Best Online Colleges With Open Enrollment

Updated December 19, 2022

Open enrollment allows students without strong academic backgrounds to gain admission and enroll in community colleges and some four-year colleges.

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Open enrollment allows students without strong academic backgrounds to gain admission to community colleges and some four-year colleges. Strict admission requirements can make it difficult for some learners to gain entry to college. Open enrollment provides students without strong academic backgrounds greater access to education, broadening the pool of potential schools and programs available to degree-seekers.

This guide provides information on how open enrollment works and ranks the best online colleges offering open enrollment. It also covers other important information for prospective students, including answers to frequently asked questions.

What Is Open Enrollment?

Many online colleges use open enrollment in place of more selective or competitive processes. First implemented in the 1970s to reduce discrimination, open enrollment increases educational access by removing restrictive measures that might prohibit some learners from attending school. Open enrollment is most often offered by community colleges and other two-year institutions.

In practice, open enrollment typically means eliminating most admission criteria, such as standardized test scores and minimum GPA requirements. Most online colleges with open enrollment require only a high school diploma or GED for admission.

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Online Colleges With Open Enrollment

Best Online Colleges With Open Enrollment

University of North Dakota

  • Grand Forks, ND
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A public research university founded in 1883, the University of North Dakota is the oldest institution of its kind in the state, preceding the statehood of North Dakota by six years. The university enrolls over 14,000 students in a full array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional on-campus and online degree programs. UND Online offers a wide selection of online college courses that students can enroll in at anytime, and complete entirely at their own pace.

Average Tuition
In-state
$8,540
Out-of-state
$12,810
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
13,615
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
83% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Best Online Colleges With Open Enrollment

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Southern New Hampshire University, a private university established in 1932, enrolls over 90,000 students in a full array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. The university’s massive student population can be attributed to its wide selection of online degree programs; only eight percent of the school’s undergraduate student population attends classes on campus. SNHU offers six sessions per year, starting roughly every two months.

Average Tuition
In-state
$9,600
Out-of-state
$9,600
Retention Rate
67%
Admission Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
134,345
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

Best Online Colleges With Open Enrollment

Weber State University

  • Ogden, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Weber State University, a public university established in 1889, enrolls around 28,000 students in a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Though initially established by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the state of Utah acquired the college from the church in 1931. Weber State University offers numerous independent study courses that can be started anytime and completed on a self-paced schedule.

Average Tuition
In-state
$5,090
Out-of-state
$15,272
Retention Rate
66%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
29,596
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
60% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Best Online Colleges With Open Enrollment

Upper Iowa University

  • Fayette, IA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Upper Iowa University, a private university established in 1857, enrolls around 5,000 students in a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Though initially affiliated with the Methodist church, Upper Iowa University is now nonsectarian. The university’s self-paced degree programs allow students to earn their education on a schedule that meets their unique needs.

Average Tuition
In-state
$31,950
Out-of-state
$31,950
Retention Rate
74%
Admission Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
3,610
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
74% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Best Online Colleges With Open Enrollment

University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Adelphi, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online

University of Maryland Global Campus, the distance-education wing of the University of Maryland, enrolls around 60,000 students in a variety of online degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. Established in 1947, the university has offered distance and evening education programs for the better part of a century. UMGC meets the needs of busy, nontraditional students through rolling admissions and online degree programs that start nearly every month of the year.

Average Tuition
In-state
$7,200
Out-of-state
$11,976
Retention Rate
55%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
58,526
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Best Online Colleges With Open Enrollment

Tiffin University

  • Tiffin, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Tiffin University, a private university established in 1888, enrolls over 3,000 students in a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university offers six start dates per year for its online degree programs, in January, March, May, July, August, and October.

Average Tuition
In-state
$27,210
Out-of-state
$27,210
Retention Rate
66%
Admission Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
2,933
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
57% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Best Online Colleges With Open Enrollment

Thomas Edison State University

  • Trenton, NJ
  • 4 years
  • Online

Thomas Edison State University, a public university established in 1972, enrolls approximately 16,200 students in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. The university is named in honor of the famous inventor who gained encyclopedic knowledge of many subject areas without attending college classes. Online associates degree and online bachelor's degree programs at Thomas Edison State University have course start dates every month of the year, and most online master's degree programs start four times per year, with the master’s degree programs in the business school offering six start dates.

