Aishwarya
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Feb 12, 2025 14:25 IST

International students aiming to study in the USA have two options - one apply to highly selective universities and two apply to high acceptance rate universities in the USA. Those who choose the first option may or may not be selected but those going with the second option can get admission in one single go.

High Acceptance Rate Universities in USA

US universities with highest acceptance rates are mostly tier-2 universities which rank lower than the highly selective universities. Students aiming for a sure-shot admission to study in the USA can apply to these universities in the US which have a high acceptance rate. 

Table of content
  • What is high acceptance rate in USA?
  • Why Choose High Acceptance Rate Universities in USA?
  • Top Universities in USA with High Acceptance Rate
  • High Acceptance Rate Universities in USA FAQs

What is high acceptance rate in USA?

A high acceptance rate in USA or US universities means a maximum number of students getting admission to a particular US university. The highest acceptance rate is 100% for a given university in the USA. The universities that have 100% acceptance rates are those which are easy to get in. 

It's not that admissions at these highest acceptance rate universities in USA are not competitive, but these universities have certain criteria for selection. Fulfilling the criteria and having a good academic background or high standardised test scores are equally important to get into these US universities with high acceptance rates.

Why Choose High Acceptance Rate Universities in USA?

As an international student getting selected at a good US university can be a herculean task. The acceptance rates at US universities can go as low as 3-4% in an intake. Thus, applicants can aim for a high acceptance rate in universities in USA. Apart from this, there are other reasons too which should be considered and they are as follows:

  • Students from all backgrounds, irrespective of their economic backgrounds, can apply and expect to get selected.
  • The highest acceptance rate universities in the USA help competitive students stand out and get merit-based scholarships.
  • There is a higher diversity of students accepted at large at these US universities with high acceptance rates. The majority of the highest acceptance rate universities in USA have a high number of Indian students as well. Check out: US Universities with most Indian Students.
  • Tuition fees are also slightly lower at the high acceptance rate of universities in the US compared to very selective ones.
  • The high acceptance rate of universities in the USA offers students both internship and placement opportunities, which can benefit the applicants. 
  • Marshall University is one of the highest visa acceptance universities in USA, apart from other high acceptance rate universities. 

Thus, there may be other reasons the applicants can consider when choosing a university with a high acceptance rate in the USA. Check out the scholarships available for international students in the USA at Scholarships in USA. For medical students gaining admission to US universities, the USMLE exam guide is an essential resource for obtaining licensure.

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Top Universities in USA with High Acceptance Rate 

Around 32+ US universities recorded a high acceptance rate for the previous years of 2022 and 2023. The data for 2024 has yet to be released for high acceptance rate universities in the USA. Check out the following US universities which recorded the highest acceptance rate in 2023 are as follows:

Highest Acceptance Rate US Universities

Acceptance Rate 2023

Acceptance Rate 2023-24

Marshall University

91%

97%

University of Toledo

92.3%

90%

Colorado State University

90%

87%

Pace University

83%

77%

Kent State University

88%

84%

University of Texas at Dallas

85%

79%

University of Cincinnati

86.2%

76%

Indiana University (Bloomington)

82.4%

83%

University of Colorado Boulder

79%

84%

University of Massachusetts

81%

58%

University of Kansas

88%

91%

University of Texas at Arlington

32%

88%

The latest acceptance rate data has not been released, this is the most recent data for now.

US Universities with 100% Acceptance Rate 2023

Majority of the tier-two US universities recorded 100% acceptance rate. To check out the ones that made it, read the names in the table below: 







US Universities with 100% Acceptance Rate

Adams State University

Albizu University--Miami

Alliance University

Alliant International University

Cameron University

Southwest Baptist University

University of Guam

University of Maine--Presque Isle

University of Providence

The University of Texas at El Paso

Weber State University

Grace Christian University

Grand View University

Southern Virginia University

Middle Georgia State University

Missouri Western State University

Montana State University--Billings

Naropa University

100 acceptance rate universities in the USA also exist; thus, students who feel these 100% acceptance rate universities are worth giving a shot can submit their applications. Though there is no 100% chance of getting a spot at the highest acceptance rate of universities in USA, it is definitely worth giving a shot. 

Apart from these universities, several US colleges have recorded a 100% acceptance rate in 2023. To name a few, they include:

  • Broward College
  • Benedictine College
  • Criswell College
  • Goddard College
  • Lewis-Clark State College
  • Roberts Wesleyan College
  • Snow College

Data for 2023 is still awaited; universities like these update their data later in the year. 

Applicants can go to the above-mentioned universities and colleges with high acceptance rates because there is scope for better learning and hands-on experience for them. 

Students seeking admission-related help can sign up for free counselling at Shiksha Abroad Counselling or write to us in the comments below, and we’ll get back to you.

High Acceptance Rate Universities in USA FAQs

Q. Which universities in USA are selective for admissions?

A. All major top ranking US universities, Ivy Leagues and private universities in USA are highly selective for admissions. The lowest acceptance rate recorded for 2023 was 3.4% recorded for Harvard University. 

Q. Is it a good idea to apply to low ranking but selective colleges in USA?

A. Applying to low-ranking but selective colleges can be a good idea if they align with your academic and career goals. These institutions might offer specialized programs, smaller class sizes, or unique opportunities. However, consider factors like financial aid, campus culture, and location. Research each college thoroughly to ensure it meets your needs and that you’re genuinely interested in what they offer. Balancing your applications with a mix of reach, match, and safety schools is generally the best strategy.

Q. Will I get admission at US universities with good selectiviity rate?

A. Admissions in USA depend a lot on different factors. Factors like strong academic performance, high standardized test scores, compelling essays, and extracurricular achievements play a crucial role. Application should highlight unique qualities and experiences. Only meeting the minimum standards doesn’t guarantee admission, in fact presenting a well-rounded and genuine application can improve your chances. Thus, this is a myth that universities with good acceptance rates always offer admissions.

Q:   Is MIT costly for Indians?
A:

MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.

Q:   What is the decent score required on the ACT test to get a good university in the USA?
A:

The definition of a good ACT score varies from university to country. However, to get into the top 100 universities, you must aim for a score higher than 31 on the ACT.

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Written by
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i Read Full Bio
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Kalyani
MBA Course in the US
Having Worked as an Academic Manager in Experiential Marketing earlier, Kalyani made her move to the study abroad vertical in 2017.Passionate about education and wanting to make a difference, Kalyani holds a B.Com d Read Full Bio
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