25 Highest Acceptance Rate Colleges

Top Colleges with High Acceptance Rates

1. Rutgers University – New Brunswick

Coming in at #40 on the U.S. News’ national list is Rutgers University which has a 66% acceptance rate. The school also impressively ranks #15 on the Top Public Universities list. Here is another important statistic for prospective students looking at Rutgers: over 70% of undergraduate students receive financial aid. The school has a large, diverse student population with a myriad of academic and extracurricular offerings.

2. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

Another large, public university comes in second on our list of highest acceptance rate colleges. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities ranks #53 in National Universities and has a 75% acceptance rate. This school offers thousands of internships and research opportunities as well as 150 undergraduate majors. No matter your area of interest, you’re sure to find a program that aligns with your preferences and future career goals.

3. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

This private school ranks at #60 in National Universities and has a 65% acceptance rate. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute was the first technological research university in the U.S. So, if you’re interested in studying tech, you’ll be learning from the country’s oldest specialized institution. Students at Rensselaer enjoy the use of 32 research centers and 746 labs, studios, and technology spaces within the institute.

4. University of California – Merced

Tied with Rensselaer at #60 on the National Universities list, UC Merced has an acceptance rate of 89%. One of the ten University of California schools, UC Merced is the newest, having opened in 2005. Although technically a young institution, UC Merced has rapidly gained recognition and is one of the fastest-growing public universities in the nation. Students can choose from 25 majors and 25 minors to study during their time here.

5. Michigan State University

Also tying for #60 in National Universities is Michigan State University. It has an 88% acceptance rate. With the aim to “advance the common good with uncommon will,” MSU has over 165 years of experience in educating young minds. Recent graduates seem to fare well in the real world, too:  93% of recent graduates are employed or pursuing further degrees.

6. University of Massachusetts – Amherst

A large public university located in the Northeast, UMass Amherst has an acceptance rate of 64%. UMass Amherst ranks as #67 in National Universities. One unique offering of this school is that it is a part of a Five College Consortium. Therefore, UMass Amherst students can take classes at any of the five consortium schools: Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College.

7. Indiana University Bloomington

Students will be welcomed with open arms to this campus, which is described as “a community that feels like family.” Indiana University Bloomington ranks at #73 in National Universities and has an 82% acceptance rate. As a large institution with over 30,000 students, this campus may feel more like a small town than a university. However, students can find their place by discovering their interests and expanding their knowledge through the ample opportunities that await at this university.

8. University of Illinois – Chicago

At #82 in the U.S. News ranking is the University of Illinois-Chicago, with an acceptance rate of 79%. As a large public university with about 34,000 students, diversity and opportunity are key. In fact, nearly half of the most recent incoming class was made up of first-generation students. And with its prime location in the city of Chicago, students will lack no opportunities both on and off campus.

9. Marquette University

While Marquette may not have previously been on your radar, this private Jesuit university has been around since 1881. Marquette University has an acceptance rate of 87%, and its ranking is #86 in National Universities. The campus serves about 7,500 students in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

10. Temple University

Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University has an acceptance rate of 80% and ranks at #89 in National Universities. The university has an undergraduate enrollment of about 24,000. There are more than 600 academic programs from which students can explore their academic interests and passions. Temple University is a highly regarded institution that also ranks high in Public Universities at #45.

11. University of Iowa

Founded in 1847, the University of Iowa is one of the state’s oldest institutions of higher education. It is known as a leader in science and medicine, as well as writing, making it quite a dynamic and versatile institution. University of Iowa has an 86% acceptance rate and ranks at #93 in U.S. News’ National Universities list. 

12. Drexel University

Another one of our colleges with highest acceptance rate is located in Philadelphia, PA. Drexel University ranks at #98 and has an acceptance rate of 80%. As a leader in experiential learning, Drexel offers students a co-op program. Students are able to try a possible future career, gain valuable work experience, and get paid in their co-op. About 94% of undergraduate students enroll in the co-op program to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

13. University of Oregon

Also ranking at #98, but on the other side of the country, is the University of Oregon. The acceptance rate is 86%. The University of Oregon is the #1 public university in the state. They offer 315 degree and certification programs. However, beyond the stats, the university aims to prepare students to pursue fulfilling and impactful careers. 

