For prospective college students lacking strong academic records or the time to complete multiple detailed applications, the admissions process can be a barrier to post-secondary education. However, online colleges with open admissions policies offer these students an opportunity to access degrees and certificates that can help them broaden their knowledge and advance their careers.
Intelligent.com compiled this list to help students identify the best online colleges with open admissions policies. This article also includes information on what open admissions policies mean, how to confirm that an online college with open admissions is legitimate, and how to choose the best online college with an open admissions policy.
The Top 50 Online Colleges with Open Admissions
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How we rank schools
Our research for this list focused on finding the best online colleges with open admissions policies in the U.S. This meant evaluating schools based on the factors most important to students and their families, including quality of programs, reputation, faculty, research, student life, graduation and retention, and cost.
A key indicator of quality for higher education institutions is the type of accreditation a school has. All of the programs on our list are regionally accredited, which means they achieve high-quality standards in post-secondary education. These schools are typically eligible for all federal financial aid programs, and credits are more easily transferred to other institutions.
We evaluated each program based on flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out our ranking methodology.
What You Should Know About Online Colleges with Open Admissions
Admissions policies for post-secondary degree and certificate programs vary from school to school, and in some cases, even by different programs within the same institution. Some colleges, like those in the Ivy League, are highly selective, seeking applicants with exceptional GPAs, standardized test scores, and various extracurricular activities and achievements. The admissions processes for these institutions can be intensive, including multiple letters of recommendation, essays, resumes, and interviews. These schools typically accept less than 20% of students who apply.
Meanwhile, other colleges strive to give a broader range of students access to higher education through open admissions policies, also known as open enrollment or non-selective enrollment policies.
As with any school, the specifics of the admissions process will vary, but these types of institutions typically have fewer requirements and eligibility criteria. At a minimum, students must usually submit an application with basic personal information and documentation showing they have a high school diploma or GED. Schools with open admissions policies typically don’t have minimum grade thresholds or require supplemental materials like standardized test scores or recommendations. Students may be able to submit essays or resumes to provide context for their academic records or demonstrate skills that they’ve obtained through work experience.
When considering attending an online college with an open admissions policy, it’s important to confirm that the school is a legitimate, accredited institution, and not a predatory degree mill. These institutions operate like colleges even though they don’t have the proper accreditation to award legitimate degrees.
Degree mills focus more on generating revenue than providing high-quality education. They often attract students by advertising open admissions policies but then lack the infrastructure and support necessary to help students succeed in their programs.
Prospective students can check their school’s accreditation status online through the Department of Education’s Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Another key sign is whether a school requires applicants to have a high school diploma or GED. Students must have one of these credentials to obtain a legitimate post-secondary degree and should carefully research any schools that claim to award degrees to students who haven’t graduated high school or completed a GED.
Many schools have open enrollment policies as a way to help students who don’t have strong academic backgrounds earn their degrees. Students in this position should research what kind of academic support services are available, to ensure that they’ll have the resources they need to succeed in their classes. This is particularly important for online students who require strong time management, self-motivation, organization, and accountability skills. It’s also essential for students to review the program’s curriculum and confirm that they have the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to meet expectations in their classes.
Pros and cons of attending an online college with open admissions
Pros
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AccessibilityOnline colleges with open admissions policies provide post-secondary educational opportunities to students who may not be eligible for more selective colleges. These colleges understand that everyone’s educational journey is different and even students who didn’t excel in high school or previous post-secondary institutions deserve a quality education. Their admissions process may take a more holistic approach to evaluating applications and usually base admissions decisions on life and work experience rather than grades.
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Convenient application and enrollment process
Applying to selective colleges can be an intensive process requiring rounds of standardized testing, writing multiple essays, and participating in online or in-person interviews. Online colleges with open admissions policies usually have fewer requirements, making this a more convenient option for students juggling other responsibilities like jobs or caregiving who don’t have time to write essays, request recommendations, or take standardized tests.
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Flexibility
Whereas selective schools typically only enroll new students once or twice a year, schools with open enrollment policies usually have multiple start terms. This gives students more flexibility in enrolling and progressing through their program, making it more accessible to earn their degree.
Cons
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Less opportunity to determine if a school is the right fitIn a traditional application process, students usually spend a lot of time connecting with admissions counselors and program representatives. This gives them a chance to get to know the school more personally and determine if it’s a good all-around fit. Students applying to colleges with open admissions policies should still do their due diligence to ensure the school offers the curriculum and support they seek. For online colleges, students can participate in virtual information sessions or open houses or contact representatives via phone or email.
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Larger class sizes
Because they enroll more students, less selective schools tend to have larger class sizes. This may not be a significant issue for students in online programs, in which there’s less competition for places in individual classes, but it’s important to be aware that this can impact accessibility to faculty and school staff.
How to Choose the Online College with Open Admissions That’s Right For You
Clarify your education and career goals
Before beginning the college search process, it’s helpful to clarify your educational and career goals so you can find a degree or certificate program that aligns with your interests and aspirations.
If you have a career path or area of study in mind, find out what degree level is appropriate for the type of job you’re seeking. If you’re still deciding what you want to study, a career assessment or personality test can help clarify your strengths and interests.
This is also a good time to determine your logistical needs. Some online degree programs are delivered synchronously, with students attending live virtual classes. Others are asynchronous, with coursework delivered through an online portal that students can access 24/7. Both learning formats have advantages and disadvantages, so students should determine which best meets their needs. Students should also consider whether they want to enroll full-time or part-time.
Research schools and programs
As mentioned previously, when researching online colleges with open admissions policies, it’s essential to confirm that the schools you’re considering are accredited by a recognized regional accrediting agency. This ensures that the institution meets rigorous standards for high-quality education and awards legitimate recognized degrees. Only students enrolled at accredited schools can be considered for federal financial aid and a school’s accreditation status can also affect future employment and educational opportunities.
There are several ways for students to research schools and programs. The college’s website is a good place to start. Students can also contact program representatives and admissions counselors to ask questions directly. Find out if the school or program hosts virtual information sessions or open houses for online students, and follow social media accounts for the school and program where available.
Here are some valuable questions to ask when researching schools:
- Are classes offered synchronously or asynchronously?
- How do students interact with classmates and faculty?
- Who are the faculty and what are their qualifications?
- Are there any experiential learning components, like internships?
- What networking opportunities are available to online students?
- What support services does the school provide to online students?
Review admissions and eligibility requirements
The specific steps and deadlines may vary even if the schools you’re applying to have open admissions policies. It’s also smart to double-check application processes and deadlines to ensure you submit any required materials on time and in the correct fashion. Failure to submit necessary materials by published deadlines can impact your ability to start your program on time.
If you have questions about admissions requirements or application materials, contact the school’s admissions office to speak to an admissions counselor for more information.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
As you research online colleges with open admissions policies, gather information about their tuition rates, fees, and available financial aid options. This information is typically available through a college’s website, but you can also speak to a financial aid counselor if you have questions.
Students who want to be considered for need-based financial aid, such as federal student loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study, should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Institutions use this information to determine eligibility for this kind of financial aid. Many schools and external organizations also offer merit-based aid for high-achieving students, including scholarships, grants, and fellowships.
Students working while earning their degree can inquire about employer tuition assistance benefits. Veterans or active-duty military members should explore tuition discounts and GI Bill benefits. It’s also common for schools to offer payment plans so students can pay tuition in installments.