There’s a strong belief by some in the world of higher education that the only good master’s program is a highly competitive master’s program. But the reality is quite different. Literally dozens of well-respected grad schools offer high-quality, fully accredited master’s degrees that accept most of (or all) applicants who meet basic requirements.
So if you’re wondering how to get into a master’s program, we’ll introduce you below to 50 schools with high grad school acceptance rates. While this list includes some of the easiest grad schools to get into, none of them sacrifices academic quality.
Additionally, this guide offers valuable insights to help you choose a program and increase your chance of acceptance. Ready to get started? Let’s begin with standout schools featuring the highest grad school acceptance rates.
Top 10 Easiest Grad Schools to Get Into
We’re kicking things off with the 10 U.S. colleges and universities with the highest acceptance rates for their master’s programs. Although these are statistically the easiest grad schools to get into, every school on the list is institutionally accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Number of Online Master’s Programs: 19
- Master’s Degrees Awarded (2021-22): 1,158
- Institution Type: Public
Texas is home to numerous colleges and universities with high grad school acceptance rates, including two University of Texas and two Texas A&M campuses that made our top 50 list.
In the No. 1 position is the University of Texas at El Paso. UTEP offers a wide range of highly affordable online master’s programs in the fields of business, education, engineering, nursing, and the liberal arts. The current tuition rate is $664 per credit for both Texas and out-of-state residents. No GMAT or GRE scores are required for admission.
One standout degree is its 16-month Master of Business Administration. Coursework is delivered asynchronously and 100% online, allowing for maximum flexibility, or you can attend live-streamed evening classes.
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Number of Online Master’s Programs: 12
- Master’s Degrees Awarded (2021-22): 267
- Institution Type: Private not-for-profit
Roberts Wesleyan is considered a “Christ-centered university.” To complement its reputation as one of the easiest grad schools to get into, Roberts Wesleyan offers a “straight-forward, streamlined admissions process” featuring no application fees or required entrance exams.
Roberts Wesleyan features a variety of entirely online master’s programs, including a 100% online Master of Social Work degree. Courses are delivered in a synchronous format with classes attended late afternoons and evenings over 15 weeks.
MSW students choose between specializations in Child/Family Services or Mental Health. Both 60-credit standard and 38-credit advanced standing options are available, as well as full-time and part-time study. The current per-credit tuition rate $759, and several scholarships and other financial aid resources are available to eligible students.
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Number of Online Master’s Programs: 8
- Master’s Degrees Awarded (2021-22): 84
- Institution Type: Private not-for-profit
Central Methodist University’s College of Graduate and Extended Studies (CGES) offers online master’s programs in the fields of business, education, IT, mathematics, and nursing. Most programs are offered 100% online, with a few that include some on-campus components.
One example is its MS in Information Technology Management, which is available entirely online or in an executive format that includes two weekend residencies each semester on the school’s Fayette campus. You can complete the program in 18 to 24 months of full-time study.
Admission is open to students with a bachelor’s degree (minimum 3.0 GPA) who submit a 300- to 500-word statement of intent, and GRE scores are not required. The current per-credit tuition rate for the MS in IT Management program is $520. Tuition rates for other CMU online master’s programs range from $275 to $400 per credit.
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Number of Online Master’s Programs: 370
- Master’s Degrees Awarded (2021-22): 10,390
- Institution Type: Private not-for-profit
Evangelical Christian-affiliated Liberty University is noteworthy on our list of colleges with high grad school acceptance rates for several reasons, starting with its staggering number of online master’s programs. From accounting and addiction counseling through visual communication design and worship studies, you’d be hard-pressed to find a field of study not offered.
One program example is the Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Degree (MEd). The 30-credit program features 100% online coursework in an asynchronous format (no set login times) that allows you to study at your own pace according to your schedule.
The current per-credit tuition rate for this and most other online master’s programs is $565 for full-time study and $615 for part-time study. A military rate of $276 per credit is also available. MEd students can additionally transfer up to 50% of their required credits to further save time and money.
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Number of Online Master’s Programs: 16
- Master’s Degrees Awarded (2021-22): 442
- Institution Type: Public
At Northeastern State University, both its graduate programs with high acceptance rates and affordable tuition rates (among the lowest you’ll find) make it a great choice for online master’s students. You’ll find common fields such as business and leadership, as well as less common subjects like American studies and applied geographic information systems.
