Our Research
To find the top colleges with rolling admission, we reviewed over 50 schools based on criteria such as the cost of tuition per credit, the number of credits students need to graduate, total enrollment, and course availability (i.e., on-campus, online, or hybrid).
One of the most important factors we considered is the school’s accreditation. Reputable accrediting institutions like the Higher Learning Commission, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education ensure schools meet high quality standards. By attending an accredited college, students receive a high-quality education and can transfer their credits to another school if they choose to transfer.
- 26 hours to write this article
- 76 universities and colleges we assessed
- 128 education programs we compared
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
- 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
- Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the top colleges with rolling admissions nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
The Top 49 With Rolling Admission
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
University of Pittsburgh
Intelligent Score: 99.76In-state: $18,628
Out-of-state: $32,656
In-state: $23,530
Out-of-state: $23,530
SAT: 1243-1420
ACT: 28-32
$754 - $1,729 per credit
Online, On-campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
120-135 credits
Pennsylvania State University
Intelligent Score: 98.64In-state: $15,025
Out-of-state: $24,413
In-state: $22,464
Out-of-state: $22,464
SAT: 1070-1300
ACT: 24-29
$747 - $1,825 per credit
Online, On-campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
120-126 credits
Purdue University
Intelligent Score: 98.45In-state: $9,208
Out-of-state: $28,010
In-state: $9,208
Out-of-state: $9,208
SAT: 1170-1420
ACT: 25-33
$329 - $600.45 per credit
Online, On-campus
Higher Learning Commission
120-124 credits
Michigan State University
Intelligent Score: 98.39In-state: $15,555
Out-of-state: $40,384
In-state: $18,858
Out-of-state: $18,858
SAT: 1100-1300
ACT: 23-29
$150 - $785.75 per credit
Online, On-campus
Higher Learning Commission
120-126 credits
Indiana University Bloomington
Intelligent Score: 97.81In-state: $9,815
Out-of-state: $36,194
In-state: $9,786
Out-of-state: $9,786
SAT: 1120-1350
ACT: 24-31
$306.67 - $1,131.07 per credit
Online, On-campus
Higher Learning Commission
120-121 credits
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Intelligent Score: 97.76In-state: $13,318
Out-of-state: $31,616
In-state: $17,580
Out-of-state: $17,580
SAT: 1240-1460
ACT: 25-31
Binghamton University
Intelligent Score: 97.37In-state: $7,070
Out-of-state: $24,660
In-state: $11,310
Out-of-state: $11,310
SAT: 1290-1450
ACT: 29-32
$295 - $1,028 per credit
Online, On-campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
120 credits
Arizona State University
Intelligent Score: 97.2In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $28,800
In-state: $11,720
Out-of-state: $11,720
SAT: 1100-1320
ACT: 21-28
$892.50 - $2,600 per credit
Online, On-campus
Higher Learning Commission
120-123 credits
Saint Louis University
Intelligent Score: 97.14In-state: $46,400
Out-of-state: $46,400
In-state: $21,420
Out-of-state: $21,420
SAT: 1160-1370
ACT: 25-31
$485 - $1,620 per credit
Online, On-campus
Higher Learning Commission
120-125 credits
Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Intelligent Score: 97.02In-state: $12,230
Out-of-state: $29,012
In-state: $17,736
Out-of-state: $17,736
SAT: 1180-1410
ACT: 25-32
$509.58 - $1,478.58 per credit
Online, On-campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
120-124 credits
University at Buffalo
Intelligent Score: 97In-state: $7,070
Out-of-state: $24,740
In-state: $11,310
Out-of-state: $11,310
SAT: 1140-1310
ACT: 23-29
$295 - $1,820 per credit
Online, On-campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
120-126 credits
Loyola University Chicago
Intelligent Score: 95.34In-state: $67,818
Out-of-state: $67,818
In-state: $97,480
Out-of-state: $97,480
SAT: 1190-1370
ACT: 27-32
$365 - $1,150 per credit
Online, On-campus
Higher Learning Commission
120-150 credits
Clemson University
Intelligent Score: 95.08In-state: $14,118
Out-of-state: $37,110
In-state: $10,600
Out-of-state: $10,600
SAT: 1210-1390
ACT: 27-32
$550 - $1,492 per credit
Online, On-campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120-121 credits
Creighton University
Intelligent Score: 94.58In-state: $41,176
Out-of-state: $41,176
In-state: $16,686
Out-of-state: $16,686
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$500 - $1,334 per credit
Online, On-campus
Higher Learning Commission
120-125 credits
The University of Alabama
Intelligent Score: 94.36In-state: $10,780
Out-of-state: $30,250
