2026 Most Affordable jmcomic漫画s with Open Admissions
Discover cheap online open admission colleges below, ordered by manually collected tuition by the OnlineU research team.
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For prospective students, starting with a list of cheap online open admissions colleges is a smart strategic move because acceptance is guaranteed. Open admissions colleges, also called open enrollment colleges, have 100% acceptance rates, admitting all students with a high school diploma or GED, regardless of their academic history.
You can shift your question from "Will I get in?" to "Which program is the best fit for my goals and budget?" From there, you can compare costs. This list of the cheapest open admission colleges are ordered by yearly in-state tuition.
Key Takeaways:
- Indian River State College is the #1 cheapest online school with open admissions at $3,513/year in tuition.
- The University of Arkansas Grantham has the highest median alumni earnings at $82,158, just four years after graduating. This puts it in the top 15% of colleges nationally for pay.
- The top 9 online schools with open admission are below $10,000/year for in-state students.
To identify the best online schools with open admissions policies, we focused on three things: accessibility, scale, and academic credibility. Every school on the list is accredited and has an open admissions policy. From there, we required each institution to offer at least 10 fully online bachelor's degrees and have at least 25% of undergraduates enrolled fully online. This way, the list shows only the schools that prioritize online learning as a core mission.
How We Rank "Most Affordable" Schools
The OnlineU research team manually collects and verifies tuition data for every school on our lists, ensuring you see accurate, up-to-date costs whether you're pursuing an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral program. To qualify, schools must offer fully online degrees, hold institutional accreditation, and have verifiable enrollment data through the National Center for Education Statistics. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
We prioritize schools that offer a consistent tuition rate across programs at the same degree level, so you're not caught off guard by unexpected price differences between majors, and for graduate programs we go a step further by individually calculating program costs since credit requirements and fees vary widely.
2026 Most Affordable jmcomic漫画s with Open Admissions
| Rank | School | Annual In-State Tuition | Annual Out-of-State Tuition | Recommendation | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian River State College | $3,513 | $12,000 | 86% | $49,755 | |
| Thomas Edison State University | $7,044 | $9,122 | 63% | $80,920 | |
| Columbia Southern University | $8,340 | $8,340 | 78% | $72,842 | |
| SUNY Empire State University | $8,850 | $10,590 | 60% | $63,700 | |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | $8,940 | $8,940 | 87% | $67,125 | |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | $9,150 | $9,150 | 56% | $82,158 | |
| National American University Online | $9,690 | $9,690 | 43% | $60,955 | |
| Charter Oak State College | $9,870 | $9,870 | 80% | $62,501 | |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | $9,900 | $14,970 | 59% | $80,146 | |
| University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies | $9,900 | $9,900 | 60% | N/A | |
| Mayville State University | $10,421 | $10,421 | 100% | $55,708 | |
| Capella University | $10,680 | $10,680 | 63% | $78,942 | |
| National University | $11,100 | $11,100 | 47% | $74,293 | |
| Purdue Global | $11,130 | $11,130 | 76% | $58,518 | |
| Columbia College | $11,250 | $11,250 | 60% | $55,042 |
What Sets This School Apart:
- IRSC is build around online student support. A student stuck at 11:30 PM doesn’t have to hit a dead end. They can access 24/7 Canvas support, jump into Brainfuse tutoring, or submit writing for asynchronous feedback. These are really helpful tools to look out for when choosing the best open admissions online school because they solve different breakdowns in real time.
- Virtual proctoring through Honorlock ensures coursework maintains structure, but the existence of five physical Assessment Centers creates a fallback when online conditions aren’t ideal for whatever reason.
- There's full mobile functionality through Canvas. That means a student can participate (i.e., submit assignments, track deadlines, and engage in discussions) all from their phone. That’s a really helpful workaround for students who don’t always have consistent laptop access.
9 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees
School provided the opportunity to take all classes online. Advisors were always available and helpful.
I graduated from IRSC with multiple degrees and a Nursing License. My children have also attended classes at IRSC.
Trickier to become an instructor as... Read More
IRSC was affordable and practical for those returning from an absence in college level courses, new college students, and/or anyone enrolling in collegiate courses for their very first time (regardless of age). The campuses, classrooms, and advisors are... Read More
My previous review is incorrect. IRSC was the single greatest experience of my life. IRSC offers constant opportunities to network and participate in school functions both promotional and charitable. Between my professors and fellow students, I have been... Read More
AI Summary of Student Reviews: Indian River State College is described in strongly favorable terms overall. You see repeated praise for supportive instructors, approachable staff, and practical resources that help you succeed academically while also building confidence, leadership, and public-speaking skills. There is strong appreciation for affordability, with low tuition and accessible online classes standing out as meaningful advantages for working adults, returning learners, and anyone seeking flexibility without sacrificing quality. Several reviews highlight that professors are invested, career-informed, and helpful without being overly dependent, which suggests a learning environment that is both supportive and adult-centered.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Undergraduate Online: 4,833 enrolled
- Median Earnings: $49,755
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 42%
- Retention Rate: N/A
What Sets This School Apart:
- Schools at this price point typically feed into entry-level outcomes. TESU doesn’t. The earnings data across bachelor's degrees is at a median of $80,920. This suggests that a large share of students are not starting from zero. They’re finishing something they began years ago, often while already working in their field.
