Top 88 Colleges with Rolling Admissions in the US

More than 600 colleges in the U.S. use rolling admissions, which means you don’t face a single deadline.

Instead, your application is read as soon as it’s complete, and decisions are released until the incoming class is full.

You’ll benefit the most if you send your application near the start of the cycle. Colleges often have more seats, stronger aid packages, and better housing options available early in the year.

Some students even hear back within a few weeks, which removes uncertainty and allows you to plan your other applications with confidence.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how rolling admissions works, what advantages and challenges to expect, and 88 U.S. colleges with rolling admissions to choose from.

What Are Rolling Admissions?

Rolling admissions is a review process where colleges evaluate applications as they come in, rather than waiting until a single deadline. Files are read in order of arrival, and decisions are released continuously.

Here’s what that means for you:

• Timing is critical. The earlier you apply, the more seats and scholarships are available.
• Priority dates matter. Some colleges set a “priority” deadline within the rolling window. Applying before it can unlock better financial aid and housing options.
• Decisions arrive faster. Many schools notify applicants within four to six weeks, far earlier than regular decision timelines.
• Programs may close early. Popular majors like nursing, business, and computer science often reach capacity months before the posted final deadline.

Rolling admissions doesn’t mean unlimited time. Think of it as a moving window: it opens wide in the fall but gradually narrows as the year progresses.

What Are the Benefits of Rolling Admissions?

Rolling admissions can shape your entire college strategy. The advantages go beyond flexible deadlines and quick decisions.

Here’s a closer look at what you gain when applying to schools with rolling admissions.

1. Faster Decisions

Most regular decision applicants wait until March for results, which can drag out uncertainty during senior year.

With rolling admissions, many colleges send decisions within four to six weeks of submission. That means you could know your status by October or November if you apply early.

An early acceptance gives you a baseline safety school, which relieves pressure as you approach other deadlines. It also helps your family plan financially, since you’ll know earlier whether to expect aid offers.

2. Flexible Timeline

Instead of one immovable deadline, rolling admissions schools keep applications open until seats fill. This is helpful if you’re still finalizing essays, waiting on new test scores, or improving your GPA with fall semester grades.

For students who start their search late, it can even provide a second chance to apply after other deadlines have passed. The extended window is also useful if you want to compare financial aid offers before committing.

Still, flexibility should not become procrastination — applying earlier always secures more opportunities.

3. Better Access to Aid and Housing

Financial aid budgets and dorm assignments are often limited. Rolling schools may award aid packages and housing on a first-come basis, so earlier applicants usually receive better offers.

By submitting in the first wave, you increase the odds of landing competitive scholarships or your preferred residence hall. Waiting too long can mean losing both, even if your academic profile is strong.

Timing influences not only admission but also the affordability and quality of your college experience.

4. Lower Stress in the Application Process

One of the biggest advantages of rolling admissions is psychological. Knowing you already have an acceptance can ease the pressure of senior year.

With at least one confirmed option, you can approach your reach and match schools with more confidence.

It also spreads out the admissions process — instead of submitting every application at once, you can pace yourself.

Having answers early also allows you to celebrate progress sooner and feel more in control of the process.

Applying Early is the Best Move

Rolling admissions gives you flexibility, but it doesn’t mean unlimited time. Colleges admit students until seats are filled, and that pool shrinks as the year goes on.

For the strongest outcome, treat the opening of the rolling window as your target date. That way, you maximize your chances of admission, aid, and access to every opportunity a college offers.

Top 88 Colleges With Rolling Admissions

Now that you understand how rolling admissions works and why applying early is a better choice, it’s time to see which schools use this approach.

Not every college follows the exact same model. Some review applications until spring, while others expect files by a priority date to keep you eligible for aid and scholarships.

To help you compare, we’ve compiled 88 colleges and universities across the U.S. that use a rolling admissions process. For each, you’ll see acceptance rates, average GPAs, test score ranges, and other key data. These numbers give you context about how your profile fits and when you should aim to apply.

Start with schools where your GPA and scores are competitive, then add rolling options as safeties or matches to secure early acceptances.