Included in NSU’s online master’s offerings is its Master of Public Health that features pathways in Global Health and Public Health Leadership. Earning the degree requires completion of 43 credits of advanced coursework. The program’s format combines both asynchronous and synchronous classes.
GRE scores are only required for applicants not meeting the undergraduate minimum 2.5 GPA requirement. Current tuition rates (with fees) for this and other NSU online master’s programs are $308.40 for Oklahoma residents and $309.40 for out-of-state residents.
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Number of Online Master’s Programs: 13
- Master’s Degrees Awarded (2021-22): 385
- Institution Type: Public
Delta State University offers students access to a range of online master’s degree options; the vast majority of which are presented in asynchronous formats.
Common fields of study include business, criminal justice, education, and nursing. You’ll also find programs in less typical subjects such as fine arts and this Master of Commercial Aviation.
The MCA program features 100% online coursework and is designed for established aviation professionals looking to advance their career into leadership positions. The self-paced curriculum consists of 30 credits and can be completed in as little as one year.
Admission requires a bachelor’s degree, and applications are accepted year-round. No GRE or other entrance exam scores are required. The current tuition rate for this and other online master’s programs at DSU is $469 per credit.
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Number of Online Master’s Programs: 29
- Master’s Degrees Awarded (2021-22): 790
- Institution Type: Public
The University of Southern Mississippi is a public research institution offering nearly 30 affordable, fully online master’s degree programs — most of which charge the same low tuition rate to all students, regardless of residence. Common fields of study include business, education, and healthcare.
Noteworthy specific majors include Child and Family Sciences, Dyslexia Therapy Education, Music Education, and Nutrition and Food Systems. USM has waived the GRE requirement for selected master’s programs, including its 33-credit Master of Science in Sport Management. The program is available entirely online, entirely on USM’s main campus, or with a combination of online and on-campus classes. The current per-credit tuition rate for this and most other USM online master’s programs is $535.12.
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Number of Online Master’s Programs: 18
- Master’s Degrees Awarded (2021-22): 450
- Institution Type: Public
Adams State University offers an impressive variety of online master’s degree programs, most of which feature fully online coursework.
Degrees are available in popular fields such as business administration, public administration, leadership, and teacher education (with eight specializations). Other fields include kinesiology, music, education counseling, U.S. history, and cultural resource management.
The Master of Arts in Cultural Resource Management (CRM) is recognized by the American Cultural Resources Association (ACRA), All coursework in this program is delivered online in an asynchronous format, and both part-time and full-time study is available.
No GRE or other entrance exam scores are required for admission. The current per-credit tuition rate for this and most other online master’s programs at Adams State is $444.
#9: Edgewood College
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Number of Online Master’s Programs: 11
- Master’s Degrees Awarded (2021-22): 129
- Institution Type: Private not-for-profit
Edgewood College is a Dominican-affiliated school committed to providing graduate education to a broad student base. To help meet that commitment, Edgewood offers affordable master’s degrees ranging from accountancy to nursing and beyond, many that can be earned entirely online.
One example is the Master of Business Administration, designed to be completed with just 10 months of study. The current tuition rate for the 30-credit program is $500 per credit.
Tuition rates for other Edgewood online master’s programs vary from $500 to $1,092 per credit, depending on the specific program. Admission requirements also vary somewhat by program, but most programs are open to applicants with a bachelor’s degree earned with a given minimum GPA. GRE and GMAT scores are not required.
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Number of Online Master’s Programs: 20
- Master’s Degrees Awarded (2021-22): 495
- Institution Type: Public
The University of South Dakota is one of the largest graduate schools with high acceptance rates. As South Dakota’s major public university, it’s no surprise the school offers master’s degree options covering a wide range of academic subjects, earned fully or partially online.
One such program is the Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling & Prevention, which prepares graduates for addressing issues and challenges related to addiction. All coursework is delivered online, but students are required to complete supervised field-based internships. Both 45-credit standard and 33-credit advanced standing tracks are offered.
There is no GRE or other entrance exam requirement. The current tuition rate for this and all other online master’s programs at USD is $470.45 per credit for all students regardless of state of residence.