- Instead of treating prior experience as “nice to have,” TESU turns it into the core engine of an online degree. Work history, military training, certifications, credit-by-exam (CLEP, DSST, TECEP), portfolio assessments (even MicroBachelors) are all evaluated as potential college credit. TESU has created a structure that can save you a lot of time.
- The same structure that speeds up completion also shifts responsibility onto the student. Reviews consistently describe courses as highly self-directed, with heavy writing and fewer traditional teaching touchpoints. This is the kind of situation that only works if you're self-motivated and disciplined.
43 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees
Thomas Edison is very proficient in online studies. Some students are even in the military while they are students. Thomas Edison is also more flexible regarding testing out of a subject, submitting a portfolio, and accepting previous coursework taken... Read More
Great method for secondary education I have earned 19 credits thus far here and it has enabled me to better my knowledge and skills. Sometimes it feel too challenging but with the effort I鈥檝e gotten good grades. I like that there are 12 semesters a year... Read More
Enjoyed attending TESU, the affordability of degree programs is outstanding. The outcomes after graduation further solidified I had made the right choice attending this university. The 5 courses needed for graduation didn't bankrupt me and the faculty... Read More
AI Summary of Student Reviews: The overall picture is mixed, but the strongest positive theme is flexibility for working adults, military members, veterans, and transfer-heavy learners. Many reviewers value the university’s liberal transfer-credit policies, credit-by-exam options, portfolio assessment, and the ability to finish quickly while working full time. Several say these features helped them advance careers, qualify for graduate study, or complete long-delayed degrees affordably. The main dissatisfaction is not with degree access, but with execution. Reviewers repeatedly cite inconsistent mentor quality, weak advising, poor responsiveness, confusing administrative processes, unexpected fees, and financial aid complications.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Undergraduate Online: 6,609 enrolled
- Median Earnings: $80,920
- Avg. Grad. Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: N/A
What Sets This School Apart:
- Textbooks are included at $0 cost, which sounds minor until you consider how often book expenses quietly add thousands to a degree's cost. CSU essentially flattens that variable, making the real cost of attendance far more predictable than most peer institutions.
- A median salary of $72,842 across all bachelor's programs is a wage outcome around the 70th percentile nationally. This outperforms what you’d typically expect at this price. Combined with a 79% recommendation rate, it seems that students here generally know what they’re getting, and many feel it delivers on its promises.
- With 13,111 online students (top ~1% nationally), CSU is operating a high-volume college system where processes, course design, and support structures have been standardized. That’s important because at this size, inconsistency usually shows up quickly in reviews. However, in the case of CSU, the dominant themes of flexibility, affordability, and career relevance hold steady across the hundreds of reviews we've collected.
89 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees
I have a Bachelors Degree from CSU earned before the regional accreditation was obtained. Honestly I did worry about the accreditation but I found the coursework to be challenging and the resources helpful. In fact, the course work was as challenging... Read More
I recently graduated from CSU but have decided to pursue my Master鈥檚 degree at another university. There's no problem with transferring my credits. I'm not sure why some people say that credits don't transfer. That's simply not true. I thoroughly enjoyed... Read More
I am happy I picked CSU. They are Regionally Accredited effective 12/6/2022, but retroactive from 1/1/2022. It is all political don鈥檛 feel bad because it鈥檚 all about money. I like the school and the program. The classes are not easy, I鈥檝e don鈥檛 in person... Read More
AI Summary of Student Reviews: Across these user reviews, Columbia Southern University’s bachelor’s programs are described in largely favorable terms. You repeatedly see praise for affordability, flexible online pacing, generous transfer-credit policies, included textbooks or book grants, and strong fit for working adults, military personnel, parents, and midcareer professionals. Many reviewers say the asynchronous format let them study around deployments, shift work, childcare, and full-time jobs, and several report promotions, salary gains, new jobs, or progress into graduate study after completing their degrees. There is a consistent theme that coursework is writing-heavy, APA-intensive, and often more demanding than expected, which some value as evidence the school is not a diploma mill. The negative reviews are concentrated around administrative friction and perceived instructional inconsistency.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Undergraduate Online: 12,213 enrolled
- Median Earnings: $72,842
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 37%
- Retention Rate: 59%
What Sets This School Apart:
- SUNY Empire lets you shape what the degree actually becomes. Instead of moving through a fixed sequence of courses, students can work one-on-one with faculty to design parts of their learning experience, sometimes even building customized degree paths.