School	Location	Acceptance Rate	Average GPA	Average SAT	Average ACT
University of Alaska Anchorage	Anchorage, AK	65%	3.4	1030-1250	18-25
Tuskegee University	Tuskegee, Alabama	30%	3.3	960-1220	18-24
University of Alabama	Tuscaloosa, Alabama	80%	3.8	1130-1410	23-31
Hendrix College	Conway, Arkansas	60%	3.9	1130-1340	23-31
University of Arkansas	Fayetteville, Arkansas	79%	3.8	1030-1220	21-29
University of Arizona	Tucson, Arizona	87%	3.5	1140-1370	21-29
Arizona State University	Tempe, Arizona	90%	3.5	1120-1370	19-27
Loyola Marymount University	Los Angeles, California	41%	3.9	1300-1460	29-32
University of La Verne	La Verne, California	75%	3.5	970-1303	18-25
University of Redlands	Redlands, California	82%	3.8	1113-1278	25-30
University of the Pacific	Stockton, California	93%	3.6	1120-1423	25-33
University of Colorado Boulder	Boulder, Colorado	79%	3.7	1160-1390	26-31
Colorado State University	Fort Collins, Colorado	91%	3.7	1070-1290	23-29
Delaware State University	Dover, Delaware	55%	3.2	830-1050	20-24
University of Tampa	Tampa, Florida	26%	3.5	1080-1280	22-28
University of Central Florida	Orlando, Florida	41%	3.9	1200-1360	25-29
Florida International University	Miami, Florida	64%	3.9	1060-1250	21-26
Drake University	Des Moines, Iowa	67%	3.7	1110-1340	25-30
Wartburg College	Waverly, Iowa	97%	3.6	970-1120	19-25
Knox College	Galesburg, Illinois	73%	N/A	1163-1396	27-32
Loyola University Chicago	Chicago, Illinois	79%	3.8	1190-1370	27-32
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville	Edwardsville, IL	98%	3.6	930-1160	19-26
Indiana University Bloomington	Bloomington, Indiana	82%	3.8	1180-1400	27-32
Butler University	Indianapolis, Indiana	82%	3.9	1110-1320	24-30
Valparaiso University	Valparaiso, Indiana	94%	3.7	1140-1360	27-30
Wichita State University	Wichita, Kansas	68%	3.5	953-1260	19-26
University of Kentucky	Lexington, Kentucky	95%	3.6	1070-1290	21-28
Transylvania University	Lexington, KY	91%	3.7	1120-1360	23-29
Merrimack College	North Andover, Massachusetts	75%	3.5	1020-1260	22-28
Western New England University	Springfield, Massachusetts	88%	3.5	1090-1280	24-29
Towson University	Towson, Maryland	79%	3.8	1010-1230	19-25
Mount St. Mary’s University	Emmitsburg, Maryland	80%	3.5	1040-1250	19-25
Goucher College	Baltimore, Maryland	81%	3.3	1110-1370	24-33
Morgan State University	Baltimore, Maryland	85%	3.1	880-1060	16-21
Bowie State University	Bowie, Maryland	87%	3.2	800-1050	15-20
University of Maine	Orono, Maine	94%	3.4	1060-1280	22-30
University of Michigan-Dearborn	Dearborn, Michigan	54%	3.7	1010-1290	22-28
Madonna University	Livonia, MI	65%	3.5	870-1130	19-25
Western Michigan University	Kalamazoo, Michigan	85%	3.5	990-1220	19-27
Michigan State University	East Lansing, Michigan	88%	3.8	1100-1340	24-30
Gustavus Adolphus College	St. Peter, Minnesota	74%	3.6	N/A	25-31
University of Missouri	Columbia, Missouri	79%	N/A	1140-1340	23-30
Saint Louis University	St. Louis, Missouri	85%	3.9	1210-1400	26-31
University of Montana	Missoula, Montana	95%	3.3	1080-1278	19-26
North Carolina A&T State University	Greensboro, North Carolina	56%	3.8	960-1140	17-23
Creighton University	Omaha, Nebraska	76%	3.9	1208-1420	24-31
Rutgers University	New Brunswick, New Jersey	66%	N/A	1270-1480	28-33
Fairleigh Dickinson University	Teaneck, New Jersey	87%	3.2	980-1280	20-27
Montclair State University	Montclair, New Jersey	91%	3.3	950-1200	N/A
University of New Mexico	Albuquerque, New Mexico	96%	3.4	N/A	18-25
Hofstra University	Hempstead, New York	69%	3.8	1190-1370	26-31
New York Institute of Technology	Old Westbury, New York	76%	3.6	1118-1360	24-31
Le Moyne College	Syracuse, New York	78%	3.6	1130-1290	26-31
Alfred State College	Alfred, NY	82%	3.2	960-1180	19-25
St. John’s University (NY)	Queens, New York	85%	N/A	1110-1310	24-29
University of Iowa	Iowa City, Iowa	86%	3.8	1130-1340	22-28
Denison University	Granville, Ohio	22%	N/A	1270-1460	29-32
Xavier University	Cincinnati, Ohio	84%	3.7	1120-1310	23-30
University of Cincinnati	Cincinnati, Ohio	86%	3.7	1160-1360	24-29
Ohio University	Athens, Ohio	87%	3.8	1080-1270	22-27
University of Tulsa	Tulsa, Oklahoma	69%	3.6	1070-1350	21-30
University of Oklahoma	Norman, Oklahoma	73%	3.7	1130-1330	23-29
University of Oregon	Eugene, Oregon	86%	3.8	1140-1370	24-30
Pacific University	Forest Grove, Oregon	92%	3.7	1010-1350	20-26
Lafayette College	Easton, Pennsylvania	34%	3.6	1330-1480	30-33
University of Pittsburgh	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	49%	3.9	1280-1470	29-33
Penn State University	University Park, Pennsylvania	55%	3.7	1210-1390	26-31
Temple University	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	80%	3.4	1120-1370	24-31
Duquesne University	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	87%	3.9	1160-1330	25-31
Widener University	Chester, Pennsylvania	88%	3.4	1105-1290	N/A
Saint Joseph’s University	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	89%	N/A	1130-1320	26-31
York College of Pennsylvania	York, Pennsylvania	96%	3.5	1010-1220	22-27
Kutztown University	Kutztown, Pennsylvania	96%	3.3	1040-1260	19-26
University of South Carolina	Columbia, South Carolina	64%	3.6	1180-1380	27-32
University of Tennessee	Knoxville, Tennessee	68%	3.7	1170-1330	25-31
University of Tennessee – Chattanooga	Chattanooga, Tennessee	31%	3.8	1310-1470	29-33
Texas A&M University	College Station, Texas	63%	N/A	1150-1390	25-31
University of Houston	Houston, Texas	66%	3.5	1160-1330	23-29
Prairie View A&M University	Prairie View, Texas	77%	N/A	840-1050	18-20
University of Utah	Salt Lake City, Utah	89%	3.7	1190-1390	22-29
Hampton University	Hampton, Virginia	45%	3.3	840-1220	17-27
Washington State University	Pullman, Washington	83%	3.5	N/A	N/A
Whitworth University	Spokane, Washington	91%	3.7	1110-1350	19-27
Ripon College	Ripon, Wisconsin	81%	3.4	990-1170	19-27
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee	Milwaukee, Wisconsin	95%	3.2	N/A	18-25
West Virginia University	Morgantown, West Virginia	77%	3.7	1000-1220	20-26
University of Wyoming	Laramie, Wyoming	96%	3.5	1030-1240	20-27

