When it comes to college admissions, the news is often filled with stories about record-low acceptance rates at Ivy League schools. But here's something you may not know: there are also a lot of good colleges with open doors waiting to welcome new students with diverse talents and interests. Whether you're looking to stay close to home or head somewhere new, many states across the U.S. have colleges that make getting accepted a bit easier.
In this article, our essay writer at EssayPro will take a tour of some of the best colleges with accessible admissions in popular states like California, Florida, Texas, Georgia, and New York. We'll cover schools that are known for great programs and the chance to make college dreams a reality without sky-high competition. Let's dive in and see what is the easiest college to get into that might be closer than you think!
Criteria for Choosing an Easiest College to Get Into
When we say a college is "easy to get into," we're talking about schools with high acceptance rates and more flexible admission requirements. These colleges are usually open to a wider range of students and look beyond just top test scores or perfect GPAs. They focus on making higher education accessible and providing opportunities for students from various backgrounds.
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What Are the Easiest Colleges to Get Into: List of 10 Options
You already understand the criteria that make certain colleges more accessible and give students a real shot at a higher education. In this section, we'll now go over specific colleges in different states that check these boxes, offering great options for students looking for a clear path to admission.
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College of Staten Island CUNY
The College of Staten Island (CUNY) is a public college nestled in Staten Island, New York, serving as part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. With an enrollment of around 7,300 undergraduate students, this mid-sized institution offers an inclusive approach to higher education. CUNY Staten Island has a notably high acceptance rate of 92%, reflecting its mission to provide accessible education to a wide range of students. This high rate applies to general admission to the college, although certain in-demand programs, such as Psychology and Business, may have additional requirements due to their popularity. The school's Liberal Arts and Humanities program is particularly popular, offering students a well-rounded academic foundation.
CUNY Staten Island graduates 35% of its students, with alumni earning a starting salary of around $29,400. Although it has not achieved a high graduation rate, the college provides students with opportunities to gain essential skills that support career growth and professional success. For those seeking an affordable education in the New York City area, CUNY Staten Island offers a range of popular programs that cater to a variety of interests and career paths.
Cameron University
Cameron University, located in Lawton, Oklahoma, was founded in 1908 and has since become a respected public institution within the state. With a total undergraduate enrollment of just under 2,000 students, this small institution fosters a close-knit community. Cameron University occupies a scenic 160-acre campus in a city setting and follows a semester-based academic calendar. The university ranks #96 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges in the Regional Universities West category and holds the #50 position among Top Public Schools. These rankings emphasize its regional impact and commitment to providing quality public education.
Offering a 100% acceptance rate, Cameron University has an open-door policy that welcomes all qualified applicants, regardless of their academic background. Popular majors include Business Administration, Psychology, Information Technology, Sports and Kinesiology, and Elementary Education, with Business and Psychology being the top choices. The university has a low 4-year graduation rate of 17%, yet it enables students to gain relevant knowledge and experience in their chosen fields. Graduates from Cameron typically start with an average salary of $27,000, reflecting the practical, career-oriented focus of its programs. Despite its small size, Cameron University's affordability and accessibility make it a viable choice for students seeking a supportive and academically diverse college environment.
Lakeland University
Lakeland University, located in Herman, Wisconsin, is a private Calvinist/Reformed university that offers a personalized education within a small academic community. With an enrollment of approximately 1,900 students, it maintains a close-knit environment and provides strong academic support to its students. Lakeland's acceptance rate is a notable 100%, reflecting its commitment to providing access to higher education for a wide range of applicants. Popular majors at Lakeland include Business, Accounting, and Information Science, all of which are geared toward preparing students for careers in the business and tech fields.
Although the university has a modest graduation rate of 52%, many students benefit from its focused programs, and Lakeland alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $37,400. Lakeland's affordability and access to practical business training make it an appealing option for students who want to jumpstart their careers in the Midwest. Despite its small size, the university's offerings and commitment to a personalized education have earned it recognition in the Regional Universities Midwest category, ranking #138 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges.
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University of Holy Cross
The University of Holy Cross, founded in 1916, is a private institution located in an urban setting. With an enrollment of just over 800 undergraduate students, this college offers a more intimate educational environment with a student-faculty ratio of 6:1. This close attention to students is further reflected in the fact that 82.1% of classes have fewer than 20 students. Known for its health and education programs, the University of Holy Cross offers popular majors like Registered Nursing, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, and Education, among others.
The university's commitment to its students' success is evident in its average freshman retention rate of 70%, which is a solid indicator of student satisfaction. The University of Holy Cross also stands out for its affordability, with a tuition fee of just $2,505, far below the national average. This makes it an accessible choice for students seeking quality education at an affordable price. The university's urban location in New Orleans provides students with numerous opportunities for internships and community involvement, making it a great choice for those seeking a hands-on, career-focused education in the health and education sectors.
LeMoyne-Owen College
LeMoyne-Owen College, a historically black college in Memphis, Tennessee, has a rich history and a strong commitment to the education of Black Americans. With an enrollment of just over 600 undergraduate students, it offers a tight-knit community where students can benefit from personalized attention. The college has an impressive 100% acceptance rate, which speaks to its open-access policy. Popular majors at LeMoyne-Owen include Business, Biology, Criminal Justice, and Law Enforcement Administration. These programs aim to provide students with a solid foundation in fields that lead to promising careers in the public and private sectors.
Although the graduation rate at LeMoyne-Owen is on the lower side, at just 18%, the college continues to provide students with a strong academic foundation and access to resources that help them succeed. The college's alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $20,900, with many graduates pursuing careers that contribute to their communities. The college's location in Memphis provides unique opportunities for students to engage with the city's cultural and professional landscapes. With a 55% freshman retention rate, LeMoyne-Owen College remains a valuable educational option for students looking for a supportive, community-centered environment in the South.