- The tradeoff is visible in the outcomes. A median salary of $63,700 across SUNY's bachelor's programs are around the 50th percentile nationally. So, it doesn’t overperform like some schools on this list. It does, however, align with what this model is built for: adaptability.
- Two-thirds of courses offer free textbooks, the library runs 24/7 with direct librarian access, and there are even some short in-person residencies (like Gettysburg or Adirondack field experiences). Career support also extends beyond graduation, which is unusual at this lower price point.
18 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees
I was able to attend Suny Empire State College all online. This was very helpful to me because I had 2 babies while finishing my Bachelor's Degree. I was able to keep up with studies and not have to leave my kids for a long drive. All of the teachers... Read More
Attending Empire State online was a great experience. The advisors are exceptional and will truly help you find the right course plan for you. Despite being online, the school did a great job supporting us with various opportunities for additional academic... Read More
I was in my mid-30's and wanted to make a career change, but needed to finish my bachelor's degree to do so. I did extensive research into online degree programs because I was going to have to work full time while taking classes and didn't have a schedule... Read More
AI Summary of Our Student Reviews: Many reviewers praise the school’s flexibility for working adults, generous transfer-credit policies, affordable tuition pathways, and the mentor model when it works well. You can often study fully online, design a personalized degree plan, and balance employment, family, or military obligations. Several reviews also highlight supportive mentors, responsive professors, helpful academic coaching, and practical benefits such as easier re-entry for returning learners. Negative concerns are inconsistent mentor quality, self-directed courses that rely heavily on textbooks and papers, slow grading, weak instructor communication, confusing degree-plan approval, technology outages, and administrative problems involving billing, disability accommodations, and transfer-credit clarity.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Undergraduate Online: 7,518 enrolled
- Median Earnings: $63,700
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 29%
- Retention Rate: 46%
What Sets This School Apart:
- Most online colleges treat geography as something to overcome. UAF does the opposite. Its catalog carries a clear Northern and Arctic identity, with programs in Arctic and Northern Studies, Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Ocean Science, Arctic Security, Emergency Management, and related fields that are hard to replicate outside Alaska.
- UAF’s median bachelor’s earnings of $67,125 sit around the 57th percentile nationally, while its 91% recommendation rate ranks first on this list. So, even though students may not be reporting the very highest salaries, they appear to value the experience strongly. This is likely because the school delivers something specific, place-based, and practical rather than interchangeable online coursework.
8 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees
UAF offers a lot in the field of research, energy in the North (both oil and renewable), and engineering. The opportunities for myself as a student to engage in my degree field while studying was a great benefit to me and allowed me to build connections... Read More
The University of Alaska Fairbanks is a decent school to attend. Since my major was in science, I can only speak to the education I received in that field because I don't feel like I took enough English, economics, art, et cetera, to speak to those areas.... Read More
The program at UAF for Elementary Education had many pros and cons when I attended. The most satisfactory thing that I found was the amount of practicum hours in the classroom that each student is expected to complete. The college stands firmly in the... Read More
AI Student Review Summary: Hands-on learning and close faculty interaction are recurring strengths in reviews of University of Alaska Fairbanks. Reviewers often praise knowledgeable professors, small classes, research opportunities, and field-based experiences that helped connect coursework to careers, especially in areas tied to Alaska, Arctic studies, environmental science, Indigenous issues, and community-focused work. Many also highlight practical outcomes such as funded research, government connections, and job preparation after graduation. Criticism centers mainly on administration and campus logistics, with students reporting bureaucratic frustrations, uneven student services, inconsistent teaching quality across departments, and challenges related to housing, dining, transportation, and the harsh winter environment.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Undergraduate Online: 2,665 enrolled
- Median Earnings: $67,125
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 32%
- Retention Rate: 72%
What Sets This School Apart:
- UA Grantham addresses common first-mile barriers among students by having no application fee, monthly starts, a no-cost 1-credit onboarding course for new undergraduates, and a complimentary laptop for degree-seeking students after classes begin.
- Students who graduate from here make the highest median earnings on this list at $82,158 (85th percentile nationally), which suggests its low-cost, open-access model is not limited to low-return pathways.