Average Tuition
In-state
$7,182
Out-of-state
$9,342
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
10,495
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Best Online Colleges With Open Enrollment

University of Arkansas

  • Fayetteville, AR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Arkansas, a public, land-grant, research university established in 1871, enrolls over 27,000 students in a full array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Its Global Campus allows students from all over the world to complete online degree programs entirely from their own homes. University of Arkansas Global Campus also offers a variety of self-paced courses that students can enroll in at anytime.

Average Tuition
In-state
$7,568
Out-of-state
$24,056
Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
27,562
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Best Online Colleges With Open Enrollment

Colorado State University-Global Campus

  • Aurora, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online

Since 2007, Colorado State University Global has offered a variety of entirely online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. Founded as the distance education wing of Colorado State University, the Global Campus enrolls over 12,000 students from all over the country, and even internationally. CSU Global’s programs utilize eight-week accelerated courses that start every four weeks, allowing for plenty of scheduling flexibility.

Average Tuition
In-state
$8,400
Out-of-state
$8,400
Retention Rate
47%
Admission Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
12,578
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Best Online Colleges With Open Enrollment

Columbia College

  • Columbia, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Columbia College, a private, liberal arts college established in 1851, enrolls over 13,000 students in a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Though non-sectarian, it remains connected to the Disciples of Christ. Columbia College’s online degree programs utilize eight-week accelerated sessions, with six start dates per year.

Average Tuition
In-state
$11,762
Out-of-state
$11,762
Retention Rate
71%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
8,347
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
78% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Best Online Colleges With Open Enrollment

Rochester Institute of Technology

  • Rochester, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Rochester Institute of Technology, a private non-profit university established in 1829, enrolls over 16,000 students through its RIT Online platform in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, with numerous online degree programs among them. The university offers five seven-week sessions per year.

Average Tuition
In-state
$47,352
Out-of-state
$47,352
Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
16,158
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Best Online Colleges With Open Enrollment

Robert Morris University

  • Moon Township, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Robert Morris University enrolls a tight-knit student population of around 5,000 in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, including online degree programs through its RMU Online platform. Founded in 1921, the private research university got its start as the Pittsburgh School of Accountancy. The university’s calendar offers five start dates every year.

Average Tuition
In-state
$30,830
Out-of-state
$30,830
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
4,134
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Best Online Colleges With Open Enrollment

Regis University

  • Denver, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Regis University, a private Roman Catholic university established in 1877, enrolls over 8,000 students in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Dating back to a small college founded by exiled Italian Jesuits in 1877, the institution has seen major growth and change over its history. Depending on the program, Regis University Online offers six start dates per year.

Average Tuition
In-state
$38,208
Out-of-state
$38,208
Retention Rate
73%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
6,310
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Best Online Colleges With Open Enrollment

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Founded in 1971 by Evangelist Jerry Falwell, Liberty University enrolls a massive student population of over 75,000 in a full array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, with many online degree programs among them. The private, Christian university is especially well known for its connection with American conservative politics and Evangelism. Liberty University Online offers numerous start dates throughout the year, with fall, spring, and summer semesters each divided into three eight-week long sub-terms and one semester-long sub-term.

Average Tuition
In-state
$14,791
Out-of-state
$14,791
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
93,349
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Best Online Colleges With Open Enrollment

Arizona State University Online

  • Scottsdale , AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Founded in 1885, well before Arizona gained statehood, Arizona State University is now one of the largest universities in the country, enrolling over 51,000 students at its main campus in Tempe in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The university also offers numerous online degree programs through its ASU Online platform. ASU Online offers plenty of start date options, with two 7.5 week sessions and one 15 week session per fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Average Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
No

Best Online Colleges With Open Enrollment

Eastern Kentucky University

  • Richmond, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Eastern Kentucky University enrolls over 16,000 students in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Its online bachelor's degree and online master's degree programs serve the needs of busy students locally and abroad. Founded in 1874 as Central University, the institution went through numerous changes before becoming EKU in 1966. Most online degree programs at Eastern Kentucky University Online utilize eight-week sessions and offer six start dates per year.

Average Tuition
In-state
$9,266
Out-of-state
$19,338
Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
14,465
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Best Online Colleges With Open Enrollment

Western Governors University

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online

Western Governors University is a private university that enrolls nearly 100,000 students in a wide selection of undergraduate and graduate online degree programs. Founded in 1997 with the goal of competency-based learning, WGU serves non-traditional students with its entirely online education model. The university provides students with plenty of scheduling flexibility, with six month terms that can begin on the first day of any month.

