24 Easiest Grad Schools To Get Into & Acceptance Rates

Applying to graduate school can feel like a gamble, especially once you start looking at acceptance rates in the single digits at the most competitive programs. The good news is that plenty of respected master's programs admit a much wider range of applicants, often without requiring the GRE or GMAT, a stellar undergraduate GPA, or years of prior experience in your field.

The schools below stand out for that reason: real online colleges with high acceptance rates that still lead to a legitimate degree, not just an easy admissions process. Whether you're returning to school after years in the workforce or simply want options beyond the most selective universities, these programs can get you into a classroom, virtual or otherwise, faster and with less stress than you might expect.

Easiest Graduate Schools To Get Into

Graduate school acceptance rates can be intimidating, especially at selective or costly institutions where even the application costs money. It's important to choose a high-quality university to obtain your master's degree without breaking the bank during the admission process. These are some of the easiest grad schools to get into.

1. Master of Education (M.Ed.)— Walden University

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) at Walden University boasts a flexible online format with a practical curriculum. Studies focus on real-world applications and offer various specializations, including special education, mathematics, and elementary literacy. Students don't need to submit GRE scores to get into this school.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• GPA requirement: 2.5
• Tuition: $355 per credit hour

2. Master of Business Administration (MBA)— Liberty University

Liberty University offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with 100% online coursework and an asynchronous schedule, giving students flexibility with their assignments. Liberty University does not require GRE or GMAT scores for admission.

Compared to other institutions on this list, Liberty University could be considered highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 50%. However, the quality of their programs and focus on real-world skill building make it a worthwhile application. It offers various financial aid options, including military discounts to qualifying students.

• Acceptance rate: 50%
• GPA requirement: 3.0
• Tuition: $545 per credit hour

3. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)— Missouri Western State University

Missouri Western State University offers two tracks for their online MSN: Healthcare Leadership and Nurse Educator. Students also have the opportunity to obtain a dual degree with a Master of Science in Nursing and a Master of Business Administration.

There are both online and in-person options offering a practical focus on curriculum to give students real-world experience. The admissions process is also approachable with a fairly low GPA requirement.

• Acceptance rate: 99%
• GPA requirement: 2.75 in undergrad and 3.0 in nursing school
• Tuition: $460 per credit hour for in-state students; $520 per credit hour for out-of-state students

4. Master of Communication — Southern New Hampshire University

The Master of Communication program at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is 100% online. SNHU doesn't require GRE scores and boasts a high acceptance rate. This program focuses on practical communication skills and offers students the opportunity to concentrate either on new media/marketing or public relations.

• Acceptance rate: 96%
• GPA requirement: 2.75 for full acceptance, 2.0 for provisional acceptance
• Tuition: $637 per credit hour

5. Master of Business Administration (MBA)— Edgewood College

The MBA program at Edgewood College can be completed either online or in person, allowing students to study from anywhere. Students can work at their own pace and finish their MBA in as little as 10 months with this flexible program.

There are five concentrations graduate students can choose from:

• accounting
• data analytics
• healthcare management
• general business
• organizational leadership & change

This school accepts nearly all applicants.

• Acceptance rate: 99%
• GPA requirement: 2.75
• Tuition: $500 per credit hour

6. Master of Public Health (MPH)— Walden University

Walden University's Master of Public Health program focuses on applied practices and professional experience building. Students are set up for numerous career opportunities including environmental health specialist, epidemiologist, and public health analyst.

Walden University also affords students the opportunity to work at their own pace and has a streamlined admissions process with no need for a personal statement or application fee. To top it off, Walden University boasts one of the highest graduate school acceptance rates: 100%.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• GPA requirement: 2.5
• Tuition: $535 per quarter credit hour

7. Master of Education in Educational Leadership— Liberty University

Liberty University offers various Master of Education programs, one of which is a specialization in educational leadership. Students learn from decorated faculty members in this fully online and asynchronous program. Test scores are not required for admission.

Liberty University also offers an online PhD program in education for those looking to obtain their doctorate.

• Acceptance rate: 50%
• GPA requirement: 3.0
• Tuition: $455 per credit hour for full-time students, $615 per credit hour for part-time students

8. M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education— Upper Iowa University

This flexible online program boasts financial aid possibilities for all students and even part-time options for those who need to balance their master's degree with everyday life. There are two areas of emphasis: Prekindergarten-Kindergarten or Birth-Grade 3: Inclusive Settings.

Upper Iowa University has minimal admissions requirements and the option to share your test scores.

• Acceptance rate: 94%
• GPA requirement: 2.75 overall, or 3.0 for the most recent 60 semester credits
• Tuition: $342 per credit hour

9. MBA in Healthcare Management— Western Governors University

Western Governors University charges a flat-rate tuition, allowing students to take as many credits per term as they'd like. Students are able to finish the Healthcare Management MBA in as little as 12 months and have the opportunity for financial aid through scholarships.

