Easiest Online Degrees With No Entrance Exams 2026

Entrance exams like the SAT or ACT can be a major barrier for many students, especially if you’ve been out of school for a while or simply don’t test well. Preparing for standardized exams takes time, money, and energy, and for some students, the stress alone can delay or derail plans to start college.

The good news is that many online degrees no longer require entrance exams at all. Instead of test scores, schools may base admission decisions on your high school diploma, GED, or prior college credits. Below, we’ll look at online degrees that are widely available with no entrance exams, starting with flexible associate-level options.

Online Degrees You Can Start Without Entrance Exams

The degree options below are commonly offered with test-optional or test-free admissions. These programs focus on transcript review, prior education, or open-admission policies rather than standardized entrance exams.

1. Associate Degree in General Studies

An associate degree in general studies is one of the easiest online degrees to start without entrance exams. These programs are often open-admission or require only a high school diploma or GED, making them accessible to students who want to avoid standardized testing altogether. The curriculum is broad and flexible, helping you build college-level skills without the pressure of a competitive admissions process.

Many online general studies associate programs are designed for adult learners and first-time college students alike. Instead of relying on SAT or ACT scores, schools focus on your educational background and readiness to learn. This makes general studies a common entry point for students who want a straightforward, exam-free path into higher education.

Program duration: 2 years

Universities that offer an online associate degree in general studies with no entrance exams:

• Southern New Hampshire University: Online associate degree in general studies
• Thomas Edison State University: Online associate degree in general studies
• American Public University: Online associate degree in general studies
• Columbia Southern University: Online associate degree in general studies
• Pace University: Online associate degree in general studies

2. Associate Degree in Health Information Technology

An associate degree in health information technology is a practical option if you want to start college without entrance exams and move into a growing health care field. These programs focus on medical records, coding basics, health data systems, and privacy regulations rather than lab-based or clinical work. Because the coursework is technical and skills-focused, schools typically admit students based on a high school diploma or GED instead of standardized test scores.

Many online health information technology programs are built with accessibility in mind. Open enrollment or test-optional admissions make it easier to get started quickly, while structured coursework helps you build confidence as you progress. For students who want a clear career pathway without the stress of SAT or ACT requirements, this degree offers a straightforward entry point.

Program duration: 16 months to 2 years

Universities that offer an online associate degree in health information technology with no entrance exams:

• University of Cincinnati: Online associate degree in health information technology
• Rasmussen University: Online associate degree in health information technology
• Davenport University: Online associate degree in health information technology
• U.S. Career Institute: Online associate degree in health information technology
• Beal University: Online associate degree in health information technology

3. Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration

A bachelor’s degree in business administration is one of the most widely available online degrees with no entrance exam requirements. Many schools admit students based on a high school diploma, GED, or prior college transcripts rather than SAT or ACT scores. The curriculum typically covers management, marketing, accounting fundamentals, and business communication, making it accessible even if you have been out of school for a while.

Online business administration programs are often designed for adult learners and career changers. Flexible admission policies, rolling start dates, and supportive advising help students begin without additional testing barriers. If your goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree without standardized exams standing in the way, business administration is one of the most reliable options.

Program duration: 18 months to 4 years

Universities that offer an online bachelor’s degree in business administration with no entrance exams:

• Western Governors University: Online bachelor’s degree in business administration
• Southern New Hampshire University: Online bachelor’s degree in business administration
• Liberty University: Online bachelor’s degree in business administration
• University of Maryland Global Campus: Online bachelor’s degree in business administration
• Walden University: Online bachelor’s degree in business administration

4. Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

A bachelor’s degree in psychology is commonly available online with no entrance exam requirements, making it an accessible option for many students. Most programs admit applicants based on a high school diploma, GED, or prior college coursework rather than SAT or ACT scores. The curriculum focuses on human behavior, development, and research fundamentals, which many students find approachable when returning to school.

Online psychology programs are often designed with broad accessibility in mind. Test-optional admissions, multiple start dates, and structured coursework help reduce barriers to entry while still maintaining academic rigor. If you want to begin a bachelor’s program without standardized testing, psychology is one of the most consistently exam-free options.

Program duration: 2 to 4 years

Universities that offer an online bachelor’s degree in psychology with no entrance exams:

• Southern New Hampshire University: Online bachelor’s degree in psychology
• Maryville University: Online bachelor’s degree in psychology
• UMass Global: Online bachelor’s degree in psychology
• Liberty University: Online bachelor’s degree in psychology
• National University: Online bachelor’s degree in psychology

5. Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership

A bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership is often designed for adult learners and working professionals, which is why many programs do not require entrance exams. Admissions decisions are typically based on a high school diploma, GED, or prior college experience rather than SAT or ACT scores. The curriculum focuses on leadership theory, communication, ethics, and team dynamics instead of test-heavy prerequisites.