In-state: $10,780
Out-of-state: $10,780
SAT: 1070-1330
ACT: 23-31
$375 - $2,153 per credit
Online, On-campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120-126 credits
Iowa State University
Intelligent Score: 93.69In-state: $8,042
Out-of-state: $23,230
In-state: $9,758
Out-of-state: $9,758
SAT: 1010-1310
ACT: 21-28
$336 - $1,036 per credit
Online, On-campus
Higher Learning Commission
120-122 credits
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Intelligent Score: 93.57In-state: $14,448
Out-of-state: $30,160
In-state: $20,624
Out-of-state: $20,624
SAT: 1200-1390
ACT: 25-31
$549 - $1,289 per credit
Online, On-campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
120-126 credits
University of New Hampshire
Intelligent Score: 91.97In-state: $15,520
Out-of-state: $32,860
In-state: $14,170
Out-of-state: $14,170
SAT: 1090-1280
ACT: 24-30
$645 - $1,368 per credit
Online, On-campus
New England Commission of Higher Education
120-124 credits
What You Should Know About Applying to a College With Rolling Admission
Before applying to a college with rolling admission, check to see whether it uses a rolling deadline system or a rolling notification system. Rolling deadlines mean there is no specific deadline for student application. Rolling notifications mean the school notifies students of their application status on a rolling basis after a deadline. When looking to relieve the deadline pressure that comes with applying to college, make sure to look for schools utilizing a rolling deadline system.
Keep in mind that many rolling admission universities operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. The advantage of applying to a school with rolling admission is not worrying about meeting strict deadlines, but delaying your application could mean missing out on attending your dream school if all available spots have already filled up. Some colleges have priority deadlines, meaning that they accept applications on a rolling basis but prioritize applications submitted by a specific deadline.
Students that have done thorough research and decided which school they want to attend may prefer applying to a school with early decision plans. This gives students the option to apply early, and if they are accepted, they are obligated to attend the university. If considering several schools, this may not be ideal for you, as early decision plans are binding.
What’s Next?
Applying to colleges with rolling admission can make the college application process significantly less stressful, but to maximize your chance of attending your preferred university, keep a couple of tips in mind.
- Apply to your top schools first. Before application windows open up, take the time to make a list of your preferred schools and apply to them first. By applying early in the admissions process when more spots are available, you can maximize your chances of being accepted to your top choices. By applying to your top schools early, you will hear back from these schools earlier in the admissions process, rather than having to wait until application deadlines pass.
- Pay attention to deadlines for financial aid. Schools with rolling admission may still have deadlines for applying for financial aid or student housing. Purdue University, for example, encourages students to submit their applications by November 1st to receive maximum consideration for scholarships. Purdue also has a priority filing date of March 1st for financial aid. If you will be relying on financial aid to fund your education, make sure to review your chosen schools’ priority dates for financial aid, scholarships, and student housing.
- Complete your FAFSA application early. Rolling admission gives you the flexibility to submit applications later in the application cycle. But to receive financial aid, it is important to complete your Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application as early as possible. Schools have limited amounts of student aid available, making it important to complete and submit your application to your chosen schools quickly. This will also help you receive financial aid award letters from universities more quickly, making it easier to compare your offers and choose the one that best suits your financial needs.
- Get your application materials ready. To streamline the application process and apply to your top schools as quickly as possible, it is important to prepare your application materials in advance. Request recommendation letters from your teachers before applications open, take or retake your SAT or ACT if necessary, and research essay prompts to begin planning your admission essays. Khan Academy provides a comprehensive college application checklist to help students prepare in advance.