What Does Open Admission Mean & Best Open Colleges For 2025

By this point, you’re probably very familiar with the standard college admissions procedure. What you may not know is that this isn’t the only system. “Open admission“ or “open enrollment“ is another approach to college admissions, but one you don’t hear as much about. In this article, we’ll take a deeper dive into what exactly open admission is (and isn’t).

If you’ve done a little research, you probably know what early and regular admission means. You’re doubtless well aware that different colleges have (sometimes dramatically) different acceptance rates. And, as many college hopefuls know, prestigious schools like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT are notorious for their acceptance rates of under 10%.

So what does “open admission” mean, and how can you use this option to your best advantage?

Generally, these colleges don’t require anything beyond a GED or high school diploma for admission. That’s right — you don’t need to take the SAT or ACT, craft compelling essays, or take a long list of AP or Honors classes to get in.

In other words, open-admission colleges typically take anyone who applies, assuming you meet the minimum requirement of having completed high school (or the equivalent). The acceptance rate is typically 100%. The exception to this is when one of these colleges receives more applications than it has spaces available, in which case some students will most likely be waitlisted.

Video: How College Admissions Works - Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Admissions & all the rest

Schools with open admission tend not to be as prestigious or rigorous as those with competitive admissions processes, as you would expect. However, depending on your circumstances and what exactly you want to get out of college, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many students thrive and blossom in academic environments with less stress and pressure. And it’s important to note that this is a generalization; there are quite a few open admissions colleges that do emphasize great academics.

If your test scores or high school grades weren’t outstanding enough to contend in today’s ultra-competitive college admissions process — or if you weren’t able to complete high school — open admissions schools offer a way to go to college anyway.

Video: All You Need to Know about Admission, Visa & Housing | Online Open Day

Open admission isn’t an indication that “anything goes.“ Once you begin attending one of these colleges, you’ll generally be expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress and grades, just as you would at a school with regular admissions.

Open admission also isn’t an excuse to ignore application deadlines. While these deadlines may be later than those at other schools (or the school might use a rolling admission policy), there typically are still deadlines. Don’t wait until a few weeks before classes start to begin the application process.

The Academy of Art University offers online programs for students interested in various art fields. While the programs are online, students are encouraged to visit the campus to meet the professors and complete in-person activities. Applicants may apply year-round using the school’s online application form. High school transcripts must be submitted when applying.

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Tuition: $26,376 per year for undergraduate students?

Cameron University offers an open admissions policy for all students interested in receiving an Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree. Their Academic Advising Center helps students find the appropriate majors for their goals and provide admissions, scholarship, and financial aid support.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $6,450 per year for in-state students; $15,870 for out-of-state students?

Dixie State University offers an open enrollment policy for undergraduate students. Those interested in the program must have a high school degree or equivalent and a transcript from a two-year degree program. Official ACT or SAT test scores must be submitted to the school when applying.

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Tuition: $5,871 per year for in-state students; $16,260 for out-of-state students?

Purdue University Global is part of the Purdue University system, offering over 175 online programs with a focus on flexibility for adult learners. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED, and some programs might require additional entrance exams or interviews.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: Undergraduate: $14,421; Graduate: $11,582.

Founded in 1927, St. Petersburg College was the first state college in Florida to award Bachelor's degrees. It offers 110 career-focused degree and certificate programs at 11 locations. Only a high school diploma or GED is required for admission.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: Undergraduate: $9,286.

Excelsior University focuses on distance learning for adult learners, offering over 30 programs across six areas of study. They emphasize accessibility for underserved students, and most programs only require high school transcripts for admission.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Popular Programs: Business, Nursing, Technology.
Tuition: $510 per credit for undergraduate students?

As a community college, Rio Salado College provides affordable access to higher education through online learning and college bridge pathways. They focus on students with diverse backgrounds and goals.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Popular Programs: Business, Psychology, Healthcare Administration.
Tuition: $2,040 per year for in-state students; $7,824 for out-of-state students?

Colorado Christian University offers a blend of traditional and online education, integrating faith with learning. The university provides over 100 programs, including popular majors in Nursing, Business Administration, and Theology.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: Undergraduate: $25,681.

Wayne State College is known for its affordable tuition, friendly atmosphere, and excellent academic records. It offers over 130 programs of study with small class sizes that allow for personalized attention.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: Average Net Price: $14,469.

Granite State College offers 100% online learning options for associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. It is particularly known for catering to adult learners and is ranked among the best online programs by U.S. News and World Report.

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education.
Tuition: Average Net Price: $11,615.

Located in Las Vegas, NM, New Mexico Highlands University emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and research. The university offers a variety of programs for every level of student and provides options for hands-on workforce experiences.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: Average Net Price: $12,305.

