Best Online Colleges with Open Admissions of 2025

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

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.