Top 8 Colleges With Late Application Deadlines in 2026

Applying to colleges is an exciting time as you plan to further your education. It can also be an overwhelming process. If you are just beginning to delve into the admission process, you may be curious about colleges with late application deadlines.

This article reviews several of the best colleges with late application deadlines and answers questions related to the application process. Continue reading to learn about colleges that are still open for late application, scholarship deadlines, and more.

What Colleges Have Late Application Deadlines?

College application deadlines vary according to different schools and degree programs. Generally speaking, early decision deadlines are in November, and regular application deadlines are in January and February.

Late application deadlines typically occur in the spring. Some colleges and universities have rolling admissions, wherein schools review applications throughout the year. We explore eight colleges that have late application deadlines or rolling admissions in the list below.

Best Late Application Colleges

The following schools represent some of the top colleges with late application deadlines or feature rolling admissions. The estimated tuition costs are based on bachelor's degree programs.

1. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University (LSU) is a public institution in Baton Rouge, LA, with an extensive online learning platform. Students can pursue their bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees through LSU's online platform.

The majority of LSU's online degree programs have six start dates per year; each start date has a corresponding application deadline. For example, a program that starts on May 26th requires that students apply by May 2nd.

• Estimated tuition cost: $340 per credit hour
• Financial aid: LSU offers financial support through grants, scholarships, work-study programs, loans, and military benefits.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Southern New Hampshire University

Based in Manchester, NH, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a large private school with hundreds of online degree programs. SNHU features a rolling admissions process, which means you can apply throughout the year.

Online degree programs have multiple start dates, which helps accommodate working professionals' busy schedules. Most undergraduate programs have six start dates throughout the calendar year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $342 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Eligible students may receive scholarships, grants, and loans to offset tuition costs.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

3. University of Nevada, Reno

The University of Nevada, Reno is a large public school that offers online degree programs through its Nevada Online platform. Online programs do not have specific enrollment deadlines; prospective students are encouraged to apply any time during the year.

The number of start dates varies according to your chosen degree pathway. For example, students interested in pursuing their online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in communication studies can choose between three different start dates.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,336 per semester (in-state); $6,067 per semester (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Financial assistance is available via grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

4. National University

National University (NU) is a private school headquartered in San Diego, CA. NU offers a broad array of online degree programs, from undergraduate to doctoral degrees. Courses are delivered remotely, in four- or eight-week-long sessions.

NU features a year-round enrollment process. Many students can begin classes within one month of submitting their college application.

• Estimated tuition cost: $370 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students at NU may apply for scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

5. Liberty University

Liberty University (LU) is a large private school located in Lynchburg, VA. Liberty University has more than 600 online degree programs. LU's online programs have multiple start dates throughout the year, and application deadlines correspond to specific start dates.

For example, if the first class of your program begins on May 18th, you will need to submit your application by April 22nd.

• Estimated tuition cost: $390 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Financial aid is available through scholarships, grants, loans, and military benefits.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Texas State University

Located in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University (TXST) is a large public school that features varying start dates and application deadlines for its online programs. The admissions process is streamlined; undergraduate students must submit their high school diploma, an online application, and their official school transcripts.

TXST offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Both types of programs have multiple start dates throughout the year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $404 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs are provided to eligible students.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. University of Arizona Global Campus

The University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) offers a wide range of online degree programs with multiple start dates throughout the year. Courses are conducted entirely online in five- or six-week sessions. UAGC is open for enrollment throughout the year.

UAGC does not charge an application fee and does not require prospective students to submit standardized test scores.

• Estimated tuition cost: $460 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Eligible UAGC students receive grants, loans, and scholarships to offset education costs.
• Accreditation: WSCUC

8. Loyola University New Orleans

Located in its namesake city, Loyola University New Orleans (LOYNO) offers online degrees in addition to its on-campus programs. LOYNO was recently ranked one of the best online colleges in Louisiana by University HQ.

LOYNO's online programs have multiple start dates throughout the year; programs have corresponding application deadlines. There is no application fee to apply to online degree programs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $468 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Financial support is provided via scholarships, grants, loans, work-study programs, and military benefits.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

We consider factors like accreditation status, application flexibility, and tuition rates when determining which schools to showcase.

• Accreditation: All colleges and universities included here are regionally accredited institutions.
• Affordability: We highlight schools with the most affordable tuition rates at the top of our list.
• Flexibility: Featured schools have flexible application processes: application deadlines later than their traditional counterparts, or year-round enrollment.

FAQs About Good Colleges With Late Application Deadlines

In this section, we answer questions about the application process, from colleges that have late application deadlines to financial aid deadlines.

Can I Still Apply to Colleges in March?

Yes, you can still apply to some colleges in March. Though some in-person programs accept applications in March, the majority of schools close applications for on-campus fall programs at the end of February. Many online programs, however, have multiple start dates throughout the year and encourage students to apply year-round.

What Should I Do if I Missed College Deadlines?

Depending on your chosen school and program, you can try to reach out directly to the college admissions team and request an exception to the application deadline. Alternatively, you can enroll in an online program. Many colleges and universities are expanding their online programs, which include the same curriculum (and in many cases, are taught by the same faculty) as their on-campus counterparts.

When Do Most Colleges Close Applications?

Most colleges and universities close applications at the end of January or February for classes beginning the following fall semester (traditionally starting in September). Early decision or early action applications often end in November for the following year's fall semester start date.

Are Scholarships Still Available at Colleges With Late Application Deadlines?

Generally speaking, scholarships are still available at colleges with late application deadlines. Some scholarships are linked to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which has its own application deadline. Other scholarships are offered at the institutional or private organization level, and may have a separate application process.

What Happens if I Miss the FAFSA Deadline?

If you miss the FAFSA application deadline, you may be ineligible for federal and state aid. You should still complete your FAFSA application and contact the FAFSA office directly for assistance. Your college or university's financial aid office can help you navigate your FAFSA application, as well as connect you to additional sources of available funding.

Explore Online Colleges

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