Getting a college education is always a primary concern for many students who aspire to achieve their dream professions. However, most schools and universities often set a particular standard of acceptance. Some might require one to pass an entrance exam with a minimum test score. Many set particular GPA requirements.
This can be an obstacle for students who have limited opportunities to excel in high school. For many parents and students, the admission process to most U.S. schools can be exhausting, overwhelming, time-consuming, and expensive. But for those who want to explore easier options, they may consider looking for schools with open admission policies.
Explore our article effortlessly using these page-jumps:
What is Open Admission acceptance?
The Relevance of Open Admission Today
Best Online Schools with Open Admissions in 2020
* Liberty University
* Florida National University
* Sullivan University
* Walden University
* Bellevue University
* Salem International University
* University of Maryland University College
* Baker College
* Granite State College
* City University of New Seattle
* Strayer University
* Rasmussen College
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What is Open Admission acceptance?
Generally, Open Admission means that a school’s acceptance process is unselective and non-competitive. Unlike traditional admission criteria, open admission colleges only require a student to have a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Most of these schools can be found in community colleges and those that grant associate degrees. There are also a few four-year colleges that provide the same admission policy.
Open admission policies have been in existence since the 1960s and 1970s in the effort to reduce barriers to higher education, giving rare opportunities to many students who come from low-income families and underprivileged backgrounds to earn a degree of their choice.
Unlike open-door policies that accept paying applicants regardless of educational background, the open admission policy serves as a stepping stone for students to prove that they can successfully undertake the coursework required for a college degree.
The Relevance of Open Admission Today
Most online colleges are known to follow the open admission policy. It is all about access and opportunity for the underprivileged who want to pursue a college degree. The challenging time we face today due to the pandemic puts open admission to the spotlight.
With many schools closed and students stuck at home, the road to education has shifted to accommodate the changing landscape. Online education is now an excellent option for many students who want to continue their education and pursue their chosen degrees. Many colleges also waived or postponed their education requirements due to the present pandemic.
12 Best Online Schools with Open Admissions
For students who want to explore some schools with open admission policies, the following universities can give them a wealth of choices:
Liberty University
A private, nonprofit Christian university in Central Virginia, Liberty University’s enrollment has exceeded 100,000. It offers more than 700 unique degree programs, with some of them available both on-campus and online. The university’s admission process is relatively easy and straightforward.
After choosing the degree of their choice, incoming undergraduate students are required to send their transcripts and other necessary documents to begin the admission process. While they are generally accepted into most programs with unofficial transcripts, students are obliged to submit their official transcripts within 60 days of acceptance or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, depending on whichever occurs first. They are then encouraged to start their financial aid process.
The university practices open admission, meaning no GPA requirements or ideal test scores are needed to be able to enroll in the course of one’s choice.
Florida National University
Having opened its doors since 1988, Florida National University is known to provide educational and cultural programs. They have always welcomed students from all walks of life, regardless of background, gender, religion, national origin, age, or physical handicap.
It is also one of the universities that offer Open Door Enrollment Admission policy. This means any student with a high school diploma or GED certificate can attend. The guaranteed acceptance emphasizes access and opportunity to students who may not be academically excellent but who aspire to pursue a college degree. Students may not submit their ACT or SAT scores, although they must pass a diagnostic test upon admission to gauge their competency. Depending on the result, students might be required remedial or developmental coursework before they can proceed to their college-level courses.
While the open admission policy is in place, it does not guarantee admission to all programs or courses. There are some programs with restrictions in place, requiring students to meet specific admission requirements. The university still ensures that academic standards are not compromised.
Sullivan University
A private institution of higher learning, Sullivan University has always been dedicated to providing educational enrichment of students. Their academic offerings range from certificate and diploma to associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels.
While the university does not require ACT or SAT scores or program-specific entrance evaluation, a high school diploma and GED certification are also accepted. Students who might not be able to meet the test scores required for their specific degree can choose other degrees that have no restrictions. They also have an option to attend non-degree courses that can help them in professional development. Once they are ready, they can decide to convert their enrollment status to degree-seeking by notifying the registrar’s office.
Currently, there is no deadline for applying for admission due to the university’s rolling admissions policy. Those who apply first are accepted first.