29 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees
I did my AS degree elsewhere and completed my BS at Grantham University in 2021. Grantham curriculum is similar to other expensive Colleges and Universities, also the speed of completing each complex topic is about the same. I checked other schools and... Read More
Now the University of Arkansas Grantham, I hope they push for better accreditation. Like most online schools I had some really bad professors who basically just gave you As. I also had some real tough professors who really pushed me to do better work... Read More
This is a solid school. The customer service from all offices and advisor are excellent. The courses are challenging as they should be, and the professors are always available to provide help. I have obtained various degrees from other schools that are... Read More
AI Student Review Summary: Flexibility and accessibility are recurring strengths in reviews of University of Arkansas Grantham, especially among working adults, military learners, parents, and students managing irregular schedules. Reviewers often praise the fully online structure, transfer-credit acceptance, military-friendly policies, and degree plans that helped them finish quickly or advance professionally without major debt. Criticism centers heavily on administration and uneven academic quality, with students repeatedly citing financial aid delays, confusing billing, advisor turnover, scheduling problems, and poor communication. Some also describe courses as overly self-directed, rushed, or lacking academic depth, while others raise concerns about accreditation, transferability, and long-term employer recognition of the credential.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Undergraduate Online: 2,838 enrolled
- Median Earnings: $82,158
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 24%
- Retention Rate: 24%
What Sets This School Apart:
- Most open-admissions schools optimize for access and scale. NAU does almost the opposite; it's not not trying to be the biggest at all. With a 6:1 student-faculty ratio (top ~6% nationally for personalized attention) and a 60% graduation rate (top quartile and the best on this list), it illustrates how NAU is concerned with student success.
- Instead of a single advisor, students are supported by a coordinated group (enrollment, financial, and academic), all tied to a personalized completion plan.
24 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees
I have been attending NAU for a few years now. It has been a decent experience. I did a few in class courses and the rest have been online. I prefer the online classes as they are flexible. Cons about them are broken links to assignments sometimes and... Read More
The business program is great for anyone looking to further their education. I had great professors and classes. I love the flexibility of the schedule and being able to the do the program at my speed I want. I graduated quicker coming to NAU then I would... Read More
My employer required me to go back to school and get a business management degree. I was able to do my entire program on line without having to miss any work. My professors were top notch and always willing to help me. If you are looking for a school... Read More
AI Student Review Summary: Administrative and financial frustrations dominate many reviews of National American University Online, with students frequently citing unexpected balances, delayed financial aid, inconsistent communication, and confusion around transfer credits or graduation requirements. Several reviewers also report advisor turnover, withheld transcripts or diplomas, and difficulty getting clear answers from different departments. Positive feedback centers on flexibility, particularly for working adults, military learners, and parents who needed manageable online scheduling and smaller virtual class settings. Some reviewers also praise supportive instructors, practical pacing, and real-world faculty experience, especially when students entered with strong self-discipline and clear expectations about the online format.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Undergraduate Online: 767 enrolled
- Median Earnings: $60,955
- Avg. Grad. Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 67%
What Sets This School Apart:
- COSC's Credit for Prior Learning model evaluates professional training, licenses, certifications, workplace learning, and even select MOOCs for academic credit. In other words, it audits your existing life, work, and training history for degree value. So if you're someone who has already learned a lot, but need that knowledge translated into a formal credential, this could be a suitable fit.
- The 100% first-year retention rate also fits this story. It suggests that COSC may be especially effective at serving students who arrive with a clear purpose. It's for those who are focused on finishing what life, work, or earlier college attempts already started.
4 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees
I had a great experience as a first-time online student Charter Oak State College made it possible for me to complete my bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Victimology. After being out of school for so long I doubted that I... Read More
Charter Oak was a blessing to me and my career. I started there in 2016 looking to just get my associates and their courses and friendly personnel made me continue through to obtain an associates. I am thrilled with the experience I had there. It's also... Read More
I had a great 1.5 years here and completed my bachelor of psychology. I recommend to many individuals who require the flexibility of online learning, at a reasonable rate. The professors are great (of course you will likely find one or so you may not... Read More
AI Student Review Summary: Flexibility and transfer-credit accessibility are recurring strengths in reviews of Charter Oak State College, especially among working adults returning to school after long gaps. Reviewers often praise the college’s acceptance of prior coursework, military training, certifications, and portfolio credit, saying these options helped accelerate degree completion and reduce costs. Many also highlight supportive advising, reasonable tuition, and coursework that contributed to career advancement or professional confidence. Criticism centers mainly on course execution and administration, with students reporting repetitive discussion-board assignments, outdated materials, slow approvals, scheduling bottlenecks, delayed financial processes, and inconsistent instructor availability in some courses.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Undergraduate Online: 1,927 enrolled
- Median Earnings: $62,501
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 0%
- Retention Rate: 100%
What Sets This School Apart:
- UMGC turns open admissions into a credit-recovery system for working adults, military learners, and career changers. Its size reinforces this. With 44,794 online students and more than 135 degrees and certificates, UMGC operates like a large-scale adult-completion platform that supports eight-week courses, no-cost digital materials in nearly every course, side-by-side program comparison tools, graduation-date estimators, and lifetime career services.
