For students who couldn’t meet up with the high admission criteria of most USA Ivy League universities, here are some top universities with High Acceptance Rates you can go for. These universities just like most Ivy League schools, offer quality and affordable education.
They have conducive learning environments, beautiful campuses, active athletics programs, and great employment opportunities. So, don’t think they are low-standard universities because they are not.
Another exciting thing about these universities is that they accept all grade students, both international students. And the even offer financial aids which can come in the form of scholarships, grants, or awards.
To get a list of these universities in the USA, carefully read this post. Here we have listed 30 universities with the highest acceptance rates. To get an overview, navigate through the table of contents below.
Table of contents
- USA Universities with the Highest Acceptance Rate
- #1. University of Akron in Akron, OH
- #2. University of Pikeville in Pikeville, KY
- #3. Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS
- #4. Governors State University in University Park, IL
- #5. University of Toledo in Toledo, OH
- #6. Western State Colorado University in Gunnison, CO
- #7. Lyndon State College in Lyndonville, VT
- #8. Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, MN
- #9. Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, OR
- #10. North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND
- #11. Wilmington University in New Castle, DE
- #12. Wright State University in Dayton, OH
- #13. The Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, TX
- #14. Bemidji State University in Bemidji, MN
- #15. The Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in Edinboro, PA
- #16. Granite State College in Concord, NH
- #17. The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA
- #18. University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY
- #19. Dixie State University in Saint George, UT
- #20. Utah State University in Logan, UT
- #21. Colorado State University-Pueblo in Pueblo, CO
- #22. University of Maryland University College in Adelphi, MD
- #23. Wayne State College in Wayne, NE
- #24. Montana State University Billings in Billings, MT
- #25. Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY
- #26. Washburn University in Topeka, KS
- #27. Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, ID
- #28. College of Staten Island (CUNY) in Staten Island, NY
- #29. Montana State University-Northern in Havre, MT
- #30. College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick, GA
- Recommendations
USA Universities with the Highest Acceptance Rate
Here is the list:
#1. University of Akron in Akron, OH
The University of Akron has Carnegie’s high research activity classification and a net cost of $16,568. The Acceptance Rate is 97% and the student Retention Rate is 73%. The University of Akron is a public research university established in 1870, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Akron offers more than 200 undergraduate areas of study over 300 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and law degree programs. Courses made available to students across the region via distance learning.
Prospective student applicants are automatically considered for top UA scholarships and admission into the Williams Honors College
#2. University of Pikeville in Pikeville, KY
The University of Pikeville is a private, liberal arts university established in 1889 by the Presbyterian Church. The university offers unique undergraduate programs in film and media arts, RN-BSN, healthcare management, and more, providing 99 percent of freshmen with some type of financial aid.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees, Pikeville has, four colleges and schools, 24 majors, and an average class size of 20 students.
The university offers about 21 athletic programs and over 40 student organizations, including academic, service, leadership, and Greek societies. The Net Cost is $16,504 with an Acceptance Rate is 100% and a Student Retention Rate of 56%. About 72 percent of freshmen live on the 25-acre campus.
Check out: Top 20 USA Universities With The Best Campus Life In 2024
#3. Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS
Kansas State University is a public doctoral university established in 1863. The Net Cost is $16,431 with an Acceptance Rate of 95% and a Student Retention Rate of 85%.
The school has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is in the Big 12 Conference of collegiate athletics.
Students offer over 250 undergraduate majors and programs, and 159 graduate degrees and certificates.
The university offers $36 million in scholarships awarded annually and flexible degree options in online and degree completion formats, with a minimum GPA is 2.0 and an application fee is $30.
#4. Governors State University in University Park, IL
Governors State University ranks as the safest public university campus and offers Illinois’s most affordable undergraduate tuition. The Acceptance Rate is 94% with a Net Cost of $16,143 and a Student Retention Rate of 55%.
Established in 1969, Governors State University offers 64 degree, 24 certificate programs and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The physical campus offers on-campus housing and hosts more than 70 student clubs and organizations.
#5. University of Toledo in Toledo, OH
The university’s Acceptance Rate is 93%, with a Net Cost of $15,919 and a Student Retention Rate of 74%.
Established in 1872, the University of Toledo is a student-centered, public metropolitan research university with over 16,000 undergraduate students (from 46 states and over 80 countries) and 350 student organizations.
