Online Colleges With High Acceptance Rates

What online colleges are the easiest to get into? Explore popular online colleges with high acceptance rates.
by

Updated February 28, 2024 · 4 Min Read

check mark Edited by
check mark Reviewed by

Our Integrity Network

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

  • Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Provide specific, corrective feedback.
  • Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for AffordableCollegesOnline.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Admissions experts recommend that students apply to 4-12 schools. But unless you can get a fee waiver, the cost of applying to colleges can add up. And applying doesn't guarantee you will get into a school.

Since colleges have varying acceptance rates, you can save time and money by applying to online colleges with high acceptance rates. While you're not guaranteed to get into these schools, you can at least boost your chances.

Price Check

During their college research and college application process, around 78% of families will remove a college from their prospective schools’ list because of cost, according to a study of college students and their families by Sallie Mae.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Featured Online Bachelor's Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

5 Popular Colleges With High Acceptance Rates

When it comes to choosing a college with a high acceptance rate, other factors matter, too. We kept that in mind when creating this list of five easy-to-get-into schools. Each was chosen using our ranking methodology, which considers factors like cost, student enrollment, and reputability.

1. Colorado State University Global

  • Avg. Annual Net Price: $14,826
  • Acceptance Rate: 97%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 9,565

Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) is the nation's first fully online, accredited public college. Tuition costs have not risen in 10 years, making CSU Global an affordable and popular option for most students. Likewise, CSU Global touts no additional or hidden fees.

For first-time standard admission, you must have at least a 2.8 GPA and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. You should also have scored at least an 18 on the ACT or at least 980 on the SAT. Applicants who don't meet these requirements can gain provisional acceptance.

CSU Global operates on a rolling admissions system, so you can apply and begin classes throughout the academic year.

2. Northeastern State University

  • Avg. Annual Net Price: $9,669
  • Acceptance Rate: 99%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 6,702

If you are interested in an online program specifically, you can select from nearly 50 online bachelor’s degree programs and certificate programs at Northeastern State University (NSU). NSU has the only optometry school in the state of Oklahoma.

Because of the size of its student population, you have access to smaller class sizes while paying lower public university rates.

Applicants should have at least a 2.7 GPA from their high school coursework and score at least a 20 on the ACT.

3. University of Texas at El Paso

  • Avg. Annual Net Price: $9,563
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 23,880

With a 100% acceptance rate, applying to the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) should be straightforward. The UTEP is a diverse Hispanic-serving institution — 84% of enrolled students are Hispanic.

Online students can choose from 10 online bachelor’s programs, as well as graduate certificate and degree programs. As a public university, UTEP also has a lower tuition cost.

Overall, the college's popularity has grown in recent years. In fact, the number of degrees awarded annually from 2001 to 2019 has increased by 137%.

4. New England College

  • Avg. Annual Net Price: $29,512
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 2,852

The application process at New England College (NEC) is quick and simple: You don't have to pay any application fees, the school does not require standardized test scores, and you only need to fill out an application and submit official transcripts for consideration.

NEC operates on a rolling admissions policy, so you are able to apply all year, and there are numerous start dates.

At NEC, you can benefit from small class sizes with an average 14-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. You can choose from over 20 fully online bachelor's and associate degree programs.

5. George Mason University

  • Avg. Annual Net Price: $18,479
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Total Student Enrollment: 39,049

Believing in a holistic review of applications, George Mason University looks at all aspects of an applicant’s materials before making a decision. The college values inclusivity and openly accepts 90% of applicants.

In 2007, George Mason University moved towards making reporting standardized test scores optional. The admissions committee reviews your application, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. You’re also strongly encouraged to write a personal essay, especially if you are not submitting test scores.

You can choose from over 50 online or hybrid degree options. You can also choose between synchronous or asynchronous courses.

What Makes a College Easy to Get Into?

A high acceptance rate can make a college easy to get into. Acceptance rates vary by school. Typically, a larger public school will have more spots available for students so that those schools may accept a higher number of students.

Online colleges also tend to have a higher acceptance rate since the colleges don't have to house the students or meet their needs in person.

When determining if a college is easy to get into, you can look at:

Just because a college is easy to get into, doesn't mean your education won't be top-notch or rigorous. Some colleges take pride in giving a high number of applicants a chance to excel at their school.

3 Ways to Make Colleges With High Acceptance Rates More Affordable

A college with high acceptance rates is not always a cheap college. You can make college more affordable in a number of ways.

  • Fill Out the FAFSA: Submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can qualify you to earn federal money to help pay for college. The FAFSA is not just for federal loans. Many FAFSA recipients also receive need-based or performance-based grants to help pay tuition. Unlike a loan, grant money does not have to be repaid.
  • Apply for Scholarships: Scholarships are financial awards that can be used towards tuition. Some scholarships may also allow you to use the funds towards fees or other costs. Scholarships do not need to be paid back. You can apply to as many scholarships as you want — just make sure to read the eligibility requirements for each scholarship carefully.
  • Use Prior-Learning Credit: Some colleges allow you to submit work experience or certificates to replace certain course credits. You may also be able to take specific tests through the college to test out of certain coursework. This can save you the time and money of taking the course and could even allow you to graduate early.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges With High Acceptance Rates


What is an open enrollment college?

An open enrollment college — also called an open admissions college — is a school that accepts all applicants who are high school graduates or hold a diploma equivalent (like a GED certificate). Most open enrollment schools only require you to complete an application and submit proof of a high school or GED diploma.

What online colleges have 100% acceptance rates?

There are three fully online colleges that have a 100% acceptance rate: Martinsburg College, United States Sports Academy, and Veritas Baptist College. There are over 120 colleges that have a 100% acceptance rate, many of which offer online degree programs.

What online colleges are easy to get into?

Loads of colleges have an acceptance rate of 90% or higher. Many state universities — like California State University, Los Angeles, Mississippi State University, and Pennsylvania State University — have acceptance rates of at least 90% and provide online options.


Page last reviewed November 8, 2023. All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ACO Rankings Team.

Related articles that may interest you

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Do this for you

Explore your possibilities- find schools with programs you’re interested in and clear a path for your future.