Online colleges with open admissions offer a flexible path to higher education for everyone as they accept all students with a high school diploma or equivalent — no SAT, ACT, or hefty GPA needed. If you’ve doubted you were “college material,” these schools provide a new start. With a degree from an open admissions program, you’ll gain career-boosting skills as bachelor’s grads earn 59% more than high school grads — all without the stress of competitive admissions. This STEPS student resource explores how open enrollment works, the benefits for online learners, and options from community colleges to universities so you can take the next step toward your degree.Online Colleges with Open Admission Policies
The Benefits of Open Enrollment
Open enrollment colleges make earning a degree online more attainable. Here are five research-backed reasons to consider an open admissions online program:
1. Truly Inclusive Access
All applicants who meet basic requirements are accepted into open admissions schools, where students are usually only required to hold a diploma or GED. This means anyone from new grads, career changers, and adult learners can enroll without entrance exams or minimum GPAs. For example, 92% of community colleges have open admission policies. If your high school grades were mediocre, an open-enrollment college gives you a chance to start fresh academically. You won’t be turned away for past setbacks, and that inclusive ethos can be empowering for students from all backgrounds.
2. Flexible and Convenient Learning
Open enrollment online programs are built for busy adults, and many offer frequent start dates and self-paced courses. For instance, University of Phoenix lets undergraduates begin classes almost year-round with up to 20 start opportunities a year for bachelor’s programs. Similarly, community colleges like Rio Salado start online classes weekly. This flexibility means you don’t have to wait for a traditional semester — you can enroll and begin learning when you’re ready. Plus, with no set class times in several programs where learning is often asynchronous, you can fit studies around work and family commitments.
3. Support for Nontraditional Students
Open-admission institutions specialize in serving adult and nontraditional learners. The average age of students at Western Governors University, for instance, is 37. These colleges provide robust support to help such students succeed — from tutoring and career counseling to credit for prior learning. For example, CSU Global and many community colleges offer credit for work experience or “prior learning assessments” to accelerate your degree. Advising, success coaches, and online writing centers are common. The bottom line: open enrollment schools know their students are busy adults, so they offer the resources and flexibility needed to balance school with other responsibilities.
4. Affordability and Value
Open admissions colleges are often more affordable than selective schools. Community college tuition averages just a few thousand dollars per year. Rio Salado College’s tuition sits at about $2,070 for in-state students, and even out-of-state was ~$7,854 for a full year. Many public open-admission universities charge low flat rates with no extra fees for online. For example, CSU Global’s standard tuition is $350/credit with no out-of-state upcharges, and tuition at Western Governors University — a nonprofit open-admissions school — is about $8,300 per year for most bachelor’s programs. Plus, because these schools are accredited, students can use federal financial aid like Pell Grants and loans.
5. A Stepping Stone to Your Goals
Open admissions doesn’t mean limited opportunity: in fact, it can be a springboard to further education or a new career. Many students start at an open-admission college like an online community college and then transfer to a four-year university. Most community colleges have articulation agreements to make transferring credits smooth. Others use open-enrollment programs to quickly gain skills and credentials for job advancement. For example, an online associate degree from an open-admission school can lead directly into a bachelor’s completion program or boost your résumé for a promotion. Many graduates go on to pursue higher degrees — open admission MBA and master’s programs are also available if you continue your education.
Online Open-Admission Undergrad Programs
Open admissions isn’t limited to community colleges, as many four-year universities and online institutions have undergraduate programs that welcome all applicants. The table below highlights 15 U.S. colleges (including community colleges) that offer online undergraduate degrees, admit students through open enrollment, and are regionally or nationally accredited.
Each of these schools provides flexible online learning and an open door to higher education. As you explore, consider factors like cost, programs offered, and support services.
| Institution | Location | Average Tuition (Per Year) | Number of Online Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Governors University (WGU) | Salt Lake City, UT | ~$8,300 | 80+ (bachelor’s & master’s) |
| Southern New Hampshire Univ. (SNHU) | Manchester, NH | ~$9,900 | 200+ (associate, bachelor’s & master’s) |
| Liberty University Online | Lynchburg, VA | ~$11,700 | 450+ (undergraduate & graduate) |
| University of Phoenix | Phoenix, AZ | ~$11,940 | 100+ |
| Purdue University Global | Indianapolis, IN | ~$16,700 | 175+ (associate to doctoral) |
| Univ. of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) | Adelphi, MD | ~$9,720 (in-state) | 135+ (degrees & certificates) |
| American Public Univ. System (APUS) | Charles Town, WV | ~$10,500 | 200+ |
| Strayer University | Washington, D.C. (HQ) | ~$15,250 | ~15 (associate, bachelor’s, master’s) |
| Capella University | Minneapolis, MN | ~$14,436 | 50+ (degrees & certificates) |
| Thomas Edison State University | Trenton, NJ | ~$7,370 (in-state) | 100+ (associate through doctoral) |
| Excelsior University | Albany, NY | ~$11,940 (full-time) | 40+ |
| Rio Salado College | Tempe, AZ | ~$7,854 (out-of-state) | 140+ (degrees & certificates) |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, IN (statewide) | ~$9,936 (out-of-state) | 70+ |
| National University | San Diego, CA | ~$13,284 | 100+ (online & on-campus) |
| Colorado State Univ. Global | Aurora, CO (Online) | ~$10,500 | 30+ |
Sources: Tuition and program data from official college websites and the U.S. Dept. of Education (IPEDS)
Open-Admission Schools: Online Grad Programs
A number of U.S. colleges offer online graduate degrees (master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs) with inclusive admission policies. These typically require a bachelor’s degree for entry, but they often waive exams like the GRE/GMAT and have high acceptance rates — welcoming working professionals who want to advance their education. Below is a table of 10 accredited universities known for open or broad-access graduate admissions and robust online graduate offerings.
