If you’re stressed about getting into college, here’s some news that might ease your mind: open admissions colleges (also called open enrollment colleges) offer a unique opportunity. These schools admit all students who have a high school diploma or GED, no matter your GPA or standardized test scores. It’s your chance to pursue a college degree without the usual pressure of competitive admissions.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what open admissions colleges are, the pros and cons of attending one, and a list of four-year colleges with a 100% acceptance rate. Keep reading to discover how these schools work, what benefits they offer, and what you should consider as a future student.
- What Are the Best Open Admissions Colleges in the US?
- What Is an Open Admissions College?
- Pros and Cons of Open Admission Colleges
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What Are the Best Open Admissions Colleges in the US?
Do you dream of earning a degree but don’t have the time, grades, or resources to go through a complicated admissions process? Open admissions colleges recognize your potential and welcome students from all walks of life. Their policies remove barriers, making higher education more accessible than ever.
Here are the top 10 best open admissions schools:
1. University of Maryland – Global Campus
Average tuition cost: $7,992 (in-state)
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is all about accessibility. They’re known for being an open admissions college, which means they’re super welcoming to students from all walks of life, no matter your academic background or previous experience.
What’s great is they offer a wide range of programs, especially geared towards adult learners and those in the military. They’ve got everything from undergraduate degrees in fields like business, cybersecurity, and healthcare management to graduate programs in areas like education and cybersecurity policy.
Plus, they’re big on making sure you have the support you need to succeed, with services like academic advising, tutoring, and online resources to help you stay on track.
2. Miles College
Average tuition cost: $11,164
If you’re looking for a welcoming and supportive college experience, Miles College might be the perfect place for you. As one of the open admissions colleges in the US, you’ll find a range of undergraduate programs that cater to various interests and career paths.
For example, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration or a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. If you’re passionate about education, there are options like the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Additionally, Miles College offers programs in English, social sciences, and theology, providing a diverse selection of degrees to help you build the career you’re aiming for.
3. Cameron University
Average tuition cost: $8,919 (in-state)
Cameron offers more than 50 degree programs, including associate, bachelor’s, and even master’s degrees. Whether you’re into business, nursing, computer science, or education, there’s something for you. Plus, if you’re looking for a more affordable route, they have strong two-year programs that can help you transfer to a four-year degree later.
Cameron also makes sure you have the support you need to succeed. They offer tutoring services, academic advising, and even career counseling to help you land a job after graduation.
If you need flexibility, they’ve got online classes and evening courses to fit your schedule. And with their low tuition rates, you won’t have to break the bank to get a solid education.
4. Weber State University
Average tuition cost: $6,391 (in-state)
Weber State University (WSU) is an open admissions college, which means getting in is simple—you just need a high school diploma or GED. No stressing over sky-high test scores or a perfect academic record.
WSU offers more than 225 degree options, including associate’s, bachelor’s, and even graduate programs. Whether you’re interested in business, healthcare, engineering, or the arts, there’s something for you. Plus, they have strong technical programs and workforce-ready degrees, so if you’re looking for a fast track into a career, they’ve got you covered.
Need help figuring out your classes? Academic advisors are there to guide you. Struggling with coursework? Free tutoring and writing assistance are available. Thinking about your future career? Their Career Services team helps with internships, job placement, and networking opportunities. And if flexibility is key, they offer online and evening classes to fit your schedule.
5. Amridge University
Average tuition cost: $6,870
Amridge University offers a variety of programs, especially geared toward adult learners and those looking to balance school with other responsibilities. If you’re interested in leadership and management, their Bachelor of Science in Business Administration or Master of Business Administration (MBA) could be a solid choice.
For those with a passion for helping others, the university offers degrees in Human Services and Marriage & Family Therapy, among others. They also provide religious studies programs, such as a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies or a Master of Divinity, if you’re looking to pursue a career in ministry.
6. Bellevue University
Average tuition cost: $8,310
Bellevue University offers a wide range of programs tailored to fit your career goals. Interested in business? You can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration or explore their MBA program. If technology is your passion, they have programs like a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity or Software Development. For healthcare professionals, degrees in Health and Human Performance or Healthcare Management might catch your eye.
What makes Bellevue even more appealing is their focus on adult learners and working professionals. Many of their programs are offered fully online, allowing you to learn at your own pace and from anywhere in the world.
7. Florida National University
Average tuition cost: $14,888
If you’re searching for a college with a welcoming admissions process, Florida National University (FNU) could be exactly what you’re looking for. As one of the open admissions colleges in the US, FNU makes higher education accessible to anyone with a high school diploma or GED.
Are you passionate about healthcare? FNU offers programs like the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Medical Assisting. If you’re more drawn to the business world, you can explore their Bachelor of Science in Business Administration or Accounting programs. There are also opportunities in criminal justice, education, and even certificate programs for those looking to build specific skills quickly.
8. Bryant and Stratton College
Average tuition cost: $14,967 (in-state)
What sets Bryant & Stratton apart is its focus on practical, job-ready programs. Whether you’re interested in business, healthcare, technology, criminal justice, or even graphic design, they offer associate and bachelor’s degrees designed to prepare you for the workforce. Plus, they have online and on-campus options, so you can choose what works best for your schedule.
You’ll have access to career services that help with resume building, job placement, and interview prep, ensuring you’re ready to step into the workforce after graduation. They also offer academic advising, tutoring, and financial aid assistance to make sure you stay on track.
