offers 17 online programs, and boasts a 97% acceptance rate.
-
Prescott College
Prescott College, established in 1966 in Prescott, Arizona, is a private institution catering to around 900 students. It provides diverse online bachelor’s degrees, such as environmental science, human development, social justice, education, and the humanities. Prescott allows online students to customize their degrees, applying learned concepts in their communities.
Noteworthy online programs include
- Adventure Education
- Human Development and Psychology
- Sustainability Management
- Sustainable Food Systems.
The college has received 232 applications, admitted 226 students, offers 10 online programs, and boasts a high acceptance rate of 97%.
- Wayland Baptist University
WBU, a private liberal arts institution linked with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, provides 14 online bachelor’s and associate degree programs. Bachelor’s degree options encompass psychology, Christian ministry, history, humanities, and language. Online learners are eligible to seek internal scholarships, grants, and work-study chances.
Some online degrees at WBU include
- Christian Ministry
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Psychology
- Spanish
Application figures indicate 635 applicants, with 619 admissions and an acceptance rate of 97%.
-
Post University
Post, established in 1890 and situated in Waterbury, Connecticut, is a private, for-profit institution providing 29 online bachelor’s programs. Online certificates cover areas like paralegal studies, human resource management, and forensic accounting. Associate degrees span accounting, criminal justice, legal studies, and more. Bachelor’s options include 20 online programs in business, management, marketing, accounting, biology, and media studies. Post extends scholarships for online students pursuing a master’s degree at Post, offering up to 20% off master’s degree tuition for those graduating with a 3.9 GPA or higher.
Popular online degrees encompass
- Communication and Media Studies
- Data Science
- Equine Studies
- Gaming and Esports Management
- Legal Studies, Psychology
- Sport Management
The institution received 2,893 applicants and admitted 2,793, boasting a 97% acceptance rate.
-
Evangel University
Evangel, a private university associated with the Assemblies of God, caters to approximately 2,200 students. The institution provides 15 online undergraduate programs and certificates in recording technology, paralegal studies, and church leadership.
Evangel extends online associate degrees in business management, general studies, and leadership and social enterprise. The online bachelor’s programs encompass areas such as behavioral health, business, and church ministries.
- Key online degrees at Evangel:
- Behavioral Health
- Business Management
- Church Ministries
- Community Relief Development
- Leadership and Social Enterprise
Application Count: 1,084
Admissions Count: 1,048
Online Programs: 15
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Eastern Washington University
EWU, situated in Cheney, Washington, is a public institution offering various online programs for certificate and bachelor’s students. Online certificates cover areas like disability studies, literacy, and leadership. Bachelor’s degrees available online include health sciences, communications, and public relations. Alongside other financial aid options, the university provides automatic scholarships for incoming freshmen based on GPA and state residency.
Popular online degrees at EWU encompass
- Addiction Studies
- Communication Studies
- Dental Hygiene
- Health Psychology
- Health Science
- Public Relations
The university received 5,297 applicants, admitted 5,069, and offers 16 online programs with a 96% acceptance rate.
-
DeVry University – Illinois
Established in 1931, DeVry is a private, for-profit institution with around 18,195 students. It provides over 70 online and hybrid programs in fields like technology, business, accounting, and healthcare. Certificate, associate, and bachelor’s students can choose from diverse programs with various specializations in business, technology, healthcare, and media arts. There are also online bachelor’s degrees available through 21 technology programs. DeVry offers multiple financial aid options, including the Women+Tech scholarship.
The popular online degrees at DeVry include
- Computer Information Systems
- Engineering Technology
- Health Services Management
- Justice Administration
- Software Development.
They received 1,847 applications, admitted 1,768 students, and offered a wide range of 71 online programs, with an acceptance rate of 96%.
-
University of Toledo
UT is a public research university in Ohio with about 19,800 students, providing a variety of online associate and bachelor’s programs. Associate options encompass pre-business, technical studies, and business management technology. The bachelor’s programs span diverse subject areas, highlighting UT’s robust health sciences offerings.
Some favoured online degrees include
- Health Information Administration
- Management
- Marketing
- RN-to-BSN
- Registered Respiratory Therapy
The university boasts 26 online programs, receiving 10,085 applications, admitting 9,722 students, and boasting a 96% acceptance rate.
-
University of Kentucky
Founded in 1865, the University of Kentucky (UK), situated in Lexington, Kentucky, is a public research institution catering to around 30,600 students. They offer online programs, including certificates in leadership studies, financial planning, and digital design literacy. Online bachelor’s degrees are available in nursing, laboratory science, business, and communications. UK extends scholarship opportunities, free online tutoring, and academic coaching to all students.
Popular online degrees include
- Accelerated BSN
- Advanced Materials Characterization
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Arts Administration
- Assistive & Rehabilitation Technology
- Business, Nutrition & Culinary Medicine
- Statistics
- Sustainability Studies.
With 15 online programs, UK boasts an acceptance rate of 96%, receiving 18,759 applicants and admitting 17,981.
-
Brigham Young University – IdahoEvangel University
BYU-Idaho is a private institution located in Rexburg, Idaho, run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The university provides a wide range of remote certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Among its 36 certificate programs are social media marketing, project management, and web development. Online students pursuing associate and bachelor’s degrees can explore fields such as business, technology, healthcare, social work, and more. Those joining online programs via the PathwayConnect initiative and incoming students involved in a religious mission can benefit from substantial tuition discounts.
Some popular online degrees at BYU include
- Applied Communication
- Applied Health
- Applied Technology
- Professional Studies
The university receives around 9,762 applicants, with an acceptance rate of 96%, admitting 9,349 students. They offer a total of 49 online programs.
-
Savannah College of Art and Design
SCAD, a private art school founded in 1978, provides online bachelor’s degrees in art, marketing, and photography with live virtual instruction. Utilizing Adobe Creative Cloud and Autodesk collections, students engage directly with professors, collaborate with peers, and master state-of-the-art software. SCAD offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in various fields, alongside numerous scholarship opportunities ranging from $1,000 to full tuition coverage. Here are some sought-after online degrees available at SCAD:
- Advertising
- Business of Beauty and Fragrance
- Fashion Marketing and Management
- Graphic Design
- Interactive Design and Game Development
- Photography
- Sequential Art
- Social Strategy and Management
Key Statistics:
- Total applicants: 11,267
- Admissions granted: 10,806
- Online programs offered: 8
- Acceptance rate: 96%
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges With High Acceptance Rates
What is an open enrollment college?
A college with open enrollment, also known as open admissions, is a school that welcomes all individuals with a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification, such as a GED certificate. Typically, these colleges only ask for an application and evidence of a high school or GED diploma.
What online colleges have 100% acceptance rates?
Three online colleges, namely Martinsburg College, United States Sports Academy, and Veritas Baptist College, accept all applicants. Additionally, more than 120 colleges have a 100% acceptance rate, and many of them provide online degree programs.
What online colleges are easy to get into?
Numerous colleges accept over 90% of applicants. State universities such as California State University, Los Angeles, Mississippi State University, and Pennsylvania State University have acceptance rates exceeding 90% and offer online choices.
What’s the fastest degree to get online?
Which degrees can you quickly earn through an accelerated program?
- Business Administration.
- Accounting.
- Computer Science.
- Education.
- Nursing.
- Human Resources.
- Project Management.
- Liberal Arts.
What degree takes the longest to get?
Advanced degrees like a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), known as doctoral degrees, usually demand the lengthiest commitment for completion. The duration can range from 4 to 10 years or even more, depending on the subject and the individual’s advancement in postgraduate education.