Washburn University
Washburn University, founded in 1865, is a public institution located in a bustling city setting. With an undergraduate enrollment of nearly 5,000 students, this mid-sized university spans a 160-acre campus that provides both open space and proximity to urban amenities. Washburn offers a semester-based academic calendar, giving students flexibility in course planning. Known for its accessibility, Washburn maintains in-state and out-of-state tuition rates at $10,647, making it an affordable choice for students nationwide. Ranked #82 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges for Regional Universities in the Midwest, it has earned recognition for its commitment to academic quality.
The university's academic offerings are diverse, with popular programs including Health Professions, which attracts 29% of students, and other areas like History, Business, Communication, and Psychology. Washburn's robust health-related programs prepare students for careers in high-demand fields, and its affordable tuition adds to its appeal, drawing students from various backgrounds. This accessible, career-focused approach has made Washburn a practical choice for students seeking a solid education without breaking the bank.
Montana State University Billings
Montana State University Billings, a public institution founded in 1927, is situated on a 168-acre campus in an urban area. With a total undergraduate enrollment of around 3,765 students, it operates on a semester-based calendar and has carved a niche as an affordable education option within the state. Montana residents benefit from in-state tuition of $7,220, while out-of-state students pay $22,691. Ranking in the #105-115 range among Regional Universities in the West, Montana State University Billings is recognized for its practical approach to education and focus on community involvement.
Popular majors include Business, Education, Health Professions, and Liberal Arts, all of which attract a diverse range of students. The Business and Education programs, in particular, serve as major draws, providing graduates with skills to enter high-demand fields. With a 15% 4-year graduation rate, the university focuses on serving a diverse student body that may include working adults and part-time learners, offering flexibility to those balancing academics with other commitments.
Fairmont State University
Fairmont State University, established in 1865, is a public institution located in a suburban area with a 120-acre campus. Serving a total undergraduate population of about 2,700, Fairmont State provides a close-knit environment with the benefits of nearby urban centers. With a ranking of #86 in the Regional Universities South category in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Fairmont State is noted for its supportive academic community and practical focus.
The university's academic strengths are reflected in its most popular programs, including Registered Nursing, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Exercise Science. Nursing, in particular, is a prominent field, drawing 22% of students. With a 32% 4-year graduation rate, Fairmont State emphasizes a supportive environment and offers programs designed to prepare students for professional careers. It appeals to students seeking hands-on education and practical career paths, all within an accessible, suburban setting.
Blue Mountain Christian University
Blue Mountain Christian University, a private institution founded in 1873, is set on a sprawling 190-acre rural campus that fosters a peaceful academic atmosphere. With an enrollment of 944 students, the university operates on a semester-based calendar, offering a range of programs that cater to students with diverse career interests. Ranked #18 in Regional Colleges South for the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Blue Mountain Christian is known for both academic excellence and strong community values.
Popular fields of study include Business Administration, Elementary Education, and Exercise Science. Business Administration is the most sought-after major, with 30% of graduates pursuing careers in this area, reflecting the university's focus on preparing students for leadership roles. The school maintains a 4-year graduation rate of 44%, indicating a strong commitment to student success. With tuition and fees set at $19,280, alongside food and housing costs of $9,040, Blue Mountain Christian offers an affordable education in a serene rural setting.
University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, a public institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 1,317 students, is located in a suburban area that combines the peace of a smaller community with proximity to Pittsburgh's resources. Operating on a semester-based academic calendar, Pitt-Greensburg is ranked in the #187-204 range for National Liberal Arts Colleges in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges.
Pitt-Greensburg's popular majors include Biology, Psychology, and Nursing, with each program drawing around 10-14% of the student body. The Biology and Psychology programs, in particular, offer a strong foundation in the liberal arts, preparing students for a range of professional fields. With a 4-year graduation rate of 29% and SAT scores in the range of 1075-1275, the university provides a balance of accessibility and quality, appealing to students who value a supportive environment with academic rigor.
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Easiest Colleges to Get Into in California
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Florida
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Texas
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in New York
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Georgia
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Michigan
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Illinois
Final Words
As you can see, many institutions across the country offer quality education with high college acceptance rates. From the College of Staten Island (CUNY) in New York to Fairmont State University in West Virginia, these schools open doors for students from all backgrounds, helping them achieve their educational goals with ease. Other options, like Albany State University in Georgia and Montana State University Billings, also welcome nearly all applicants.
If you're searching for a college that values inclusivity and accessibility, these schools provide excellent opportunities for academic and personal growth. Take the next step confidently, knowing there's a place for you at a school that's ready to help you succeed!
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FAQs
What is the Easiest Degree to Take in College?
Degrees in fields like Communications, Psychology, English, Education, and Sociology are often considered less intensive in terms of math and science requirements. However, "easiest" is subjective and depends on your strengths and interests. Choosing a degree you enjoy can make the coursework feel more manageable.
What are Easiest Colleges to Get into with Low GPA?
Community colleges and schools with open admission policies generally accept students with lower GPAs. Some accessible four-year schools in the U.S. include:
- California State University
- University of Texas at El Paso
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
Which Oxford Colleges Are Easiest to Get Into?
Oxford admissions are highly competitive across all colleges, but some tend to have slightly higher acceptance rates due to lower application numbers, such as Harris Manchester College (for students over 21), St. Hilda's College, and Mansfield College.
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- The 10 Colleges with the Highest Acceptance Rates. (2020). Usnews.com. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/highest-acceptance-rate
- Niche: Explore Schools, Companies, and Neighborhoods. (2014). Niche. https://www.niche.com/
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