It is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is currently ranks No. 2 in Ohio among Carnegie-classified public research institutions.
#6. Western State Colorado University in Gunnison, CO
Colorado resident students are eligible to receive a stipend from the College Opportunity Fund. The Acceptance Rate is 98%, with a Net Cost: $15,780 and a Student Retention Rate of 69%. Established in 1901, Western State Colorado University has a total of 2,539 enrolled students and an average class size of 17.
The university offers 67 undergraduate academic programs and three graduate degree programs, and about 74 percent of Western students receive some financial aid, and it’s only $30 to apply.
#7. Lyndon State College in Lyndonville, VT
Lyndon State College classes with the FLEX designation are made available in online, hybrid, evening, or weekend course formats. The Acceptance Rate is 99%, with a Net Cost of $15,587 and a Student Retention Rate of 68%.
Founded in 1911, Lyndon State College is a public liberal arts college with a 195-acre campus in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom.
Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), LSC offers 28 undergraduate majors; the most popular are the music business industry, mountain recreation management, exercise science, business, and visual arts.
#8. Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, MN
The University offers over 60 undergraduate programs, 12 master’s degrees, two doctoral programs, and individualized baccalaureate degrees. The Acceptance Rate is 100%, with a Net Cost of $15,231 and a Student Retention Rate of 71%.
Established in 1971, Metropolitan State University is a four-year public university and a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
This university offers high-quality, flexible, and affordable options in undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education through the day, evening, weekend, online and hybrid courses in over 20 teaching locations, including four primary campuses in Saint Paul, Brooklyn Park, Midway, and Minneapolis, all of which are accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
#9. Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, OR
By completing a joint application, students can access additional courses, programs, degrees, and resources through Eastern Oregon University and Blue Mountain Community College.
The Acceptance Rate is 97%, with a Net Cost is $14,973 and a Student Retention Rate is 73%.
Established in 1929, Eastern Oregon University is a state-funded, four-year university of higher education in the State, accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
The college has over 50 student clubs and 14 available EOU scholarship opportunities during which EOU awards more than $11.3 million in scholarship grants annually to students.
Academics include 15 fully-online majors, an AA in elementary education, 21 on-campus undergraduate majors, 27 minors, five partnership degree programs, a master of business administration, four certificate programs and 10 pre-professional programs in areas like optometry, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine.
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#10. North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND
According to PayScale in the 2016 College ROI report, North Dakota State University has “one of the highest student return-on-investment ratios for public research universities in the nation.” The Acceptance Rate is 94%, with a Net Cost of $14,581 and a Student Retention Rate of 80%.
North Dakota State University is a public land-grant research university on a 258-acre campus where the 14,432 enrolled students are offered to study from over 100 majors, 25 fully-online undergraduate degrees, master’s degrees, and graduate certificate programs.
NDSU degree programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This college has a statewide reach through Extension Service and Research Experiment Station locations. Applicants only need $35 for the application fee and a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.75 (4.0 scale).
#11. Wilmington University in New Castle, DE
Prospective students at Wilmington University are allowed to transfer up to 90 credits, and the application fee is just $35.
The Acceptance Rate is 100%, with a Net Cost of $14,471 and a Student Retention Rate of 58%. Established in 1968, Wilmington University is a private, non-profit doctoral research institution located not too far from Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York, and Washington.
This university annually enrolls 18,000+ diverse students, with more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are accessible at the New Castle/main campus location, including bachelor’s degrees.
To earn these degrees, day, evening and weekend class options are available in 15-week, 7-week and weekend modular formats. Fusion programs allow partially online learning, while additional physical academic sites are also abundant.
#12. Wright State University in Dayton, OH
Wright State University’s Nutter Center is southwest Ohio’s “premier sports and entertainment complex” where many of the school’s NCAA Division I athletes train and compete.
The Acceptance Rate is 96%, with a Net Cost of $14,464 and a Student Retention Rate of 66%. Established in 1964, WSU is a public research university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) with nearly 18,000 students.
This university is made up of eight colleges, three schools, and a branch lake campus in Celina, Ohio. The 557-acre main campus offers an extraordinary 230+ degree programs at the associate, baccalaureate, certificate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
Online, students can take advantage of the flexible RN-BSN Nursing Degree Completion Program (BSN), 14 online master’s programs, and one doctoral nursing program.