Online organizational leadership programs emphasize accessibility and practical learning. Flexible admissions policies, multiple start dates, and supportive advising help students begin without additional testing barriers. If you want a leadership-focused degree with a straightforward admissions process, this field is one of the most exam-free bachelor’s options available online.

Program duration: 2 to 4 years

Universities that offer an online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership with no entrance exams:

• Abilene Christian University: Online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership
• Colorado State University Global: Online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership
• Bellevue University: Online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership
• Wilmington University: Online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership
• Texas Tech University: Online bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership

6. Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is widely available online with no entrance exam requirements, especially for programs designed for adult learners and working professionals. Most schools admit students based on a high school diploma, GED, or prior college transcripts rather than SAT or ACT scores. Coursework typically covers criminal law, corrections, ethics, investigations, and public policy, with an emphasis on theory and applied analysis rather than test-heavy prerequisites.

Online criminal justice programs often use holistic or GPA-based admissions to remove unnecessary barriers to entry. Accelerated terms, asynchronous coursework, and multiple start dates make it easier to begin without standardized testing delays. For students interested in public service or justice-related careers, this degree offers a clear, exam-free path into a bachelor’s program.

Program duration: 16 months to 4 years

Universities that offer an online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with no entrance exams:

• Bellevue University: Online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice
• Walden University: Online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice
• University of Maryland Global Campus: Online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice
• Arizona State University: Online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice
• Baker University: Online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice

What “No Entrance Exams” Really Means

When a school says it does not require entrance exams, it usually means you do not need SAT, ACT, or similar standardized test scores to apply. Instead of evaluating test performance, these programs focus on your educational background, such as a high school diploma, GED, or prior college coursework. This approach is especially common in online programs designed for adult learners and working students.

However, “no entrance exams” does not mean there are no academic expectations at all. Schools may still review transcripts, minimum GPA thresholds, or proof of readiness to ensure you can succeed in college-level coursework. The difference is that you are not required to prepare for or submit standardized test scores as part of the admissions process.

What Schools Use Instead of Entrance Exams

Colleges that waive entrance exams rely on other methods to assess readiness. These alternatives are usually more flexible and better aligned with adult learning pathways.

Transcript Review and GPA Requirements

Many schools base admission decisions on your high school or college GPA. This allows them to evaluate long-term academic performance rather than a single test score.

Prior College Credit or Life Experience

Some programs accept students based on completed college credits, professional experience, or military training. These pathways recognize learning that happens outside of traditional classrooms.

Placement Assessments (Not Admission Tests)

In some cases, schools may use placement tests in subjects like math or writing. These assessments are not used to deny admission but to determine which courses you should start with.

How to Confirm a Program Has No Entrance Exam Requirement

Before applying, it is important to review a school’s admissions criteria carefully. Program websites and academic catalogs typically state whether SAT or ACT scores are required.

If details are unclear, contacting admissions directly is the best next step. Asking whether entrance exams are required and whether placement tests are optional or mandatory can help you avoid surprises and choose the right program.

FAQs About Online Degrees With No Entrance Exams

Many students worry that skipping entrance exams might limit their options or affect degree quality. The FAQs below address common questions about admissions, standards, and what to expect from exam-free online programs.

Are Online Degrees With No Entrance Exams Legitimate?

Online degrees with no entrance exams can be just as legitimate as programs that require SAT or ACT scores. What matters most is whether the school is properly accredited and whether the curriculum meets academic standards.

Many colleges have moved away from standardized tests because they are not always good predictors of student success. Instead, schools rely on coursework performance, advising, and ongoing assessments to ensure students meet learning outcomes.

Do No-Exam Programs Have Lower Admission Standards?

Programs that do not require entrance exams still maintain academic expectations. Schools typically review transcripts, minimum GPA requirements, or prior education to determine readiness for college-level work.

Once admitted, students are held to the same academic standards as anyone else. Coursework, grading policies, and graduation requirements are not lowered simply because entrance exams are waived.

Will I Need to Take Placement Tests After I’m Admitted?

Some schools use placement assessments to determine which math or writing courses you should start with. These tests are designed to place you at the right level, not to decide whether you can enroll.

In many cases, placement can also be determined by prior coursework or transfer credits. Checking how placement works ahead of time can help you understand what to expect after admission.

Explore Online Degrees With No Entrance Exams

If standardized tests are holding you back, there are plenty of exam-free options available. Visit Learn.org to explore accredited online degrees with no entrance exams and compare programs that let you start college without added testing barriers.