- Open admissions can sometimes signal “easy to enter, hard to translate into value," but UMGC’s median alumni salary of $80,146 ranks in the 82nd percentile nationally.
96 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees
I really like this school and will have received 3 degrees from them Great for the military personnel. I also like how they are open to accepting things as they come, be that life emergencies, deployments, hospitalizations, etc. The staff and teachers... Read More
I had great professors. The online platform really helped in my success. The portals were super smooth, organized and easy to navigate. The main office/customer help line was always very kind and helpful. Although it was online, they still did a magnificent... Read More
Great school. I had many great professors that helped mentor me and really cared about my education. There were some tough classes towards the end of last year which required a lot more study time and the ability to really grasp new ideas but overall... Read More
AI Summary of Student Reviews: Flexibility and career accessibility are recurring strengths in reviews of University of Maryland Global Campus, especially among working adults, military learners, and students balancing family responsibilities. Reviewers often praise accelerated eight-week terms, transfer-credit policies, practical coursework, and instructors with industry experience who helped support promotions, career changes, or graduate-school goals. Many also value the clear online structure and convenient access to course materials. Criticism centers heavily on administration, with students repeatedly citing advising mistakes, transcript delays, billing confusion, financial aid issues, and poor communication across departments. Academic experiences are also described as uneven, ranging from rigorous and engaging to overly self-directed with repetitive assignments and inconsistent grading.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Undergraduate Online: 46,379 enrolled
- Median Earnings: $80,146
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 30%
- Retention Rate: 53%
What Sets This School Apart:
- UNH CPS builds around students who already have learning scattered across work, military training, prior college, certifications, and life experience. Its “Credit for What You Know” model treats open admissions as a re-entry point for unfinished education.
- UNH CPS is connected with healthcare systems, local governments, nonprofits, schools, financial institutions, and public agencies, which makes the college feel like a workforce-development bridge for New England adults. Employer tuition partnerships, applied capstones, practicums, and career advising all exist to close the gap between what students are studying and what they're already doing.
2 Student Reviews for Bachelor's Degrees
I attending UNH college of professional studies online. I completed the RN to BSN program. The program required several general education credits. These courses were completely irrelevant to my degree and professional development. On two occasions I was... Read More
Granite State College gives you all the things you would expect from a college and so much more. I was a 100% online student and I built a connection with my advisors and professors that was unmatched by other face to face college experiences I had. I... Read More
AI Student Review Summary: Experiences at University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies are described as highly inconsistent, with reviewers divided between strong support experiences and serious frustrations with administration and instruction. Positive feedback often comes from working adults and online learners who valued flexible scheduling, accessible advisors, responsive faculty, tutoring resources, and course structures that made returning to school feel manageable. Criticism centers heavily on communication and accountability problems, with students reporting unresolved administrative issues, inaccurate grading systems, inconsistent instruction, outdated coursework, and weak responsiveness from some faculty or staff. Several reviewers also questioned the long-term career value and employer perception of certain credentials.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Undergraduate Online: 1,326 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 14%
- Retention Rate: 33%
Stories Behind the Rankings: An Editorial Analysis
Lowest Tuition With Real Online Backup
At $3,513, IRSC is the lowest-cost school here, but the more interesting story is support design: 24/7 Canvas help, Brainfuse tutoring, writing feedback, Honorlock, mobile access, and physical assessment centers. The 80% recommendation rate suggests students see value beyond just price, even with a modest 42% graduation rate.
The Degree-Completion Engine
Thomas Edison State University's $7,044 tuition pairs with strong $80,920 median earnings, suggesting many students are already experienced adults finishing a credential rather than starting from scratch. In student reviews we've collected, generous transfer credit, military credit, exams, and portfolio assessment are mentioned to speed completion, but the overall 66% recommendation rate points to uneven execution.
The Salary Leader With a Completion Problem
The University of Arkansas Grantham posts the highest earnings figure on this list at $82,158, while keeping tuition under $10K. But the 24% graduation rate, 24% retention rate, and 60% recommendation rate create a sharp warning: Strong outcomes may reflect who succeeds, not how many students are carried through.
How Cheap Online Admission Colleges Expand Opportunity Without Sacrificing Academic Standards
Former Professor at UVU, Chief Scientist at Riot IQ
Who is the ideal candidate for an open admissions college?
"Open admissions colleges and universities are just that 鈥� open. With the right circumstances, anyone can be a good candidate for them.