14. Rutgers University – Camden

Another Rutgers campus makes our list of colleges with highest acceptance rates, this time in Camden, New Jersey. Rutgers University-Camden has an acceptance rate of 77%. It’s tied with the University of Oregon, ranking at #98 in National Universities. At this university, 88.9% of students receive financial aid. For students eyeing a future in medicine, Rutgers University-Camden’s accelerated joint medical program lets students graduate with a BS/DO in seven years.

15. Arizona State University

Ranking at #105 on US News’ National Universities list with an acceptance rate of 90% is Arizona State University. ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona, which is known for its nature as well as the arts. This is one of the largest universities on our list, with about 65,000 undergraduates. Accordingly, the school offers a wide array of disciplines: students can choose from more than 400 undergraduate degree programs.

16. George Mason University

About 27,000 undergraduates from all 50 states and 130 countries make up the diverse community at George Mason University. GMU ranks at #105 in National Universities and has an acceptance rate of 90%. Located in Fairfax, Virginia, it is the state’s largest public research university. With its close proximity to the nation’s capital, students are encouraged to impact both policy and society in a meaningful manner.

17. Saint Louis University

Also ranking at #105 but with an acceptance rate of 85% is Saint Louis University. Here, students will truly get a balanced education that focuses not only on the mind but on the body, heart, and spirit. As a Catholic institution, Saint Louis University emphasizes faith and service in addition to academics and research. SLU has an undergraduate population of about 13,000 and 97 bachelor’s degree programs.

18. University of New Hampshire

Nestled in the Northeast, the University of North Hampshire ranks at #115 and has an acceptance rate of 87%. Students can choose from 11 different colleges offering 200 programs. The University of New Hampshire also offers over 250 study-abroad programs.

19. University of Arizona

Located in Tucson, the University of Arizona has an undergraduate enrollment of over 40,000. The acceptance rate is 87%, and its ranking in National Universities is #115. The university offers over 150 majors as well as more than 400 student clubs. With so many options, students will have no problem finding an area of study and social group that match their interests.

20. Iowa State University of Science and Technology

Also ranking at #115 is the Iowa State University of Science and Technology. Students can explore academic programs within six different colleges: agriculture and life sciences, design, engineering, business, human sciences, and liberal arts and sciences. Additionally, about 93% of first-year students take part in a learning community where they can create bonds with others of similar interests or goals. The acceptance rate is 90%.

21. University of Utah

Located in Salt Lake City, the University of Utah also ranks at #115 in National Universities. Its acceptance rate is 89%. The undergraduate enrollment is about 26,000, and its student body is diversifying more each year. Now, about 30% of domestic incoming freshmen identify as students of color.

22. University of Texas at Dallas

With an 85% acceptance rate, UT at Dallas also comes in at #115 in National Universities. Accessibility is important to UT at Dallas, and it shows: 66% of seniors graduate with no student debt. Located in a state with plenty of quality universities, UT at Dallas holds its own: it ranks at #3 in U.S. News’ Best Public University in Texas list.

23. University of Denver

In a bucolic setting between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains, you’ll find the University of Denver. It ranks at #124 and has an acceptance rate of 78%. Emphasis is placed on collaboration not only between faculty and students but also with local and global communities. This private university has an undergraduate enrollment of just over 6,100.

24. Creighton University

Located in Omaha, Nebraska, is Creighton University. It ranks at #124 and has an acceptance rate of 76%. The undergraduate enrollment is about 4,200 at this private institution with Jesuit values. Community engagement is at the core of campus life, and being agents of change is a large part of academic life.

25. Miami University – Oxford

Located in Oxford, Ohio, Miami University-Oxford has an acceptance rate of 88% and ranks at #133. Considered a “public Ivy,” this university offers an excellent education at an affordable price. The university has an undergraduate enrollment of over 16,000 but maintains a “small school feel.” Students can truly get the best of both worlds: opportunities of a large institution, with personalized attention.

Top Californian Colleges with High Acceptance Rates

1. University of California – Merced

Ranking at #60 in National Universities and with an acceptance rate of 89% is UC Merced. There are three schools from which undergraduates will choose to study: the School of Engineering; the School of Natural Sciences; and the School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts.

2. University of California – Riverside

Another UC school places among good universities with high acceptance rates in California. UC Riverside has an acceptance rate of 69% and ranks at #76 on U.S. News’ National Universities list. Located in inland Southern California, UC Riverside encourages students to think innovatively and create global solutions. The undergraduate enrollment is about 22,900.