9. Chadron State College
Average tuition cost: $15,260 (in-state)
Chadron State College (CSC) is an open admissions college, meaning they believe education should be accessible to anyone willing to put in the effort.
Once you’re in, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. CSC offers over 50 undergraduate programs, including popular majors like business, education, criminal justice, and rangeland management. They also have graduate programs in education, organizational management, and counseling, so you can take your studies even further.
And they don’t just leave you on your own once you’re admitted. CSC has tons of support services to help you succeed, from academic advising and tutoring to career services that help you land internships and jobs after graduation. Plus, with small class sizes and a close-knit campus community, you’ll get plenty of one-on-one attention from professors who actually know your name.
10. Academy of Art University
Average tuition cost: $29,736
Academy of Art University is one of the largest private art schools in the U.S., and the best part? It’s an open admissions college, meaning you don’t need to stress about having a perfect GPA or an elaborate portfolio to get in. If you have a passion for creativity, they’re ready to welcome you.
The university offers a wide range of programs in everything from animation and game design to fashion, photography, and architecture. Whether you’re looking to dive into fine arts, filmmaking, or industrial design, there’s something for every creative mind. And since they offer both in-person and online courses, you can customize your learning experience to fit your lifestyle.
Beyond academics, Academy of Art University provides tons of support to help you succeed. They have career services to connect you with internships, industry mentors, and job opportunities. Plus, if you’re looking to build your portfolio or refine your skills, there are workshops, tutoring sessions, and networking events to help you level up.
What Is an Open Admissions College?
Open admissions policies are designed to make higher education accessible to a broader range of students. In the United States, institutions with open admissions typically accept all applicants who have completed a high school diploma or GED, resulting in a 100% acceptance rate.
This approach removes traditional barriers, such as standardized test scores and extracurricular requirements, allowing more students the opportunity to pursue higher education.
In recent years, overall college enrollment has experienced fluctuations. For example, undergraduate enrollment in the US was approximately 15.4 million in fall 2022, marking a 7% decline from 2019. However, projections indicate a 9% increase in total undergraduate enrollment between 2021 and 2031, suggesting a potential resurgence in college attendance.
By eliminating selective admission criteria, open admissions colleges offer a pathway for students who might not meet traditional admission standards, promoting inclusivity and diversity within higher education.
It’s important to note that some open admissions colleges may require placement tests to assess proficiency in certain subjects. These assessments help ensure that students are placed in appropriate courses that align with their skill levels.
Pros and Cons of Open Admission Colleges
When you’re thinking about open admissions colleges, it’s important to consider both the perks and the potential drawbacks. Let’s break it down so you can see if this type of college might be the right fit for you:
Benefits of open admission colleges
- Accessibility for everyone. The best part about open admissions is that it gives almost anyone with a high school diploma or GED the chance to attend. You don’t need perfect grades or test scores to get in, which can be a huge relief if those have been a barrier for you in the past.
- No rejection. With open admissions, as long as you meet the basic requirements, you’re in. There’s no worrying about being turned away based on grades or extracurriculars, which can be a big confidence booster.
- Affordable. Many open admissions colleges, especially community colleges, are more budget-friendly compared to traditional four-year schools. If you’re looking to save money while working toward a degree, this can be a great option.
- Flexible learning options. Open admissions colleges often offer online classes, evening courses, or part-time attendance. This flexibility makes it easier to balance school with work or family responsibilities.
- Smaller class sizes. At some open admissions colleges, especially community colleges, you’ll find smaller class sizes. This can mean more one-on-one attention from professors and a closer-knit classroom environment.
Downsides of open admissions colleges
- Less academic challenge. Because open admissions colleges accept students from all academic backgrounds, the coursework may not be as rigorous as what you’d find at more selective universities. If you’re looking for a highly challenging academic environment, this might not be the best fit.
- Fewer resources. Open admissions colleges might not have the same level of resources, like cutting-edge research labs or tons of extracurricular activities. If those things are a big part of your college experience, this could be a drawback.
- Placement tests. Even though you don’t need top grades or test scores to get in, many open admissions colleges require placement tests. These can determine what level of courses you start with, and some students might need to take remedial classes before diving into college-level work.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do open admissions colleges compare to traditional colleges?
The key difference is that traditional colleges often have selective admissions criteria, such as high GPA, standardized test scores, and extracurricular achievements. In contrast, open admissions colleges prioritize accessibility and accept anyone who meets the basic requirements, typically a high school diploma or GED.
2. How do I apply to an open admissions college?
You usually only need to submit your high school diploma or GED and sometimes a basic application form. Some colleges may require placement tests to determine your starting level for certain subjects, but the process is typically more straightforward than applying to selective colleges.
3. What is an open admission policy?
An open admission policy is a college or university admissions process that accepts all students who meet basic requirements, typically a high school diploma or GED. This means that as long as you’ve completed high school or have the equivalent, you can be admitted to the institution, regardless of your grades, standardized test scores, or extracurricular activities.
Takeaways
- Some of the top open admissions colleges in the US are University of Maryland-Global Campus, Miles College, and Academy of Art University.
- Whether you’re looking for an affordable, flexible option or simply a chance to attend college without the pressure of high GPA and test score requirements, open admissions colleges can be a great choice.
- Considering open admissions colleges? Or aiming for more selective universities? If you’re looking for personalized guidance throughout the college process, AdmissionSight is here to help. We provide expert coaching to help guide you through your college journey.
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