For some people, it was the only option because they had an unpromising high school academic record or it was the only college option they could afford. But more often, an open enrollment college is a deliberate choice, often for the same reasons they may choose a university with minimum admissions standards: financial aid, a specific academic program, local prestige, campus life, the makeup of the student body, and more."
"Open enrollment colleges are very good at serving a wide swath of students, and a lot of people can find a home at these schools."
What are some misconceptions about open admissions programs that discourages students who would genuinely thrive there?
"The biggest myth is that open admissions are all low-quality universities. While there are low-quality open enrollment institutions out there, my experience at Utah Valley University was that there are many faculty who passionately believe that a good education should be available to all. They work hard and provide an education that can match the experience that someone would receive at a traditional university.
Faculty and administration at these universities know that they have to compete with the traditional campuses for the best students, and so open-enrollment universities often go out of their way to beef up their hands-on learning, honors programs, service learning, and other programs to attract bright, ambitious students."
How do affordable open admissions colleges ensure academic quality when the barrier to entry is low?
"Like all universities, some open-admissions colleges are more successful at this than others. Ensuring academic quality has to be a deliberate choice on the part of the administration and faculty.
With strong leadership and a commitment to rigor, any university can provide high-quality academic training. However, it is easy for this commitment to waver. For example, if the university administration feels motivated to increase graduation rates, then the easiest way to do that is to lower standards. The harder method of providing academic support (like tutoring) or reducing barriers (by providing child care for student-parents or degrees that can be obtained by only taking night classes) is a lot harder.
An important complication is that a lot of open admissions colleges are heavily reliant on student tuition to fund day-to-day operations. This makes them vulnerable to treating students like customers who should be pleased. For many open admissions universities, having too much rigor can make a lot of their 'customers' walk away as students drop out or transfer to a different university.
Private universities with open admissions standards are more vulnerable to this, but I've seen it happen at public universities, too."
What student support systems should you look for when evaluating an open admissions online program?
"For graduate school, open admissions online programs are almost always a bad idea. Graduate school is about growing from being a student to becoming a member of a professional community. That is extremely difficult to accomplish solely online. There are major benefits to being part of an in-person community of learners and scholars, and online learning has not been able to successfully replicate that dynamic.
At the undergraduate level, online courses and degrees depend on well trained faculty who have the support from experts in educational technology and distance learning. Potential students should look for evidence that the university has a commitment to successful online learning and that their online students have similar outcomes to their face-to-face students. If a university is doing online learning well, this information will be on their web site. If that information isn't available (either because the university is hiding the data or because they don't care enough to collect it) then the university is unlikely to be successful in teaching online."
EXPERT TIP
"Do your homework! 'Open admissions college' covers a wide range of universities, from tiny liberal arts schools to large, diverse state universities. If you broaden your horizons enough, it even includes trade programs or certificates offered at 2-year community colleges. There is an open enrollment program out there for everyone."
Open Admissions Colleges Are More Common Than You Think
Open admissions colleges play a major role in expanding access to affordable online education. In fact, they are powering one of the most important shifts in affordable education right now.
For students looking for cheap online open admission colleges, the data below illustrates that accessible programs exist at both the associate and bachelor鈥檚 levels, making it possible to start or continue college without highly competitive admissions requirements.
The numbers below, drawn from the show just how widespread open admissions really is. And the picture that emerges might surprise you.
Community colleges lead the way. Open admissions policies are overwhelmingly concentrated at 2-year schools, and that's because they were built to expand access. They prioritize affordability and workforce readiness. As such, most of these colleges accept all or nearly all applicants, making them the lowest-cost, lowest-barrier entry point into higher education.
By contrast, 4-year universities are more selective overall, but the data still shows that 1 in 4 bachelor鈥檚-level institutions offer open admissions, creating accessible pathways to a full degree. Many students begin at a 2-year college and later transfer to a 4-year program, reducing overall tuition costs while keeping admissions barriers low.
Most bachelor's programs are far more accessible than the college admissions frenzy would have you believe. Even among 4-year colleges, the majority open their doors to a large share of applicants, and only 1 in 10 schools reject more students than they accept.
Highly selective admissions, it turns out, are the exception 鈥� not the rule.
When you combine open-admissions schools with those welcoming at least 75% of applicants, you can see that most colleges are built around access rather than exclusivity. That's great news for the adult learner juggling work and family, the transfer student starting fresh, or anyone ready to finish the degree they set aside years ago. Higher education has more room for more people than a lot of the headlines suggest.
FAQs About Affordable Online Open Admission Colleges
What Is an Open Admissions College?
Open admissions at the college level simply means that a college is open to anyone who applies, as long as they meet the minimum requirement of a high school diploma or GED. The college application process is straightforward by design because the whole point is access.