• Acceptance rate: around 100%
• GPA requirement: 2.5
• Tuition: $4,755 per six-month period

10. MPA in Nonprofit Management— Missouri Western State University

This 12-month online program is 190 hours at $3,750, making it a more affordable graduate degree for those interested in nonprofit work. The practical curriculum focuses on grant writing, professional development, management skills, and more.

• Acceptance rate: 99%
• GPA requirement: 2.75
• Tuition: $460 per credit hour for in-state students; $520 per credit hour for out-of-state students

11. MA in Strategic Communications— National University

National University's fully online master's degree can be completed in as little as 10 months. The application process is simple, with no test score requirements or fees. It's one of the easiest graduate schools to get into with a 100% acceptance rate.

Strategic communications is a wide field of study offering career opportunities in management, marketing, public relations, and more.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• GPA requirement: 3.0
• Tuition: $442 per quarter unit

12. MSN in Leadership and Administration— Capella University

This flexible online program at Capella University has no application fee and incorporates AACN principles for its students. An integrated capstone project helps students gain real-world work experience with an organization, getting them one step closer to meeting their career goals before graduation.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• GPA requirement: 3.0
• Tuition: $2,535 per 12-week billing session

13. MS in Forensic Investigation— Missouri Western State University

Missouri Western State University's MS in forensic investigation combines online and hands-on learning to prepare students for careers ranging from crime scene investigations to police detectives. The admissions committee does not require standardized test scores but does require two letters of recommendation.

• Acceptance rate: 99%
• GPA requirement: 2.75
• Tuition: $7,823 for in-state students (cumulative); $12,935 for out-of-state students (cumulative)

14. Master of Arts in Human Services— Liberty University

Liberty University's Master of Arts in human services focuses on practical skills, allowing students to get a feel for social work, counseling, and the administrative side of healthcare in an affordable online format. Test scores are not required for admission, though the acceptance rate is a bit lower than some of the other schools on this list.

• Acceptance rate: 50%
• GPA requirement: 3.0
• Tuition: $455 per credit hour for full-time students, $615 per credit hour for part-time students

15. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)— Capella University

Capella University offers MSN students the opportunity to explore self-paced learning with FlexPath, allowing them to set their own deadlines and complete coursework. Full-time students can potentially complete their MSN in as little as 14 months.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• GPA requirement: 3.0
• Tuition: $2,535 per 12-week billing session

16. Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership— UMass Global

UMass Global (formerly Brandman University) offers a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership both online and in a hybrid format to cater to every student's individual learning style. Students will work on professional development and practical leadership skills for careers in management, business ownership, or administration.

Test scores are optional for admission at this school.

• Acceptance rate: 93%
• GPA requirement: 2.75
• Tuition: $730 per credit hour

17. Master of Science in Criminal Justice— Saint Leo University

With online and in-person options available, Saint Leo University provides higher education students with a robust and diverse criminal justice program. Students can concentrate on legal studies, behavioral science, and more.

Saint Leo University is also considered one of the nation's friendliest military institutions and provides ample financial aid opportunities.

• Acceptance rate: 80%
• GPA requirement: 3.0
• Tuition: $670 per credit hour

18. Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction— American College of Education

American College of Education offers an MEd in curriculum and instruction with accelerated courses and a fully online format. This program is ideal for students with a bachelor's degree in education looking to develop their curriculum-building skills. No GRE scores are required for this low-cost, high-quality master's degree.

• Acceptance rate: 93%
• GPA requirement: 2.75
• Tuition: $9,500 total

19. Master of Science in Sports Management— Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers sports management students the opportunity to study under celebrated industry professionals. Enrollees learn practical skills for the industry, such as finance management, media studies, and business administration. The 100% online format is flexible and doesn't require standardized test scores.

• Acceptance rate: 96%
• GPA requirement: 2.75 for full acceptance, 2.0 for provisional acceptance
• Tuition: $637 per credit hour

20. Master of Healthcare Administration— Purdue Global

Purdue Global's Master of Healthcare Administration offers students the chance to complete a 100% online master's degree while preparing for a role in the fast-growing healthcare industry. Purdue offers ample financial aid and scholarships and does not require GRE scores.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• GPA requirement: 2.5
• Tuition: $435 per credit

21. Master of Arts in Human Resource Management— National University

With online and on-campus options, National University's Master of Arts in human resource management is a flexible and diverse program. Students are encouraged to grow their critical thinking skills by studying ethics, workplace challenges, and job analyses. GRE scores are not required for the application, which doesn't require a fee.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• GPA requirement: 3.0
• Tuition: $442 per quarter unit

22. Master of Science in Information Systems— University of Phoenix

This 100% online Master of Science in information systems offers students the chance to focus on applied IT and computer science skills with ample financial aid opportunities. Students with work experience can even apply for credits to put towards their degree. Skills learned in this program include management, communication, and strategic planning.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• GPA requirement: 2.5
• Tuition: $698 per credit hour

23. Master of Public Health— Capella University

The Master of Public Health program at Capella University offers students a holistic focus on various aspects of public health including environmental health, epidemiology, and data management.

