Is It Easier To Get Accepted Into Online College?

Is it easier to get accepted into online college than it is to get accepted into a traditional college? In some ways, it can be. Learn about getting accepted into online college.

Online college continues to grow more popular, as they're a convenient way for busy students to earn their degrees.

But is it easier to get accepted into online college than it is to get accepted into a traditional college? Keep reading to learn about getting accepted into online college.

Is It Easier To Get Accepted Into Online College?

It can be easier to get accepted into an online college, although it depends on what online college you're applying to.

Many online colleges have open admissions. This means that they accept all applicants who have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Open admissions is common for community, technical, and career colleges, but not as common for four-year institutions.

Attending an online college with open admissions can be a great way to earn your bachelor's degree if you don't feel that you will qualify for a traditional four-year university.

Additionally, there are quite a few online colleges that accept the majority of applicants. Southern New Hampshire University, Colorado State University Global, and Liberty University all accept over 95% of applicants.

Online Colleges With Open Admission

There are several online colleges that have open admission. We've featured ten below in alphabetical order and explained what you'll need to get accepted.

Please note that admissions information is provided for general undergraduate programs. Specific programs and graduate programs may have additional requirements.

1. Excelsior University

Excelsior University is a private online university in Albany, New York. It offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's programs.

The most popular fields of study at Excelsior University include:

  • business
  • engineering
  • health professions
  • liberal arts

To apply to the university, you'll need to submit your official high school transcripts and transcripts for any college attended. You'll also need to submit any exams, training, or certification programs you've completed.

2. National University

National University is a private university based in San Diego, California. It offers associate through doctoral programs on campus and online, but the majority of students study online.

Common areas of study at the university include:

  • business
  • education
  • health professions
  • psychology

For your application to National University, you'll need to submit your transcripts and have at least a 2.0 GPA to be guaranteed admission. Students with a lower GPA may qualify for probationary admittance.

3. Purdue Global

Purdue Global is the online branch of Indiana's public Purdue Global. It offers online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

The most popular fields of study at Purdue Global include:

  • business
  • computer science
  • health professions
  • human services

To apply, you'll need to submit your high school diploma, GED equivalent, or Home Study equivalent. You may also be required to take an entrance exam before starting an academic program.

4. Strayer University

Strayer University is a private for-profit university headquartered in Washington, D.C. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in person and online, but most students study online.

Common areas of study at the university include:

  • business
  • computer science
  • criminal justice
  • health professions

Strayer University requires applicants to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Students also need to submit transcripts for any prior college experience and show a valid, government-issued photo I.D.

5. Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide is the online campus of Touro University, a private university in New York. It offers online bachelor's and master's degrees.

Popular fields of study at Touro University Worldwide include:

  • business
  • health professions
  • human services
  • psychology

To apply, you'll need to be a high school graduate, have a GED, or be transferring from another college or university with good academic standing. Transfer students will need to submit their transcripts.

6. UMass Global

UMass Global is an online, private affiliate of the public University of Massachusetts. It offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates, online.

Common areas of study at the university include:

  • business
  • education
  • health professions
  • social sciences

UMass Global requires students to either provide evidence of a high school diploma or GED equivalent or have some amount of college experience and submit those transcripts.

7. University of Arkansas Grantham

The University of Arkansas Grantham is the online campus of the public University of Arkansas system. It offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's programs.

Popular programs at the University of Arkansas Grantham include:

  • business
  • computer science
  • engineering
  • health professions

To apply, you'll need to submit documentation of your high school diploma or transcript, GED award, or transcripts from previous college experience.

8. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus is the online campus of the public University System of Maryland. It offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online.

Common areas of study at the university include:

  • business
  • computer science
  • liberal arts
  • psychology

UMGC requires students to have graduated high school, completed a homeschooling alternative, or passed the GED. Students will need to provide documentation of one of the above and pay a $50 application fee.

9. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix is a private, for-profit, online university headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. It offers online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Popular programs at the University of Phoenix include:

  • business
  • computer science
  • criminal justice
  • health professions

To apply, you'll need to be a U.S. citizen or have a valid visa. You'll also need to be a high school graduate and have transcripts to prove that.

10. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private, non-profit, online university based in Millcreek, Utah. It offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificates online.

Common areas of study at the university include:

  • business
  • computer science
  • education
  • health professions

WGU requires students to submit their application as well as their official transcripts. Many individual programs have additional admissions requirements.

Get Accepted to Online College Today

It's not always easier to get accepted to online college, but many online colleges offer open admissions. Check out the open admissions online schools above to find the right fit for you today.