10 Colleges in Virginia With High Acceptance Rates 2026

Virginia is home to many historic colleges. Students can enroll in colleges like William and Mary, established in the 1690s, and the University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson. While these are top schools, it's not impossible to get into a good school in the Commonwealth.

Virginians have many options for a high-quality education. Below, we will list 10 colleges in Virginia with high acceptance rates.

Are There Good Universities With High Acceptance Rates in Virginia?

There are many good colleges with high acceptance rates in Virginia, including both public and private schools. Some are well-recognized, like George Mason or Liberty University. Many offer online courses or degree programs, and all of them are fully accredited. Interested students still need to ensure they meet all application requirements.

What Is Considered a High Acceptance Rate for Colleges in Virginia?

Any school that admits more than 50% of applicants is considered a high acceptance rate school because it accepts more than half of all applicants. However, many Virginia schools have even higher rates; of those on our list, six accept more than 90% of applicants. The highest acceptance rates in Virginia can be found at Liberty University and Eastern Mennonite University.

What Are the Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Virginia?

While all schools have specific admissions requirements, including grade point average (GPA) minimums, a higher acceptance rate means a better chance of getting in. These three schools have some of the highest acceptance rates in the Commonwealth.

• Liberty University: 99% acceptance rate
• Eastern Mennonite University: 99% acceptance rate
• Virginia Commonwealth University: 93% acceptance rate

Best Colleges in Virginia With the Highest Acceptance Rates

All of the schools below are solid choices for students who may be worried about competitive programs. Accredited Virginia colleges with high acceptance rates still offer potential students a top-quality education.

1. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion (ODU) is one of the most affordable schools on our list. The Norfolk-based university accepts about 91% of applicants and offers both online and in-person programs. Undergraduate students can choose from almost 100 different majors.

Interested students should fill out the application, pay the $50 fee, and include their high school transcripts. ODU is test-optional, so students do not need to include SAT or ACT scores.

• Acceptance rate: 91%
• Estimated tuition cost: $268 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Radford University

Radford is a public university in Radford, VA, offering undergraduate, graduate, and online programs. The school offers 75 undergraduate degree programs, and with small class sizes of 12 students per teacher, you can expect a personalized education.

Students who submit their official transcripts, have a 3.3 cumulative GPA, and have a passing grade in Algebra II may be eligible for direct admission. Radford is test-optional, but including a personal essay is strongly suggested.

• Acceptance rate: 91%
• Estimated tuition cost: $361 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Norfolk State University

Norfolk State (NSU) is a historically Black college and university (HBCU) located in Norfolk. Students can choose from 31 bachelor's degree programs, 17 graduate programs, and three doctoral programs. Undergrad programs include graphic design, computer science, and social work.

NSU also offers seven online degree programs. Interested students do not need to include standardized test scores, but they may be considered for scholarships if they include a 650-word essay.

• Acceptance rate: 89%
• Estimated tuition cost: $475 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Bridgewater College

Bridgewater College, a private school located in Bridgewater, VA, was first established in 1880. Today, students can pursue a degree in biochemistry, criminology, game design, international security and diplomacy, and more.

Bridgewater is also open to graduate, international, and transfer students. First-time applicants should submit an application with their official high school transcripts; test scores are optional.

• Acceptance rate: 91%
• Estimated tuition cost: $547 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Liberty University

This private Christian college in Lynchburg has one of the highest acceptance rates in the state. Liberty is also affordable; over the last seven years, tuition rates have only gone up by 4%, and financial aid is available.

Liberty offers both in-person and online programs, with dozens of degree options for undergrad, graduate, and doctoral students. Undergraduate applicants should submit their official transcripts and an admissions essay. There are no GPA or SAT/ACT requirements.

• Acceptance rate: 99%
• Estimated tuition cost: $845 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. George Mason University

Fairfax-based George Mason University (GMU) is close to Washington, D.C. and partners with the Smithsonian Institute, allowing students to take lessons from Smithsonian scientists. Dozens of other undergraduate programs are available, including civil engineering, creative writing, forensic science, and kinesiology.

