The Top 10 Open Enrollment Colleges Online | 2024 Ultimate Guide to Affordable Programs

Getting into college can seem daunting. But the process can be much easier when you pursue open admission colleges! No matter where you are in your education or career, open enrollment colleges online offer you a straightforward admissions process and flexible online classes. That way, you can study around your other commitments.

Colleges with open admissions are an excellent option if you don’t have the high grades or test scores needed to get into a competitive school. But even if you have good grades, the ease of application—with no test scores required—can make starting your degree seamless. A college certificate or degree can start you on a new career path or help you rise in your current line of employment. Diving into a new educational journey is quicker when you opt for an open enrollment school.

Article Navigation: What is Open Admission in Colleges? | The 2 Cheapest Open Enrollment Online Colleges | Top 3 Online Community Colleges with Open Enrollment | 5 Open Enrollment Colleges Online Under $40K Associate to Master’s Programs | Pros and Cons of Open Admission Colleges | Admission Requirements for Open Enrollment Colleges Online | Find More Open Enrollment Colleges Online with GetEducated

What is Open Admission in Colleges?

Open admission or open enrollment in colleges means the college will admit students with just a high school diploma or GED certificate. The admissions process at these schools is non-competitive. They are dedicated to educating any student who wants to enroll. 100% of qualified students gain admission as long as there is space in classes.

Colleges with open enrollment are the opposite of selective schools. At selective schools, only a percentage of applicants are accepted, often with minimum grade point averages and scores on tests like the SAT or ACT. With open enrollment colleges online, you don’t need test scores or a good GPA to start college.

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Types of Open Enrollment Programs

Many career diploma programs offer open enrollment, accepting students to learn trades and professions from mechanical and health care to culinary and internet technology. Associate degree schools, such as community colleges, offer many programs with open enrollment. With a 2-year associate degree, you can learn career skills in a wide range of topics. That includes business, criminal justice, education, healthcare, and many more. You can also complete an associate degree in more academic subjects like math and science, liberal arts or humanities. These allow you to transfer to a 4-year college to get a bachelor’s degree.

There are fewer open admission master’s programs, but in specific subjects like electrical engineering, you can find degrees that focus more on your ability to complete the work rather than your prior academic credentials.

Who Should Pursue Open Enrollment Colleges?

With non-competitive enrollment in either a career-focused or associate degree program, students from all walks of life can find their place in higher education:

• Adult students
• Those with a GED
• People who don’t want to take the SAT
• Those with a lower high school GPA

Furthermore, open enrollment universities and colleges are great for homeschooled students, students nervous about the admissions process, and those who want a chance to improve their GPA before transferring to a selective college.

Open admission online colleges are also a great option for students who want a credential that gives them a leg up in finding a job. That’s because they’re excellent for training for an in-demand career in one of the many certificate or associate degree topics offered. For those who started college but never completed a degree, online schools with open enrollment can be a terrific way to complete your degree.

Even though open admission schools don’t turn away students, they still often offer a very high quality of education. If you are a student with good grades, you can still benefit from the affordability, easy application process, and excellent faculty at open admission colleges online. These schools are dedicated to making education accessible to all students, and they offer any student the chance to enroll and work to realize their potential.

The 2 Cheapest Open Enrollment Online Colleges

1. Penn Foster

   Degree Level: Diploma Programs
   Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS), Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET)
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $599-$999

   Penn Foster offers career diplomas that can prepare you for the exact job you want. Their short online courses of study cover hospitality management, entrepreneurship, finance, criminal justice, general healthcare, and IT subjects. Each program is continually updated to meet the evolving requirements and technologies used in each specific industry, giving you the preparation employers seek. Whether you are interested in jobs in bookkeeping, graphic design, home health care, event planning, dental assisting, or any of many specific fields, a diploma at Penn Foster provides training to help you get the job of your dreams.

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   Penn Foster

    

2. Central Piedmont Community College

   Degree Level: Certificate
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $995

   The Public Safety Administration Certificate Specialization in Fire Management requires just five courses, with two in public administration and three classes in fire service management topics. Central Piedmont Community College is authorized to serve students in almost every state plus Puerto Rico, making this certificate in fire management an appealing option among online colleges with open enrollment. The technical and administrative training allows motivated students to learn the leadership skills to advance to managerial roles in public agencies. In addition, if students later want to continue their studies, Central Piedmont offers an online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in fire management to further their education. This certificate program provides a quick way for students to acquire skills to advance in their careers.

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   Central Piedmont Community College

    

Top 3 Online Community Colleges with Open Enrollment

1. Barton Community College

   Degree Level: Certificate & Associate Programs
   Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $2,400-$11,250

   Barton Community College stands out for the wide variety of affordable, fully online associate degree and certificate program options available in business, math & science, criminal justice, healthcare, computer science & IT, liberal arts, and education. As one of the cheapest open enrollment online colleges, Barton Community College also offers free online tutoring and uses Open Educational Resource teaching for many classes, saving you money on course materials and textbooks. The college accepts transfer credits, making degree completion possible for those with some college credits. With certificate programs that can be as short as 16 hours and many career-focused associate degree options, you can get an online certificate or degree from Barton Community College from almost anywhere in the country.