Average Tuition
In-state
$6,380
Out-of-state
$6,380
Retention Rate
75%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
147,866
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Who Should Apply Through Open Enrollment?

Students without strong academic backgrounds or those who otherwise lack access to higher education benefit the most from open enrollment. Like schools with more strict admission criteria, open enrollment colleges and universities provide a pathway for students to advance their careers and go on to pursue further study.

Other Ways To Sign Up for Colleges Classes

Colleges and universities may have a variety of enrollment policies in addition to open enrollment, including regular decision, rolling admissions, and early decision. The following sections outline these and other common enrollment policies.

Rolling Admissions

Schools that practice rolling admissions accept applications at any time throughout the year. Many online colleges use this option. Individual policies vary by school, but in most cases, prospective degree-seekers can apply anytime within a specified window and receive a decision within several weeks.

Open Door Policy

Schools with open door policies do not have strict admission requirements, such as standardized test scores and minimum GPAs. Some versions of the policy also eliminate reference requirements. Qualified learners only need a high school diploma or equivalent.

Early Action

While standard admission policies usually require learners to submit application materials on or before January 1, early action policies have earlier deadlines -- usually sometime in October or November. Early admission degree-seekers receive a decision much earlier than standard applicants, too. Learners with a clear sense of where they want to attend benefit most from this policy.

Early Decision

Early decision is similar to early action, but it also requires binding commitments from admitted degree-seekers to attend the institution. This means applicants cannot apply to other institutions. Many large, prestigious institutions, like those in the Ivy League, use this policy to attract and retain learners with a clear top choice.

Regular Decision

Most colleges and universities use regular decision, including those with open enrollment. Online colleges that adhere to this policy place no restrictions on the number of other schools learners can apply to. Most learners use this method because it broadens their options and financial aid prospects. Most regular decision application deadlines are in January, with admission decisions following in late spring.

Can I Start Online College Anytime?

Prospective learners may wonder: When do online classes start? Most online colleges offer flexible start dates, but they do so within a clear scheduling structure. Some online schools use a traditional semester system, while others use quarter or trimester terms.

The semester system generally consists of two 15-16-week terms in the fall and spring. Quarter systems usually use four 10-week terms in the fall, winter, spring, and summer, while the trimester system comprises three 12-13-week terms in the fall, winter, and spring.

Learners can typically begin taking online courses at the start of any term. However, some schools require students to start in the fall, while others offer monthly start dates. There are also self-paced online colleges, where students access and complete materials entirely on their own schedules, those these are relatively rare.

Multiple Start Dates

Many online college courses have multiple start dates. Individual departments or programs usually set these dates individually at various times within the academic year. Accelerated courses often use multiple start dates to accommodate the varying needs of busy learners, but some traditional and self-paced classes also offer them.

Online colleges with weekly start dates are rare, though they do happen, usually for certificate or vocational degrees. It's more common to see monthly or quarterly start dates.

Independent Study Course Schedules

Independent study courses let learners explore their areas of interest through opportunities not formally offered in curriculum catalogs. The content of these courses is usually determined between the degree-seeker and an instructor; they arrive at a mutually agreed-upon plan of study. This option works best for degree-seekers whose needs are not met by traditional curriculum offerings. These courses usually begin at a convenient time for both the learner and the instructor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Open Enrollment

What Four-Year Degree Pays the Most?

According to PayScale, graduates with four-year degrees in engineering and computer science enjoy the highest median salaries nationwide.

When Should You Enroll in College?

The right time to enroll in college varies by each student's needs and interests. Some learners enroll immediately after high school graduation, while others prefer to gain professional experience before attending college.

When Do Online Classes Start?

Online classes start at different times depending on the school. Some online colleges offer just one or two start dates per year, while others offer monthly or rolling start dates.

What Are Self-Paced College Courses?

Self-paced classes allow students to access and complete coursework at their own pace, offering maximum flexibility. These differ from asynchronous classes, which allow students to access course materials on their own schedules but still have set deadlines.

Are All Community Colleges Open Admission?

Many community colleges and two-year schools use some form of open enrollment, but not all. Some four-year institutions may also have open enrollment policies.

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