A lot of universities are focused on the competition aspect of applying to college, and make it incredibly difficult for folks who had non-traditional academic upbringings. Another aspect that's terrific about open admissions is that there are no test scores needed to enter (which cost money and time), and most of them don't even cost money to apply.
Online open admissions colleges take accessibility a step further. Without the constraints of a physical campus to consider, many online programs can admit more students with greater flexibility, like rolling start dates, which means you can apply any time you want and get started sooner.
Are Online Open Admissions Colleges Easier To Get Into?
Of course open enrollment colleges are easier to get into. That's the whole point. Online colleges make it even easier because the whole process is virtual from start to finish.
That said, it's important to emphasize that easier enrollment does not mean an easier college journey. An accredited school is held to the exact same standards, regardless of whether it's online or in a traditional on-campus format. The gate is open for those who want to enter, but college is hard. It's important not to sugarcoat this. Part of what a college degree shows future employers is that you were able to navigate the bureaucracy of a complex system.
Are Open Admissions Colleges Legitimate and Accredited?
Absolutely, plenty of accredited, respected online universities have open enrollment policies. Accreditation is the detail that matters most here. An accredited college has been independently evaluated and meets recognized standards for academic quality. It's what makes your degree valid to employers, transferable to other institutions, and eligible for federal financial aid.
Every school featured on OnlineU is fully accredited, so if you're browsing options here, that piece of due diligence is already done. The OnlineU research team manually checks each school with the Department of Education to verify institutional accreditation status.
What Are the Cheapest jmcomic漫画s With Open Admissions?
Based on 2026 tuition data collected and verified by the OnlineU research team, here are the most affordable online open admissions colleges for a four-year degree:
- The most budget-friendly option by a significant margin is Indian River State College, with in-state tuition of just $3,513 per year.
- Thomas Edison State University follows at $7,044 in-state, and Columbia Southern University charges a flat $8,340 regardless of where you live (i.e., no out-of-state penalty).
For those who qualify for in-state rates, SUNY Empire State University ($8,850) and University of Maryland Global Campus ($9,900) are strong options from well-established public institutions. And if cost is the top priority, starting at a 2-year open admissions school before transferring to one of these programs can reduce overall expenses even further, as discussed in more detail in the article above.
Plus, it should be noted, that online students save money beyond tuition costs. There's no commuting, no campus housing, and no mandatory fees tied to facilities you'll never use. All of these things add up and meaningfully lower than the overall price of college.
Can You Earn a Bachelor鈥檚 Degree Online From an Open Admissions School?
Yes, and more schools with open enrollment offer bachelor's degrees than most people realize. While open admissions policies are most common at 2-year community colleges, roughly 1 in 4 bachelor's-level institutions also have open or near-open enrollment. That means you can pursue a full four-year degree online without navigating the college admissions process.
For students who want to keep costs down, the most common route is to start at a 2-year open admissions college, complete general education requirements, and then transfer credits into a bachelor's program.
Online delivery makes this transfer pathway even more practical. Many students complete their associate degree entirely online, then transition seamlessly into an online bachelor's program 鈥� sometimes at the same institution 鈥� without ever needing to set foot on a campus.
Student Reviews of Online Bachelor's Programs
I truly love attending this school! I am a wife and mother of 3, so life can get busy and hectic at times. But this school works perfectly with my schedule, and am able to get all my work done in a timely fashion. Tech support is also very helpful and super kind! I would recommend this school for anyone looking to further their education.
Review Date: 10/15/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I will say that I am extremely satisfied with my experience so far with the university. I was skeptical about it at first, but once I began classes, it became evident quickly that I was in for a great surprise because I got everything I bargained for and then some. So far, I've not had a bad experience with any of the faculty or otherwise. They are all beyond helpful and its clear that they possess a real passion for their job. I can't count how many times I have been at home in free time and had... Read More
Review Date: 9/19/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The school is good but a little expensive I feel, for the level of education I am getting. The classes are extremely easy and don't require much effort which is great in terms of my time right now, but I also feel that I am not really truly learning anything. This could change though as I approach higher level classes but that is still to be determined.
Review Date: 9/30/2025
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
WGU is an amazing School! I transferred from another online school that I was not happy with, and wish I had come here first! I highly recommend anybody seeking higher education online to select WGU as a starting point. One thing I can assure you, after you go search all the others you will be back.
Review Date: 3/11/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Although I haven鈥檛 officially started school at Villanova yet, I begin my first year this Fall of 2024. Everything about this institution has been amazing throughout the admissions process. The administration is top notch and truly there to help you succeed. The technical support is second to none. I applied to a lot of schools and the warm welcome I received from the administration has been excellent. I鈥檓 confident I will succeed at Villanova and for the rest of my life. I love representing Villanova... Read More
Review Date: 2/21/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I love the school and the professors I do have one minor issue is I believe the school work should be more detailed and informative I can get one weeks work done in a day. Besides that I love the school and the staff. The professors do not get the recognition they deserve.