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Rolling Admissions

Rolling admissions can give you flexibility, but it also creates traps for students who don’t plan carefully.

Here are the mistakes you need to watch for, and how to fix them.

1. Don’t Procrastinate!

Students think they can wait until spring because the window looks wide open. By then, spots in popular majors and aid packages may already be gone.

Treat the opening of the rolling window as your true deadline. Aim to apply in the fall, even if you plan to send updated grades or test scores later.

2. Ignoring Priority Deadlines

Many rolling colleges still set “priority” dates for scholarships, housing, or certain majors. Missing them means fewer options, even if the application is still open.

Write down every school’s priority date and submit well before it. Prioritize your top-choice programs first so you don’t lose out on aid.

3. Submitting a Weak or Incomplete Application

Some students rush to hit “submit,” sending files with typos, missing recommendations, or underdeveloped essays. Rolling schools may reject weak applications quickly.

Build your application early, polish your essays, and confirm all materials are uploaded before sending. Quality matters as much as timing.

4. Assuming Every Program Rolls

A university may have rolling admissions overall, but set firm deadlines for majors like nursing, engineering, or business. Students often miss this detail.

Always check the admissions page for program-specific requirements. If your intended major is selective, apply as soon as the window opens.

5. Overlooking Financial Aid Timing

Students confuse rolling admissions with rolling financial aid. In reality, FAFSA and scholarship deadlines operate on fixed calendars.

File FAFSA and CSS Profile as soon as they open. Submit scholarship applications early, and ask each college how aid is distributed.

6. Not Sending Updated Information

Students apply early but forget to update schools with new test scores, mid-year transcripts, or improved resumes. That can leave you with a weaker file.

After applying, track all updates. Send new scores, transcripts, and awards as soon as they’re available — colleges will add them to your file.

7. Relying on Outdated Information

Some students use admission stats from random blogs or old guidebooks. GPA ranges, test-optional policies, and acceptance rates change yearly.

Always confirm numbers with the Common Data Set (CDS), IPEDS, or the college’s own admissions page. Relying on updated data keeps your strategy realistic.

8. Not Confirming Space in Popular Programs

Even within rolling schools, certain majors — like nursing, computer science, or business — can close months before general admission ends. Students often apply late, assuming spots are still available.

Ask admissions if your intended program still has space before applying. If it’s filling quickly, move it to the top of your list. A counselor can also help you track these program-specific cutoffs so you don’t miss your chance.

Use Rolling Admissions to Your Advantage

Rolling admissions can ease the pressure of senior year, but only if you use the system wisely.

Apply early in the cycle, confirm program availability, and track priority deadlines for aid and housing. Doing so ensures you’re not only admitted but also positioned for the best resources and opportunities.

If you’re unsure how your GPA, test scores, or major interests fit into this process, we can help. Our Empowerly counselors work one-on-one with students to build smart application timelines and choose rolling schools that strengthen their overall strategy. 

Book your FREE consultation today

FAQs: Rolling Admissions

1. Is rolling admissions easier to get into?

Not always. Early applicants often face lighter competition, but seats become limited later in the cycle.

2. Do rolling schools still have deadlines?

Yes. Many list priority dates for aid, housing, or specific majors. Missing these can reduce your options even if applications remain open.

3. How quickly will I hear back?

Most rolling schools respond in four to six weeks. Some send decisions even faster if you apply early in the fall.

4. Can I apply to rolling and regular decision schools together?

Yes. Many students secure a rolling acceptance first, then target regular decision deadlines with less stress.

5. Should I wait until my new test scores arrive before applying?

No. Apply as soon as you’re ready, then send updated scores when they’re released. Colleges will add them to your file.