Walden University
Founded in 1970, Walden University is committed to providing quality education to traditional students, working professionals, and students who need the flexibility and convenience of online or hybrid learning. They aim to produce graduates with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to impact their work, communities, and society as a whole.
The university has an open admission policy that accepts students who have a high school diploma or GED certificate. They do not specify individual GPA rating requirements or test scores, letting most aspiring students apply for the program of their choice. They even have the option to earn their degree online.
Bellevue University
Established in 1966, Bellevue University is an open-access institution with more than 50,000 graduates worldwide. It has been recognized as the national leader in preparing students for successful lifelong careers through affordable, quality education.
As an institution that enshrines open admission policy, any student can apply provided they have graduated from an accredited high school, or the applicant must have the equivalent academic training (GED) otherwise. Once they have submitted their application, students can then provide their required documents. Students have various options for financial assistance, including aid, grant, and scholarships.
Salem International University
Founded in 1888, Salem International University has always been known for its tradition of academic innovation and excellence. They have a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees on offer to help students build a successful career for themselves. They also provide flexible options for working adults through their online learning programs.
Unlike other schools, this university has an open admissions policy, which means aspiring students are only required to graduate from high school or demonstrate a high school equivalency by completing the General Education Development (GED) test before enrollment. There are specific programs, though, that ask for additional requirements like the school of nursing and school of education.
University of Maryland University College
Established 70 years ago, the University of Maryland Global Campus has a demonstrated history of providing quality education to working adults and service members. Their online programs offer a range of degree options, from undergraduate to graduate programs.
Designed to be accessible for many, the university has an open admission policy in place, ensuring that any student who meets the essential criteria can apply. At the very least, students need to make sure that they have graduated from a state-approved or regionally accredited high school. Otherwise, they are required to get the passing score on a state high school equivalency exam, such as the GED. Interested students can start their application process by submitting the necessary documents like their high school transcript.
Baker College
With more than a century of academic history tucked under its belt, Baker College aims to provide high-quality education with its vast range of degree offerings for different fields, including business, education, and engineering.
Just like other higher learning institutions with open admissions policy, this school requires a high school transcript from interested applicants. If not, a GED certificate is needed for admission. The college does not require the ACT or SAT as a condition for admission. Still, if students have taken the exams, then they are encouraged to send their test results to determine their potential scholarship eligibility.
Granite State College
For more than 40 years, Granite State College provides access to quality and affordable education. They also offer opportunities even for working adults through their online programs with flexible options.
Since the college is offering an open admission policy, there is no required minimum GPA rating nor accepted test scores. High school graduates may apply by presenting their diplomas. Aspiring students can also provide their home school equivalent in the form of a GED certificate. The application process is fast, typically takes just a few minutes to complete. There is no application fee required, either. Students can also apply for their chosen degree anytime with the rolling admissions policy.
City University of New Seattle
Established in 1973, the City University of New Seattle is an accredited, nonprofit university that aims to provide career-relevant education to busy professionals who wish to advance their careers. They hope to change students’ lives for the better by offering high-quality and flexible learning options.
The university observes the open admission policy. They did not set a specific GPA rating or test scores for application. Students are only required to submit their official transcripts or the equivalent certificate. However, there might be challenging programs that require specific academic standards.
Strayer University
Located in Washington DC, Strayer University is a private, for-profit higher learning institution that aims to provide quality education to students. They have a range of offerings, from certificates and associate’s degrees to bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
True to its mission, the university is an open-access university. The essential requirement for admission to an undergraduate degree or a diploma program is a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, there are particular programs that require a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
While basic requirements are accepted, students will be evaluated for proficiency in English and Mathematics. They might be advised to take developmental courses if they do not meet the criteria.
Rasmussen College
Dedicated to global enrichment and the evolving needs of diverse communities, Rasmussen College emphasizes innovative programs, dynamic curriculum, and general education skills. They are committed to providing career-focused education.
Because they follow the open admission policy, the college asks for a few requirements for the application process. Students who are interested in applying can provide their high school diploma or GED certificate. They are not required to send their test scores or achieve a particular GPA average rating. It will be useful to note, however, that some complex courses might have different admission requirements.
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