Top 88 Colleges with Rolling Admissions in the US

When it comes to college applications, timing is everything. If you’re feeling the pressure of deadlines looming, rolling admissions is your saving grace. Unlike regular decision deadlines that force you to submit all your applications by a specific date, rolling admissions offer flexibility, allowing you to apply to colleges at your own pace. The catch? The sooner you apply, the better your chances of getting accepted.

Why does this matter? Rolling admissions gives you more time to perfect your application and often provides faster response times, meaning you could have that acceptance letter in hand sooner than expected. This flexibility can significantly reduce the stress and anxiety associated with the college application process, giving you peace of mind as you plan your future.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the top 88 colleges in the US that offer rolling admissions, helping you discover the schools that fit your academic goals, preferred locations, and ideal campus culture. Whether you want to stay close to home or venture across the country, a rolling admissions college awaits you. Let’s dive in!

What are Rolling Admissions?

Most people have heard of regular admission and early decision admissions deadlines when applying for admission, but one that may benefit students is rolling admissions. Rolling admissions is a college application process where institutions evaluate applications as received rather than waiting until a specific deadline to review all applications together. This approach allows students to apply over a more extended period, typically starting in the fall and continuing until the program or school fills its class. 

Colleges with rolling admissions often provide decisions on a rolling basis, meaning applicants receive their acceptance, rejection, or waitlist notification shortly after submitting their application. This method offers flexibility for students and can reduce the stress of waiting for responses, as they can secure a spot earlier in the application cycle.

What are some of the benefits?

Flexibility in Application Timeline

Rolling admissions provide a unique advantage in terms of flexibility. Unlike traditional admissions with a strict deadline, rolling admissions allow students to apply at any time within a broad window, often extending from the fall until spring or until the program reaches capacity. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for students needing more time to refine their applications, improve test scores, or make essential college choices. By accommodating varying timelines, rolling admissions cater to students with different circumstances, making it easier to plan and submit a robust application without the pressure of a hard deadline.

Faster Response Times

One of the most appealing aspects of rolling admissions is the faster response times. Since colleges review applications as they come in, students can expect to receive a decision much sooner than they would through regular admissions. Applicants often hear back within a few weeks of submission rather than waiting months, and this quick turnaround can significantly reduce the stress and anxiety associated with the college application process. Additionally, early acceptance can provide peace of mind, allowing students to finalize their college plans well before the traditional admissions cycle ends. Additionally, utilizing rolling admissions can help you with early financial aid planning, making the college planning process a bit less stressful (and helping you save money in the long run, too!).

Potential for Increased Chances of Acceptance

Applying early in the rolling admissions process can increase a student’s chances of acceptance. Since spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, those who submit their applications sooner have a better shot at securing a place before the program reaches capacity. This is especially true for competitive programs or schools where spots can fill quickly. By getting ahead of the crowd, early applicants may benefit from a less crowded pool, making their applications stand out more.

Key Considerations: Applying Early is Crucial

While rolling admissions offer considerable flexibility, it’s important to remember that applying early is crucial due to limited spots. As the application window progresses, available spaces in the program may dwindle, making it more challenging for later applicants to secure admission. Financial aid and housing options may also become limited as the academic year approaches, so submitting your application early in the rolling admissions period is advisable to maximize your chances. Doing so increases your chances of acceptance and ensures access to all available resources and opportunities at the college!

Now that we know what rolling admissions is, here are 88 colleges and universities that utilize a rolling admissions process.

Top 88 Colleges with Rolling Admissions

School	Location	Acceptance Rate	Average GPA	Average SAT	Average ACT
	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
University of Massachusetts Amherst	Amherst, Massachusetts	64%	N/A	1260-1480	29-33
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	14-15
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	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	San Antonio, Texas	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 When Applying to Rolling Admissions Colleges

Don’t Procrastinate!

One of the most common mistakes students make when applying to colleges with rolling admissions is waiting too long to submit their applications. While rolling admissions offer flexibility, many programs still have limited spots available.

As spots fill up, your chances of acceptance decrease! Applying early will give you a significant advantage, so don’t let procrastination cost you a seat at your dream college. Keep a calendar or planner with all relevant dates and critical information, and make sure to build a well-rounded application early on to have the best chance of admission.

Make Sure You Research 

Another pitfall is failing to thoroughly research each college’s programs, admission requirements, and deadlines. Just because a school offers rolling admissions doesn’t mean it will be the right fit for your academic goals or personal preferences. Always take the time to explore course offerings, campus life, and other essential factors before applying. 

Questions to ask yourself:

1. How far do I want to go from home?
2. Do I want to go to school somewhere more rural or more in a city-like environment?
3. Can I keep up with a faster calendar system (like the quarter system) or do I want to spend more time in each class per year (semester system)?
4. Does the university offer the major or academic programs I’m interested in?
5. How strong is the department or program in my field of interest?
6. Are there opportunities for research, internships, or hands-on experience in my field?
7. How great is the career center?
8. What is the student-to-faculty ratio, and will I have access to professors?
9. How diverse is the student body, and is there a sense of inclusivity?
10. What are the campus traditions and student organizations available?
11. How much will it cost to attend, and can I afford it with or without loans?
12. What scholarships, financial aid, or work-study options are available?
13. Are there companies in the major I’m interested in that recruit here? 
14. Are the job prospects good?

Asking yourself these questions will allow you to thoroughly consider the different aspects needed when building a strong college list, making applying to the best-fit university a priority!

Final thoughts

Rolling admissions can provide significant benefits for students, offering flexibility and the opportunity to apply later in the admissions cycle. However, it’s crucial to remember that applying early maximizes your chances of acceptance and ensures access to more financial aid opportunities. If you’re considering applying to a school with rolling admissions, start your application process as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute—early applications give you an edge in a competitive pool, especially as spots fill.

If you want to continue the conversation, you can always talk to Empowerly. Our team, on average, spends 25 times more time with students than the average high school counselor, and our college counselors are the best-rated in the country, proven to improve college admission rates by 11x. We are here to help walk you through every step of the way, so schedule a FREE consultation with our team today!