Park University offers affordable tuition and flexible learning options, including online classes and accelerated courses. It is military-friendly and accepts many transfer credits from community colleges or military training.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: Average Net Price: $16,069.

Walden University offers numerous online programs with unique admission requirements for each. Applicants generally must submit official transcripts, test scores, and a resume. Many programs allow transfer credits from other schools.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: Undergraduate: $12,570 per year; Graduate: $11,170 per year.

Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities in the world, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs both on-campus and online. The university provides generous financial aid options and has an open admission policy.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: Undergraduate: $22,713 per year; Graduate: $10,650 per year.

Southern New Hampshire University offers flexible online degree programs designed for working adults. Known for its innovative learning approach, SNHU provides accessible higher education opportunities with a focus on student success.

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education.
Tuition: Undergraduate: $15,380 per year; Graduate: $9,405 per year.

Ashford University, now known as the University of Arizona Global Campus, provides online degree programs in various fields such as business, education, health care, and social sciences. The open admissions policy allows for easy access to higher education.

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Tuition: Undergraduate: $12,960 per year; Graduate: $16,330 per year.

Broward College offers more than 140 degree programs, including associate and bachelor’s degrees. As part of Florida's public college system, Broward College is known for its affordable tuition and open admissions policy.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $1,968 per year (in-state); $7,973 per year (out-of-state).

H3: Lamar University

Located in Beaumont, Texas, Lamar University is part of the Texas State University System. It offers a range of degree programs with an emphasis on providing practical, real-world education. The university maintains an open admission policy.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: Undergraduate: $8,282 per year (in-state); $18,622 per year (out-of-state).

University of Maryland Global Campus is known for its online programs tailored for working adults. With a global presence, UMGC offers a wide range of degrees and certificates, emphasizing practical skills and flexibility.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: Undergraduate: $312 per credit hour; Graduate: $514 per credit hour.

Central Texas College offers open admissions for a variety of associate degrees and certificate programs. Known for its affordable tuition, CTC caters to military and veteran students, providing flexible learning options.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $2,280 per year (in-state); $6,720 per year (out-of-state).

Front Range Community College offers over 100 degree and certificate programs with an open admission policy. The college is known for its flexible schedules and focus on practical, career-oriented education.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $4,159 per year (in-state); $15,236 per year (out-of-state).

Metropolitan Community College offers open admission to a wide range of programs, including associate degrees and technical certificates. The college focuses on providing affordable and accessible education for diverse communities.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $2,580 per year (in-state); $5,160 per year (out-of-state).

Western Governors University offers competency-based online degree programs designed for adult learners. The university emphasizes personalized learning paths and practical skills for career advancement.

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Tuition: Undergraduate: $3,575 per six-month term; Graduate: $4,325 per six-month term.

CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College offers open admissions for a variety of associate degree programs. BMCC is part of the City University of New York system and focuses on providing accessible education to urban communities.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $5,170 per year (in-state); $8,050 per year (out-of-state).

Pierce College offers open admission for a wide range of programs, including transfer degrees and technical certificates. The college emphasizes affordable tuition and personalized support for students.

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Tuition: $3,661 per year (in-state); $4,083 per year (out-of-state).

Bergen Community College offers open admissions to a variety of programs, including associate degrees and certificates. The college is known for its diverse student body and strong transfer opportunities.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $4,329 per year (in-state); $8,337 per year (out-of-state).

Foothill College offers a wide range of programs with an open admission policy, focusing on providing accessible education for all students. The college emphasizes innovative teaching methods and practical learning.

Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition: $1,563 per year (in-state); $8,103 per year (out of state).

Gateway Community College offers open admissions to a variety of programs, including associate degrees and technical certificates. The college focuses on providing career-oriented education and practical skills.

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education.
Tuition: $4,516 per year (in-state); $13,288 per year (out-of-state).

Community College of Philadelphia offers open admission to a wide range of programs, including associate degrees and technical certificates. The college is committed to providing accessible education and workforce development.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $5,142 per year (in-state); $10,284 per year (out-of-state)

Pima Community College offers open admission for various programs, including associate degrees and certificates. The college emphasizes affordable tuition and diverse academic options, making education accessible for all.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $2,250 per year (in-state); $7,506 per year (out-of-state).

Baker College offers open admission to students interested in pursuing associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Known for its career-focused programs, Baker College provides practical education aligned with industry needs.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: Undergraduate: $9,360 per year; Graduate: $12,510 per year.

North Central Texas College offers open admission for a variety of programs, including transfer degrees and technical certificates. The college focuses on providing affordable education with flexible scheduling options.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $2,304 per year (in-state); $6,864 per year (out-of-state).

College of Southern Nevada offers open admission to over 180 degree and certificate programs. As one of the largest community colleges in the U.S., CSN emphasizes student success and workforce development.