Even with open grad admissions, be sure to check if specific programs have any prerequisites (e.g. a nursing master’s degree might require an RN license). Generally, these schools strive to make graduate study accessible: no entrance exams, multiple start dates, and support for adult learners. If you’re looking to get a master’s or beyond without the competitive admissions hurdle, these institutions are great options.
| Institution | Location | Avg. Graduate Tuition | Online Graduate Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walden University | Minneapolis, MN (Online) | ~$10,500 (full-time) | 40+ master’s & doctoral programs |
| Capella University | Minneapolis, MN | ~$15,000 | 50+ graduate programs (incl. MBA, MS, PhD) |
| Strayer University (Graduate) | Washington, DC (HQ) | Course-dependent | 6+ master’s degrees (business, education, health etc.) |
| Liberty University (Graduate) | Lynchburg, VA | Course/load dependent | 100+ online graduate degrees (MA, MS, MBA, etc.) |
| Southern New Hampshire Univ. (Grad) | Manchester, NH | ~$9,855 | 100+ online master’s programs |
| University of Phoenix (Grad) | Phoenix, AZ | ~$698 per credit (master’s) | 50+ online graduate programs (MBA, M.Ed., etc.) |
| American Public University (Grad) | Charles Town, WV | ~$6,825 (full-time) | 40+ online master’s programs (plus graduate certificates) |
| Western Governors University (Grad) | Salt Lake City, UT | ~$8,856 | 30+ online graduate degrees (MBA, M.S., etc.) |
| Colorado State Univ. Global (Grad) | Aurora, CO (Online) | ~$12,150 | 15+ online master’s programs (business, IT, healthcare, etc.) |
| Grand Canyon University (Grad) | Phoenix, AZ | ~$11,074 | 45+ online graduate degrees (MBA, MEd, MSN, etc.) |
Sources: School websites and catalogs for tuition; program counts from official program listings
Each of these universities provides a flexible, online pathway for graduate study — whether it’s an MBA you’re after or a specialized master’s/doctorate. Open graduate admissions means you can pursue advanced learning without the barrier of standardized tests or a lengthy admissions ordeal. As always, ensure the program fits your career goals and that you can commit the time needed for graduate-level coursework. With determination and the support systems these schools offer, you can earn an advanced degree on your own terms.
Student FAQ on Open Admissions Online Colleges
Are degrees from open admissions online colleges respected by employers?
Yes — as long as the school is accredited. Accreditation is the key marker of quality. Employers and graduate schools accept accredited online degrees as valid credentials. In fact, many open-enrollment universities have strong reputations in specific fields. For example, WGU leads the nation in producing K–12 teachers and nurses. Employers often care more about your skills and internship/work experience than how selective your college was.
Can I get financial aid at an open-enrollment online college?
Absolutely. Open admission schools are just as eligible for federal financial aid as any accredited college. When you fill out the FAFSA, you can qualify for Pell Grants, federal student loans, and even state grants or scholarships to use at these institutions. For instance, community colleges often have low tuition that the Pell Grant can fully cover for qualifying students. Many of the universities (like SNHU, Liberty, etc.) offer institutional scholarships or discounts as well — e.g. military tuition discounts.
Because tuition is generally lower than at selective private colleges, your aid can stretch further. Make sure to check each school’s financial aid office webpage for specific scholarships (some open-admission colleges have scholarships for adult learners or transfer students). And remember, you can often work while studying (since online schedules are flexible) to pay as you go.
Will I get the same academic quality and support as at a selective school?
In most cases, yes — you may even get more personalized support. Open admissions institutions are focused on teaching and student success rather than elite admissions. Class sizes in online programs are often kept moderate. Importantly, these colleges provide extensive academic support: tutoring services (often free and on-demand online), writing centers, library resources, and success coaches or advisors to guide you.
What if I want to transfer or pursue a higher degree later?
Starting at an open-admission college can be a great pathway to further education. Many students earn credits or an associate degree at a community college, then transfer to a university for their bachelor’s. Even online, you can do this — e.g. Ivy Tech (IN) has transfer arrangements so that after a 2-year online program you can enter a partner university as a junior.
If you start at an open-enrollment university and later want a master’s or doctorate, that’s common too. Admissions for grad school will look at your college GPA and sometimes test scores (e.g. GRE), but your bachelor’s being from an open-admission school is not an issue as long as it’s accredited.
I’ve been out of school for years. How will I handle online college?
This is a common concern, but rest assured — open admissions online colleges are built for people like you. The good news: as an adult learner, you bring life experience, discipline, and motivation that can actually make you a strong student. Remember, you’re not alone — you’ll likely meet classmates who are parents, veterans, career-changers, etc., creating a supportive peer community.
You can usually start part-time, taking 1 or 2 courses, to adjust to student life again. Online platforms today are user-friendly, and you’ll get training in how to use the learning management system. Time management is key — set aside dedicated study time each week. Don’t hesitate to use tutoring or reach out to professors if you need help.