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   Barton Community College

    

2. Rhodes State College

   Degree Level: Certificate & Associate Programs
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
   Tuition (in-state): $1,962-$12,614
   Tuition (out-of-state): $3,764-$24,327

   As one of the most affordable colleges with open enrollment, Rhodes State College has certificates as short as 10 credit hours in in-demand fields like tax preparation, medical coding and billing, esports coaching, HR, leadership, marketing, real estate, and cybersecurity. You can also get an associate degree in career subjects like accounting, digital marketing and media, or business administration. Experienced and supportive faculty lead online courses that allow you to fit your education around your busy life and learn the subjects that can lead to your dream job. Rhodes State College’s online certificates and associate degrees are available to students in almost every state, and many programs are eligible for financial aid.

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   Rhodes State College

    

3. Dallas College

   Degree Level: Certificate & Associate Programs
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
   Tuition (in-state): $2,160-$8,100
   Tuition (out-of-state): $3,200-$12,000

   Dallas College offers a wide array of online certificate and associate degree programs in business administration, real estate, international business, business management, marketing, accounting, entrepreneurship, organizational leadership, communications, HR, logistics, and many more. Whether you are looking for a credential to advance your skills or to start or finish your first undergraduate degree, Dallas College has convenient and inexpensive programs that allow you to get your education while you maintain your current responsibilities. They offer support for online students that includes registration, library, bookstore, advising, free tutoring, and military student support, to name a few resources. The extensive programs, affordable tuition, and ease of registration make this one of the most attractive online community colleges with open enrollment.

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   Dallas College

    

5 Open Enrollment Colleges Online Under $40K Associate to Master’s Programs

1. Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City

   Degrees: AAS in Management, AS in Health Care Administration
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
   Tuition (in-state): $9,683-$10,167
   Tuition (out-of-state): $24,278-$25,492

   For students who seek a career in management or health care administration, Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City is one of the open admission universities you should look at first. Their low-cost Associate of Applied Science in Management requires 60 credits to graduate and offers management or general business tracks. The Associate of Science in Healthcare Management can be completed with 63 credits and has concentration options in leadership, medical billing, or medical coding. Admission is simple, and they accept transfer credits; plus, they offer support for many different types of students, including adult, first-generation, and financially disadvantaged students. These two associate degree programs from Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City offer quality education in a flexible and accessible format.

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   AAS in Management
   AS in Health Care Administration

    

2. Rose State College

   Degrees: AA in Liberal Arts, AA in English, AA in Social Sciences, AAS in Accounting, AAS in Business Administration, AAS in Cyber Security, AS in Business
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
   Tuition (in-state): $10,661-$12,867
   Tuition (out-of-state): $23,839-$26,895

   Rose State College has online associate degree programs that can give you a strong foundation for either a career or to continue to a bachelor’s degree now or later. The Associate of Arts (AA) in Liberal Studies, the AA in English, and the AA in Social Sciences all provide a versatile general education with the possibility of continuing your studies in a more specific major as you discover precisely what subjects you are most passionate about.

   For students more interested in business or tech, the associate degree programs include Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees in accounting, cybersecurity, and business administration, which are designed to propel you directly into the workforce with career skills that you can use from day one. There is also an AA in Business aimed at transfer students, helping you efficiently complete your degree at Rose State. If you are ready for your degree, the 100% acceptance rate at Rose State College could help you start quickly.

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   Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts
   AA in English
   AA in Social Sciences
   Associate of Applied Science in Accounting
   AAS in Business Administration
   AAS in Cyber Security
   AS in Business

    

3. Front Range Community College

   Degrees: AA in Psychology, AA in Sociology, AS in Psychology
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
   Tuition (in-state): $16,186
   Tuition (out-of-state): $24,469

   If you are looking for online colleges with open enrollment and no application fee, then Front Range Community College should be on your list. You can earn an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) in Psychology or choose the AA in Sociology. This community college is perfect for transfer students or for those who don’t have a high GPA, as they offer accessible and quality education to all who seek it. Front Range offers many ways to transfer credit, including for work or life experience or through challenge exams. Student support for online students includes academic and financial aid advising, academic support, virtual mental health, and military/veteran services. Online associate degrees from Front Range Community College can also be transferred to a 4-year school so you can pursue your bachelor’s degree.