Standardized test scores are optional, but GMU does take a holistic approach to applications, including GPA, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. GMU's high acceptance rate reflects its focus on inclusivity and diversity.

• Acceptance rate: 89%
• Estimated tuition cost: $14,316 per year
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Longwood University

Longwood is based in Farmville and was rated the sixth-best public school in the South by U.S. News and World Report. The school offers undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs. There are over 100 undergraduate areas of study.

Longwood is a smaller school with only about 4,500 students. Applicants should include official high school transcripts on their application, but Longwood is test-optional.

• Acceptance rate: 85%
• Estimated tuition cost: $16,288 per year
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Virginia Commonwealth University

Located in the state capital of Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is known for its art and health programs. Students can choose from 68 bachelor's degree programs, including cinema, craft and material studies, or mechanical engineering.

VCU offers real-world experiences as well through internships, study abroad trips, and service-learning opportunities. Interested students should include essays and letters of recommendation on their application; test scores are only required for those applying to the honors college.

• Acceptance rate: 93%
• Estimated tuition cost: $17,240 per year
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Marymount University

Marymount University, located in Arlington, VA, is just six miles from D.C. It offers students even more opportunities for internships and service-learning. Both online and in-person programs are available. Traditional undergrad students can choose from 33 majors and 74 minors.

Interested students should have completed all prerequisite high school courses with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants should also include a letter of recommendation and an essay.

• Acceptance rate: 80%
• Estimated tuition cost: $20,618 per semester
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Eastern Mennonite University

Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) is a private Christian college located in Harrisonburg. Bachelor's programs include aviation, digital media, global studies, and medical laboratory studies. Online programs are also available.

EMU is test-optional for domestic students. Financial aid is also available by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Acceptance rate: 99%
• Estimated tuition cost: $22,400 per semester
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Admissions Requirements for Colleges With High Acceptance Rates in Virginia

Just because these schools have a high acceptance rate, it does not mean that you shouldn't still put together the best application possible. Common admissions requirements include:

• official transcripts from an accredited high school or GED program
• successful completion of prerequisite courses
• letters of recommendation
• an essay response

These schools tend to take a holistic approach to applications, considering academic achievement, service opportunities, and extracurricular activities. Reach out to your school's admissions office for specifics.

FAQs About Colleges in Virginia With High Acceptance Rates

As you narrow down your list of schools, you may still have a few additional questions. Below, we will look more closely at your options across the state of Virginia.

Are There Open Admissions Colleges in Virginia?

Unfortunately, there are no open admissions colleges in Virginia. Some colleges and universities may partner with community colleges, offering generous transfer policies. But there are no schools that offer guaranteed admission. A student's best option would be to consider schools that are easier to get into, generally those with an acceptance rate above 90%.

What Is the Easiest School To Get Into in Virginia?

Liberty University and Eastern Mennonite University both have 99% acceptance rates, making them two of the easiest in the state. However, applicants should carefully review all application requirements and look for ways to boost their application through high grades, extracurricular activities, or letters of recommendation. Students should also note that both of these are Christian schools and may not be right for everyone.

What College Has a 100% Acceptance Rate in Virginia?

Virginia schools can be rigorous, and there are no schools in the state with a 100% acceptance rate. However, there are several great options with an acceptance rate above 90%, significantly improving an applicant's chances. Remember that even with easier schools, a prospective student should still do their best to put together a strong application.

What Is the #1 Rated College in Virginia?

U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Virginia (UVA) as the best college in Virginia. The Charlottesville-based school was founded in 1819 and is well-known for its law school. Because of that reputation, UVA is highly selective; the average acceptance rate is about 17%. Strong SAT or ACT scores, a high GPA, and an impressive resume can help improve your chances of getting into UVA.

Explore Colleges in Virginia

From the mountains to the cities to the beaches, Virginia has a lot to offer college students. More Virginia schools with high acceptance rates are featured on Learn.org. Reach out to one today to decide if it's a good fit for you.