3. University of San Francisco

With its location in one of the most popular cities in California, the University of San Francisco is one of our highest acceptance rate colleges that appeals to many students. Of course, it still falls into our category of good universities with high acceptance rates. USF ranks at #155 in National Universities and has a 71% acceptance rate. It also recently ranked #1 in ethnic diversity among national universities. The core curriculum challenges students to embrace an education that goes against the norm.

4. Chapman University

As a leading private university in California, Chapman University offers students the chance to be critical thinkers in all aspects of their lives. The undergraduate enrollment is about 7,800 and the campus offers a vibrant world for students to get involved in. The acceptance rate at Chapman University is 73% and its national ranking is #133.

5. Cal State University – Fullerton

Also ranking at #133 in National Universities is Cal State University Fullerton. It has an acceptance rate of 67%. It is a large university with an undergraduate enrollment of over 35,000. The campus aims to be not only an intellectual center but a cultural one as well.

6. University of the Pacific

Among the highest of our high acceptance rate colleges is the University of the Pacific. The acceptance rate is 93% and it ranks at #142 in National Universities. With an undergraduate enrollment of about 3,200 students will enjoy the close-knit community of a small school. However, the university also offers a myriad of opportunities comparable to those of larger universities.

10 Colleges with 40-50 Percent Acceptance Rates

1. University of Wisconsin – Madison

This large public university on our list of highest acceptance rate colleges prioritizes public service. UW Madison believes that their work goes beyond campus, to the community. The UW Madison ranking is #35 in National Universities and has an acceptance rate of 49%. The undergraduate enrollment is about 37,000. Students will lack no options for academic or extracurricular enrichment here. In fact, the campus houses its own museum.

2. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Founded in 1867, this large public university has students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign also ranks at #35 in National Universities. It has a 45% acceptance rate. Fun fact:  the first graphical web browser was invented here—so you know innovation and forward thinking are a must for its students.

3. University of Washington

Ranking at #40 on U.S. News’ National Universities list is the University of Washington. Its acceptance rate is 48%. Located in the bustling city of Seattle, students will not only enjoy the many benefits of campus but also the metropolitan area. Students and faculty are encouraged to take on urgent issues with “courage and creativity.”

4. University of Maryland – College Park

Our next school within our list of colleges with 40-50 percent acceptance rates is the University of Maryland – College Park. It ranks #46 in National Universities and has a 44% acceptance rate. The school recently started an Arts for All initiative that combines arts, technology, and social justice. This and many other innovative and creative experiences are available to students who matriculate.

5. University of Georgia

This large, southern public university offers its students degrees in more than 140 fields. The University of Georgia doesn’t disappoint outside the classroom, either. There are more than 800 student organizations in which to get involved. The University of Georgia ranks #47 in National Universities and has an acceptance rate of 43%.

6. Stony Brook University – SUNY

Ranking at #58 in National Universities is Stony Brook University – SUNY. The acceptance rate is 49%. It is a part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. In fact, it’s the #1 public university in the state of New York. Moreover, it’s a highly regarded research institution with top facilities.

7. North Carolina State University

Located in Raleigh is North Carolina State University, a leading public university in the South. It ranks at #60 in National Universities and has an acceptance rate of 47%. The school is always eager to add more “thinkers and doers” to its campus.

8. University of Pittsburgh

Located right in the center of this buzzing Western Pennsylvanian city is the University of Pittsburgh. Its prime location allows students easy access to internships and real-world experience in their fields of interest. The University of Pittsburgh has an acceptance rate of 49% and ranks #67 in National Universities.

9. George Washington University

Another school with an acceptance rate of 49% is George Washington University. It also ranks at #67 in National Universities. Located in Washington, DC, GW is an excellent choice for students looking to have a real impact both domestically and internationally. Therefore, this school attracts some of the most passionate and motivated students.

10. Pepperdine University

Our final school on this list ranks at #76 in National Universities. Pepperdine University is a Christian university with an acceptance rate of 49%. Nestled on the coast of Malibu, California, Pepperdine’s scenic location is certainly an attraction to many students. However, it’s one of the smaller schools on this list with an undergraduate enrollment of just over 3,600. Pepperdine also makes our list of the Best Colleges in California.