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Tuition: $3,309 per year (in-state); $10,473 per year (out-of-state).

South Texas College offers open admissions to students interested in associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and certificates. The college is committed to providing affordable education and promoting economic growth in the region.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $4,530 per year (in-state); $7,920 per year (out-of-state).

Jefferson Community and Technical College offers open admission for a variety of programs, including transfer degrees and technical certificates. The college focuses on providing quality education and workforce training.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $4,328 per year (in-state); $15,016 per year (out-of-state).

Bismarck State College offers open admission for associate degrees and technical certificates, with a focus on providing affordable education and career preparation. The college emphasizes hands-on learning and workforce development.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $4,160 per year (in-state); $9,624 per year (out-of-state).

Ivy Tech Community College offers open admission to a wide range of programs, including transfer degrees and technical certificates. The college focuses on providing accessible education and workforce training across Indiana.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $4,488 per year (in-state); $8,580 per year (out-of-state).

Houston Community College offers open admission for over 300 degree and certificate programs, providing affordable education and diverse academic options for students. HCC emphasizes student success and workforce development.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $3,360 per year (in-state); $3,756 per year (out-of-state).

Lone Star College offers open admission for a variety of programs, including associate degrees and certificates. The college emphasizes accessible education, workforce training, and community engagement.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $2,112 per year (in-state); $6,168 per year (out-of-state).

Eastern Gateway Community College offers open admission for associate degrees and certificates, focusing on providing affordable education and workforce development in Ohio and beyond.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $4,344 per year (in-state); $8,208 per year (out-of-state).

Great Basin College offers open admission for a variety of programs, including associate and bachelor's degrees. The college emphasizes accessible education and workforce training, particularly for rural communities.

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Tuition: $3,428 per year (in-state); $10,951 per year (out-of-state)

Ocean County College offers open admission to students interested in associate degrees and certificates. The college is committed to providing affordable education and transfer opportunities for students.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $5,190 per year (in-state); $7,730 per year (out-of-state).

Northern Virginia Community College offers open admission for a wide range of programs, including associate degrees and certificates. The college focuses on providing accessible education and workforce development.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $5,498 per year (in-state); $11,735 per year (out-of-state).

Salt Lake Community College offers open admission for a variety of programs, including associate degrees and technical certificates. The college emphasizes student success and workforce training.

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Tuition: $3,712 per year (in-state); $12,726 per year (out-of-state).

College of DuPage offers open admission to over 150 degree and certificate programs. The college is known for its affordable tuition and strong transfer opportunities.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $4,560 per year (in-state); $11,800 per year (out-of-state).

Joliet Junior College offers open admission for a variety of programs, including transfer degrees and technical certificates. As the nation's first public community college, JJC emphasizes quality education and workforce training.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $4,440 per year (in-state); $11,610 per year (out-of-state).

San Jacinto College offers open admission for a wide range of programs, including associate degrees and certificates. The college focuses on providing affordable education and workforce development in Texas.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: $2,784 per year (in-state); $4,704 per year (out-of-state).

Washtenaw Community College offers open admission for various programs, including associate degrees and certificates. The college emphasizes accessible education and community engagement.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $3,360 per year (in-district); $4,176 per year (in-state); $5,712 per year (out-of-state).

Riverside City College offers open admission for a variety of programs, including transfer degrees and technical certificates. The college is known for its affordable tuition and strong transfer opportunities.

Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition: $1,380 per year (in-state); $11,380 per year (out-of-state).

Community College of Denver offers open admission to a variety of programs, including associate degrees and certificates. The college is committed to providing accessible education and workforce development.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $4,120 per year (in-state); $15,177 per year (out-of-state).

When you choose to attend an open-admission college, you’ll likely need to take several placement tests. These don’t determine whether you get into the school, but rather the level of the classes you’ll start with.

In addition, remember that some open admissions colleges cater to a specific subset of students. This may take the form of the college’s rules, or through student self-selection. Wabash College, for example, is male-only. 72% of the students at Boricua College identify as Latino. Southern Nazarene University provides a Christian education. In other words, just as with regular admissions colleges, each school offers its own flavor and characteristics.  

Ready to turn your college admission dreams into reality? Join the 98% of students who have worked with Empowerly and been accepted into Ivy League and top 25 schools. Our college counselors are the best-rated in the country and have proven to improve college admission rates by 11x. Book your FREE consultation today. 

Navigating the college application process can be challenging, but with College Application Help: 15 Tips to Help You Succeed, you’ll gain insights to strengthen your application; however, understanding What’s the Difference Between Deferred vs. Waitlisted? is equally crucial to managing expectations during admissions, especially if you’re aiming for one of The Best Art Schools in the US, where open admission policies might be an attractive option for creative students.