Review Date: 4/15/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have enjoyed my time at WGU. I have obtained alot of certifications through this class which has increased my experience understanding IT and computer systems. I am excited to see what paths this degree will open up once I graduate. I am hoping I can do something with Amazon Web Services.
Review Date: 3/11/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
CTU is an excellent choice for working adults. They offer many degree programs and the instructors are always ready to help. One unique aspects of the learning experience is Intellipath, a system designed to teach you what you don鈥檛 know and test you on what you already know so that you get the most out of your time.
Review Date: 3/18/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I really enjoyed my time at Auburn University at Montgomery, even though most of my classes were online. The professors were super helpful and approachable, and the online system made it easy to keep up with coursework. I liked that I could balance school with work and life. Overall, AUM was a great place to learn and grow, and it definitely prepared me for what鈥檚 next.
Review Date: 4/1/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Ii love AIU! I graduated with my BBA this Spring. I have made a big decision to continue and pursue my Masters Program.
The staff and faculty are very professional and personable.I appreciate all of their support and encouragement. Thank you so much.
Monica J Hall
Review Date: 6/20/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
THE WORST SCHOOL... Students beware. I cannot stress this enough. I transferred from Generations College after getting my associate degree in business administration. I was a straight-A student and a member of Phi Theta Kappa. I graduated with a 3.98 GPA. I decided to go on to pursue my education further and try to get a bachelor's degree through National Louis University because of the articulation agreements they had with Generations College. The problems started two weeks before my first semester... Read More
Review Date: 10/24/2023
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I attended Southern New Hampshire online for free through the Guild program at Walmart. I applied with a previous 60 credit hours from my local community college. I attended for a year taking around 4 classes a semester. The classes were very easy and my classmates posts seemed very AI generated. All the homework the professors gave us were able to be found online. I would say overall the professor responded in a timely manner, and the advisors were helpful. Learning wise the education was not very... Read More
Review Date: 3/11/2026
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
My experience at this school was okay overall. Nothing really stood out as exceptional, but it still served its purpose. The classes and course worked helped me complete my program and learn what I needed to do. I just wish there would have been more engaging opportunities.
Review Date: 3/11/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The University of Phoenix MBA program stands out for its flexibility, practicality, and strong focus on real-world application.
Designed for working professionals, the program allows students to balance career, family, and education without sacrificing academic rigor. Courses emphasize leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace. Faculty members bring industry experience into the classroom, creating learning that feels relevant and engaging.... Read More
Review Date: 1/28/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The University of Phoenix MBA program stands out for its flexibility, practicality, and strong focus on real-world application.
Designed for working professionals, the program allows students to balance career, family, and education without sacrificing academic rigor. Courses emphasize leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace. Faculty members bring industry experience into the classroom, creating learning that feels relevant and engaging.... Read More
Review Date: 1/28/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Attending the UOP was one of the best educational experiences that I've had and I'm very grateful for the opportunity. If I could do it all over, I would have enrolled there from the start. The programs offered, flexibility, affordability, and educational support are truly second to none.
Review Date: 1/14/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Columbia Southern University is a wonderful online College. They make learning online as simple as possible. The teachers are always more then willing to help students who need extra help via email or phone .The easy enroll option has make registrating for classes easy. Columbia Southern University exceeded my expectations.
Review Date: 7/19/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Bryant & Stratton College has provided me with all the necessary tools and resources needed to further my career. Despite minor challenges such as being active duty and deployed, I was able to explain this to my instructors and they were more than willing to assist. It was a tremendous journey and I am extremely great full that Bryant & Stratton was there to help.
Review Date: 3/24/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I really enjoyed attending APUS. It鈥檚 a school that goes by two names, APUS and American Military University. I attended AMU which falls under APUS.
The school was really easy to enroll into. All of my classes were full of active duty military members so it was a good environment for me. The professors were very lenient and understanding when it comes to turning in homework late. For example I had a week long field exercise and my professors let me turn in my homework either early or late with no... Read More
The only thing I would say is negative about the school is it was way too easy. Most of the classes you could use AI and get an A. I of course never did that but the professors didn鈥檛 check anything.
Review Date: 4/1/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The school overall is ok but what is upsetting is that they don't do yearly graduation ceremony. I finish this year class of 2024 and they say that there won't be a graduation this year not until 2025. Before enrolling I had asked the recruiter if they host a yearly graduation which she says yes if they would have told me no I would of went to a different college. I pay much for the program I'm in and work hard and was looking forward to a graduation ceremony for them to tell me there won't be one... Read More
Review Date: 4/9/2024
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No