#13. The Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, TX
Wayland Baptist University has an Acceptance Rate of 99%, with a Net Cost of $14,453 and a Student Retention Rate of 51%.
Established in 1908, Wayland Baptist University is a private university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and operates campuses in Lubbock, Amarillo, Wichita Falls and San Antonio, TX; Altus, OK; Clovis and Albuquerque, NM; Phoenix and Sierra Vista, AZ; Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska; Mililani, HI; Kenya, Africa; and online.
WBU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award degrees and certificates at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels; and a Christian worldview informs its education. More than 95 percent of the university’s full-time students receive financial assistance.
#14. Bemidji State University in Bemidji, MN
Bemidji State University accepts applications year-round and requires a $20 application fee. The Acceptance Rate is 94%, with a Net Cost of $14,334 and a Student Retention Rate of 72%. Established in 1919, Bemidji State University is a public state university on the serene shores of Lake Bemidji.
This lovely lakeside campus is an incredibly safe member of the colleges and universities of Minnesota State.
Approximately 5,000 enrolled undergraduate and over 300 graduate students can choose to study from over 65 undergraduate majors and pre-professional programs, 14 graduate programs, and seven fully online bachelor’s degree programs.
The university offers in-state or reciprocity tuition to all qualified students, and 82 percent of those enrolled receive some financial aid.
#15. The Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in Edinboro, PA
The Edinboro University of Pennsylvania has earned its Military Friendly designation for its accessible degree programs for the last seven years. The Acceptance Rate is 99%, with a Net Cost of $14,323 and a Student Retention Rate of 70%.
Established in 1857, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania is a multi-purpose four-year university that offers 123 baccalaureate programs, 16 graduate degree programs, 10 associate degree programs, and 10 certificates.
The university has a 585-acre campus and awards around $4.7 million in institutional scholarships. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and offers PSAC and NCAA Divisions I and II varsity sports, plus wheelchair basketball.
#16. Granite State College in Concord, NH
Application into this university is free with an Acceptance Rate of 100%, a Net Cost of $13,922, and a Student Retention Rate of 58%.
Established in 1972, Granite State College a Military Friendly™ university with more than 13 percent of students actively serving in the armed forces or has served and has specifically focused on adult students and has become.
The average Granite State undergraduate is 34-years-old, and more than 84 percent of the 4,109 students are transferred, so the university specializes in maximizing previously earned college credits and work experience.
A member of the University System of New Hampshire, GSC is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and offers programs to earn an AA, AS, BA, BS, MS, post-baccalaureate teacher certifications and 11 undergraduate minors made available through online delivery or face-to-face interactions at five full-service regional campuses and three academic sites.
#17. The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA
71 percent of Evergreen State College students receive financial aid and about 50 percent of graduates complete their degrees without any debt.
The Acceptance Rate is 98% with a Net Cost of $13,367 and a Student Retention Rate of 68%. Established in 1971, The Evergreen State College is a progressive, public liberal arts and sciences college that allows students the opportunity to choose programs with topics they’re most interested in.
Approximately 4,300 are enrolled in 60+ fields of study to choose from, including three graduate programs in environmental studies, public administration, and teaching. Freshmen students have access to specialized equipment like nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopes and 3D printers as early as they want.
Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Evergreen has the third-highest four-year graduation rate among the state’s public institutions with 97 percent of the university’s graduates working, in grad schools or doing something personally meaningful within one-year post-graduation.
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#18. University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY
The University has an Acceptance Rate of 96% with a Net Cost of $13,155 and a Student Retention Rate of 77%. Established in 1886, the University of Wyoming is a land grant with over 14,000 students offered to study from 80 undergraduate and 90 graduate degree programs.
UW has the largest study-abroad scholarship endowment, in almost 50 countries each year at 400+ domestic and study abroad sites.
The university has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and its students can apply for $42.6 million in available scholarships. UW at a Distance offers bachelor completion programs, master’s and doctoral degrees, and more.
#19. Dixie State University in Saint George, UT
The university has an Acceptance Rate of 100% with a Net Cost of $13,071 and a Student Retention Rate of 54%.
Established in 1911, Dixie State University is a comprehensive public university with about 8,350 students, bachelor’s degrees in 26 areas with 47 emphases opportunities, 22 minors, 16 associate’s degree programs, and 13 certificate options.
Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, DSU grants degrees through its College of Education, College of Business & Communication, College of Health Sciences, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Science and Technology, and College of the Arts.
Dixie offers financial aid to 78 percent of its students in addition to various scholarship opportunities.
#20. Utah State University in Logan, UT
About 78 percent of Utah State University students ‘strongly agreed’ that their career opportunities improved as a result of their USU education.
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Net Cost: $13,037
Student Retention Rate: 73%
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is a public land-grant research university that is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Enrolling over 28,000 students, USU offers 168 undergraduate degrees and 143 graduate degrees through seven degree-granting colleges, the Huntsman School of Business, and a variety of fully online degree programs.
Unparalleled by any other school on this list, about 63.5 percent of USU faculty worked with undergraduates on a research project in the last two years.
This high acceptance rate college has the nation’s second oldest undergraduate research program, behind the very selective MIT.
On the beautiful 400-acre main campus, students enjoy Division I athletics and 200+ student clubs and organizations. For outdoor lovers, the campus is just a few minutes from two magnificent mountain ranges.
#21. Colorado State University-Pueblo in Pueblo, CO
Colorado State University-Pueblo as an Outdoor Pursuits program and an Acceptance Rate of 96%, a Net Cost of $12,887, and a Student Retention Rate of 66%.
Established in 1933, Colorado State University-Pueblo is a comprehensive public university with 4,500 students on a 275-acre campus 100 miles south of Denver.
CSU Pueblo students can choose from 28 undergraduate programs, 52 minors, and 10 graduate degree programs, all of which are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The university partners with the Smithsonian Institution, an unmatched collaboration, to offer summer internships in a variety of disciplines.
#22. University of Maryland University College in Adelphi, MD
The University has an Acceptance Rate of 100% with a Net Cost of $12,483 and a Student Retention Rate of 43%. Established in 1947, the University of Maryland University College is the academic home of more than 80,000 students worldwide.
A member of the University System of Maryland, UMUC is public, not-for-profit, and accessible online, at one of its 20+ locations in the DMV area and on-site at military installations in 20+ countries and territories.
The Middle States Commission regionally accredits UMUC on Higher Education. Students can transfer up to 90 credits from prior college coursework and work experience to put toward any of UMUC’s 90+ degrees, specializations, and certificates.
#23. Wayne State College in Wayne, NE
The university has an Acceptance Rate of 100% with a Net Cost of $12,139 and a Student Retention Rate of 67%. Established in 1891, Wayne State College is a four-year public college in the Nebraska State College System with 3,513 students, and an accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
WSC offers 90+ academic program options and also partners with the University of Nebraska Medical Center for its Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) and its Public Health Early Admissions Student Track (PHEAST) health program, as well as the college’s Rural Law Opportunities Program (RLOP).
WSC offers more than 200 scholarships to its students, and 99.8 percent of the alumni who graduated in the past year were quickly employed or attending graduate school.
#24. Montana State University Billings in Billings, MT
The university has an Acceptance Rate of 100% with a Net Cost of $11,680 and a Student Retention Rate of 54%. Established in 1927, Montana State University Billings’ main campus is 110 acres in downtown Billings, and the school is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NWCCU).
MSUB offers its 4,366 total students 24 online degree programs, two Certificates of Technical Studies, 14 Certificates of Applied Science, 33 associate’s, 28 bachelor’s and 17 master’s degree programs.
MSUB has 15 NCAA II sports teams in the Great Northwest Conference, the most within the state. MSU Billings awards over $1.5 million in scholarships annually; 500+ of these awards range from $200 book scholarships to full tuition.
#25. Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY
The university has an Acceptance Rate of 93% with a Net Cost of $11,409 and a Student Retention Rate of 73%.
Western Kentucky University is a public university established by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1906, home to more than 20,000 students on their main and satellite campuses in Bowling Green, Glasgow, Owensboro, and the Elizabethtown area.
WKU sends students to Harlaxton College in Grantham, England every semester, and other students circumnavigate the globe through the Semester at Sea program.
#26. Washburn University in Topeka, KS
The university has an Acceptance Rate of 99% with a Net Cost of $11,604 and a Student Retention Rate of 72%. Established in 1865, Washburn University is a co-educational, public university with over 7,500 students, 100+ campus clubs and organizations, and accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
University resources award a total of $7.9 million in scholarships, the application fee is just $20 and students with residency in Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma or Texas qualify for the Interstate Tuition Waiver if they can keep a 3.0 GPA.