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   AA in Psychology
   AA in Sociology
   AS in Psychology

    

4. Clear Creek Baptist Bible College

   Degrees: AA in Ministry, BA in Church Planting Ministry, BA in Counseling Ministry, BA in Ministry, BA in Pastoral Ministry, BA in Worship & Music Ministry
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation (ABHE)
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $19,650-$39,150

   CCBBC is the perfect choice for those called to ministry. Especially those seeking further education but who have community, career, and family obligations that make online education the best pathway. With online associate and bachelor’s degrees in various ministry concentrations, this is one of the best open admission colleges for students who want to study in a Christian community. While admission is not based on GPA or test scores, there are requirements for a pastoral reference, written essays on faith, and an entrance test of biblical knowledge. Although the tuition is already low, 100% of students receive financial aid at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College, smoothing their pathway to a degree that reinforces their faith and calling.

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   Associate of Arts in Ministry
   Bachelor of Arts in Church Planting Ministry
   Bachelor of Arts in Counseling Ministry
   BA in Ministry
   BA in Pastoral Ministry
   Bachelor of Arts in Worship & Music Ministry

    

5. University of Colorado Boulder

   Degree: Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $20,010

   There are few open admission master’s programs. However, this online MS in Electrical Engineering is a unique and high-quality program for the technologically inclined student. No test scores or GPAs are required for admission, as it is a performance-based process where you register for and pass the initial courses for the degree, which is offered on the Coursera platform.

   The classes are 8 weeks long, and you can follow a track in Embedded Systems, Power Electronics, or Photonics and Optics. You pay tuition as you go, and the program doesn’t qualify for federal financial aid but does qualify for veteran benefits. Within the degree program are embedded certificates that can be valuable credentials to potential employers.

   Advanced professionals will appreciate the community of dedicated students, and stackable professional certificates make this a graduate program to level up your career.

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   Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

    

Pros and Cons of Open Admission Colleges

For students who don’t want to compete to enroll in higher education, open enrollment colleges online provide an environment that prioritizes learning. As you choose a program, check the school’s accreditation to ensure it is a legitimate and vetted program. The college or trade school should have a national or regional accreditation to offer the type of program you want to enroll in. In addition, some professions require the individual degree or certificate program to be accredited by a specialized—or programmatic—organization. For instance, engineering or dental hygiene programs may have accreditation from an agency focusing on the subject you will study.

Pros of Open Admission Universities

• Guaranteed admission: They make higher education more accessible, requiring just a high school diploma or GED certificate to be accepted.
• Lower tuition: Tuition is often very low, especially at community colleges, making your certificate or degree much more affordable.
• Academic quality: The faculty are often dedicated, well-qualified, and genuinely seek to help all types of people thrive.
• Student support: Many programs offer extra support for less academically prepared students.
• Credentials for in-demand jobs: A certificate or degree can prepare students for employment in many in-demand professions.
• Inclusive and diverse: The inclusive spirit of open enrollment schools often means the student body is more diverse and accepting.
• More straightforward application process: The admissions process has minimal requirements, allowing students to start classes sooner.
• Flexible enrollment: Many schools have rolling admissions, meaning there are no deadlines to worry about.
• No college exams needed: You don’t need to take the SAT or ACT exams, and you don’t need to worry if your previous grades are not great.
• Realize your potential: They help people of all ages and from all walks of life reach their potential.

Drawbacks to Online Schools with Open Enrollment

• Less rigorous curriculum: Programs may not have as rigorous courses as selective universities. This may be a plus for many students. But check to make sure your credits will transfer if you want to seek more education later.
• Not as prestigious: Degrees and certificates from open enrollment schools don’t carry the prestige of a credential from more selective colleges, though many employers and other colleges still recognize them.
• Lower graduation rates: Graduation rates are often lower at these colleges, partly because a higher percentage of students have less preparation. Look for schools with higher percentages of students finishing their program, which may indicate an open admission school with robust academic support.

Admission Requirements for Open Enrollment Colleges Online

While you don’t need stellar grades or SAT scores to apply to open admission colleges, you do need to provide schools with some information during the application process. For certificate or diploma programs, you usually need to fill out the application form and submit your high school transcripts. Some programs require you to have completed high school or a GED, while others allow you to enroll even if you haven’t finished high school.

Undergraduate Admissions

Associate degree program applications include filling out a form and submitting transcripts from your high school and other college classes. Very few schools ask you for a written statement about your goals or a recommendation from a teacher or mentor. Most programs have many start dates during the year, and you can get your application in any time. Once admitted, you may need to take placement tests to help the school choose the appropriate level of classes in certain subjects. You can also submit test scores or other application materials, but it is unnecessary. Only a few colleges will ask you for a recommendation from a teacher or mentor.

Graduate Admissions

Graduate programs with open enrollment are rare, and the admission requirements can vary greatly. Some may require specific prerequisite courses and evidence of an undergraduate degree; others will base acceptance on class competency. Check with individual programs for more information.

Find More Open Enrollment Colleges Online with GetEducated

At GetEducated, we have compiled this list of the best open admission colleges with online programs. Although the schools we highlight above are the cream of the crop, many other respected schools in our databases might have just the program you seek. We check the schools on our lists to ensure they hold accreditation. Not to mention, we also give you costs so you can compare and choose the program that best meets your needs. Now is the time to enroll and take the next step toward the career and life of your dreams.