Students can choose the FlexPath learning model (which is self-paced and can be completed in as little as 15 months) or the GuidedPath learning model (which offers more structure but takes approximately 18 months to complete).

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• GPA requirement: 3.0
• Tuition: $2,535 per 12-week billing session

24. Master of Science in Accounting— Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) allows students to work at their own pace while obtaining their master's degree. There are numerous specializations in the accounting program including auditing, taxation, and management accounting.

It is considered one of the easiest graduate schools to get into with an acceptance rate of nearly 100%. WGU also offers flat-rate tuition and an accounting internship for interested students.

• Acceptance rate: around 100%
• GPA requirement: 2.5
• Tuition: $4,755 per six-month period

How We Rank These Schools

To create this list, we review data from U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with each school's published acceptance rates, GPA requirements, and tuition rates. We also weigh how flexible a program is for working adults, since format often matters as much as selectivity when you're deciding where to apply.

• Acceptance rate: Historically high acceptance rates earn priority, since these schools tend to admit a broader range of applicants.
• GPA requirements: Lower minimum GPA thresholds count in a program's favor, particularly when a school considers your full application rather than enforcing a strict cutoff.
• Test score policies: Programs that waive the GRE or GMAT, or make them optional, rank higher for accessibility.
• Format and flexibility: Online and hybrid formats earn extra consideration, since they typically widen the applicant pool and ease access for working students.
• Tuition transparency: Clear, predictable tuition rates earn favorable weighting, since confusing pricing structures complicate your decision-making.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Makes a Graduate Program Easy To Get Into?

A graduate program can be considered easy to get into if it has the following:

• Lower selectivity: When admissions requirements are less demanding, it makes it easier to get into the program of your choice.
• Less competitive fields: Fields like computer science and healthcare are very competitive, meaning it can potentially be difficult to get into those programs.
• Less prestigious institutions: Choosing a less prestigious institution can make it easier to get into graduate school. For example, you can obtain a high-quality degree at both National University and Harvard University, but getting into Harvard University is likely going to be more difficult.
• Lower GPA and application requirements: When a university does not have a high GPA or admission requirements (e.g., GRE or GMAT scores), it makes it easier to get into.
• Online programs. Online master's degrees are easier to obtain because they can be done from anywhere, and there is virtually no limit to how many students can be enrolled at once.

FAQs About Easy Grad Schools To Get Into

Getting into graduate school is only part of the equation — paying for it and choosing the right fit matter just as much. Here are answers to some of the most common questions prospective students ask once they start comparing programs.

Does a High Acceptance Rate Mean Lower Program Quality?

Not necessarily. A high acceptance rate often reflects a program's admissions philosophy rather than the quality of its instruction, especially at schools built around working adults and career changers rather than traditional full-time researchers. Accreditation, faculty credentials, and graduation outcomes tell you far more about program quality than selectivity alone, so it's worth checking a school's ranking methodology before assuming a lower bar to entry means a weaker degree.

Do Easier Grad Schools Still Require the GRE or GMAT?

Many of the most accessible graduate programs have dropped standardized testing altogether, relying instead on your GPA, work experience, and application essays. That trend is especially common in education, business, and healthcare administration programs designed for working professionals. If avoiding test prep matters to you, there are plenty of grad schools that don't require the GRE across a wide range of fields.

Can You Get Financial Aid at an Easier Grad School To Get Into?

Yes, as long as the school carries proper accreditation, which most programs on this type of list do. Federal financial aid through the FAFSA, along with institutional scholarships and employer tuition assistance, remains available regardless of how selective a program is. You can check which online colleges accept FAFSA before narrowing down your list.

How Many Grad Schools Should You Apply To?

Three to five programs is a reasonable range for most applicants, especially when you're applying to schools with historically high acceptance rates. Casting too wide a net can stretch your budget thin with application fees and make it harder to write a strong, tailored essay for each program. Focus your energy on a short list of schools that genuinely fit your budget, schedule, and career goals rather than applying broadly out of caution.

Does Accreditation Matter More Than Selectivity?

Accreditation matters considerably more than how hard a program is to get into. A regionally or nationally accredited degree carries weight with employers and licensing boards, while a degree from an unaccredited school can create problems even if the admissions process felt easy. Before applying anywhere on this list, confirm a school's accreditation status directly with the accrediting body rather than relying on the school's own marketing.

Find the Right Grad School

Choosing the right grad school is important to receiving a quality education. There are many specific programs out there, and finding the right one is easier with Learn.org's helpful database of programs.