#27. Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, ID
The university has an Acceptance Rate of 99%, a Net Cost of $11,296, and a Student Retention Rate of 58%.
Established in 1893, Lewis-Clark State College is a public undergraduate college with an enrollment of approximately 4,000 students and a three-part mission of academic programs, career and technical education programs, and community programs.
The 90+ available degrees and certificates, seven academic divisions, two career and technical education divisions, 372 online courses, and nine online degree programs have helped 95 percent of LCSC recent graduates get jobs or enroll in graduate school.
The 46-acre campus hosts 60+ student organizations and doesn’t require any application fee; 76 percent of students receive financial aid.
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#28. College of Staten Island (CUNY) in Staten Island, NY
Compared to other research institutions, students at the College of Staten Island conduct research with faculty, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and facilities much earlier in their academic career.
The Acceptance Rate is 100% with a Net Cost of $10,627 and a Student Retention Rate of 80%. Established in 1976, College of Staten Island is one of the 11 four-year senior colleges within the City University of New York system, and its 204-acre campus is the largest single-site for a New York City college.
Through the 24 college departments, CSI has a number of selective academic programs, learning communities, and undergraduate research opportunities, regardless of its 100 percent acceptance rate.
The university was named a Top Public College in the Northeast by U.S. News and World Report, offers the most extensive study abroad program in CUNY and competes in the NCAA III, CUNYAC, and ECAC Conferences.
#29. Montana State University-Northern in Havre, MT
The university has an Acceptance Rate of 100%, a Net Cost of $10,523 and a Student Retention Rate of 59%.
Established in 1929, Montana State University-Northern is a public state university with 1,273 students and part of the Montana State University System.
MSUN is an institutional participant of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) through which, the university offers reduced tuition (150 percent of its in-state semester rate) to student residents from the following participating states:
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming.
WUE is only available to students who have not previously completed a bachelor’s degree. About 80 percent of MSUN students receive some form of financial aid, and $11 million in scholarships is awarded each year.
Offering over 40 majors and over 30 minors, the university is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), this university has educational centers in Great Falls (co-located with Great Falls College MSU) and in Lewistown.
#30. College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick, GA
The university has an Acceptance Rate of 95%, a Net Cost of $10,354, and a Student Retention Rate of 57%. College of Coastal Georgia is a public state undergraduate college and a member of the University System of Georgia, CCGA enrolls 3,500 students who enjoy participating in over 40 clubs and organizations.
The 193-acre campus hosts students who team up with community partners such as the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Jekyll Island Authority, and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
The Commission accredits CCGA on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate and baccalaureate degrees and more than 85 percent of students receive some financial aid.
The university is in the Southern States Athletic Conference with eight competitive sports teams: men’s basketball, golf, and tennis, and women’s basketball, golf, tennis, softball, and volleyball.
Frequently Asked Questions
The acceptance rate for top universities in the United States in 2024 is difficult to predict at this time. Generally, acceptance rates for top universities have been fluctuating over the past few years and will likely continue to do so. It’s important to keep in mind that each university has its own unique admissions process and criteria, so acceptance rates can vary significantly from one school to another.
It’s also important to remember that the number of qualified applicants increases every year, making it more challenging for students to get accepted into top universities. To increase your chances of getting accepted, make sure you’re aware of all admission requirements and take steps to make yourself stand out from other applicants. This could include taking part in extracurricular activities, pursuing leadership roles, or obtaining impressive academic achievements.
In short, predicting the exact acceptance rate for top universities in 2024 is impossible at this time.
The acceptance rate for top US universities is largely influenced by the number of applications they receive. Each year, thousands of students apply to the most prestigious universities in the country and competition can be fierce. Additionally, the admissions committee looks closely at academic performance, extracurricular activities, and essays when making their decisions.
Another factor that can influence acceptance rates is the demographics of each applicant pool. For example, some universities prioritize diversity in their student body and may accept more students from underrepresented backgrounds than other applicants. Similarly, universities may also consider geographical diversity when admitting students.
Finally, many top universities have a holistic approach to admissions and look at all aspects of an applicant’s profile before making a final decision. This means that while grades and test scores are important factors, they aren’t necessarily the only ones that will determine whether or not a student gets accepted into one of these prestigious institutions.
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