Additional Grad Schools with High Acceptance Rates
| School | Admission Rate | Online Master’s Programs | Master’s Awarded (2021-22) | Institution Type |
|---|
Reasons to Consider Master’s Programs with High Admissions Rates
1. You Don’t Have a Bachelor’s Degree
You might be surprised to learn that there are graduate schools with high acceptance rates that admit students without a bachelor’s degree into their master’s programs. Requirements for admission into these programs can vary substantially from program to program, but they may involve something like a previously earned associate degree plus notable professional work experience. Or you may be considering an “accelerated” program combining a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Regardless, if you have any questions or uncertainties about whether you’re eligible, be sure to inquire with the program directly.
2. It’s Been a While Since You Earned Your Bachelor’s
Taking a gap year or other time off between undergraduate and graduate programs has become a relatively common occurrence. As a result, time away from your academic studies is rarely frowned upon by master’s programs, particularly those with high acceptance rates. In fact, a gap year well spent — for example, in an internship, job, or volunteer position — is often looked on favorably by master’s program selection committees. However, if you’re concerned that a gap year or other time off might hurt your chances of admission into the master’s program you want, don’t hesitate to contact the program to find out.
3. You Have a Low Undergraduate GPA
Master’s programs with higher admission rates often accept applicants with less-than-stellar undergraduate GPAs. And many programs do not consider undergrad GPAs at all. These programs often place greater weight on other factors such as entrance exam scores (like the GRE or GMAT), letters of recommendation, statements of intent or personal essays, work experience, and volunteer work or other extracurricular activities.
4. You Aren’t Good at Taking Tests
A solid GRE or GMAT score can be a great way to balance out a low undergraduate GPA when it comes to applying to a master’s program. But what if you’re not so great at taking tests? Graduate programs with high acceptance rates can help here, too. To start with, entrance exam requirements vary from program to program, and many have no exam requirement at all. Those that do will often consider your work experience or other factors in lieu of submitting entrance test scores.
5. You Don’t Have any Extracurriculars to Boost Your Application
Master’s programs today are looking for well-rounded applicants. But if you’re a little light in extracurriculars, no need to panic. You can highlight other accomplishments, like work experience, internships, fellowships, and study abroad experiences. You’ve probably also taken part in some outside activities — like volunteer work, tutoring and mentoring, professional association affiliations, etc. These are just the sort of application enhancers that can make a major positive impression on an admissions selection committee.
College Admissions FAQs
What are some ways I can stand out on my college applications?
There are several ways to ensure your master’s application stands out. A major one is to pay close attention to the specific application requirements and meet each one completely and with care. Make sure that you tailor all responses and submittals (such as letters of recommendation and personal statements) to the specific characteristics of the school and degree program. And don’t be shy about flouting your unique talents and accomplishments. Put another way, you won’t stand out if you don’t make the point of standing out.
Are schools with higher admissions rates the same quality as other accredited programs?
When it comes to colleges and the degree programs they offer, “quality” is an elusive term. If the program excels in providing the education and skills you’re looking for to succeed academically and in your career, then that program is of high quality. There is no indication that graduate schools with high acceptance rates are necessarily of lower quality than those with lower acceptance rates. You can be assured, though, that all of the grad schools on the above list have met standards of quality to earn institutional accreditation.
What are my options to help pay for college if I’m accepted?
Although they’re among the easiest graduate schools to get into, colleges with high acceptance rates still offer a full range of financial aid options. All of the typical financial aid resources are available as long as your program is accredited. Those resources include scholarships, grants, fellowships, work study, employer tuition assistance, VA benefits (for military veterans), and more.
There are also, of course, student loans like those available through Federal Student Aid. The best way to get started on your funding search is by contacting the financial aid offices at each of the schools you’re considering. You’ll also want to submit your FAFSA application as soon as possible.
The Inside Scoop from a College Admissions Expert
James Monahan, EdD, is the Director of Graduate and International Admissions at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). Dr. Monahan holds a BA from the University of Michigan, an MA in Urban Affairs from Saint Louis University, and an EdD in Education Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
In your experience, how do admissions committees typically assess non-traditional credentials, such as work experience or vocational training, when evaluating applicants?
For graduate programs, all admissions decisions are made by the academic department, not by a centralized admissions office. For this reason, non-traditional credentials and work experience can be assessed very differently, depending on the program.
For some, work experience and training are viewed very positively by the admission committee. For example, the school of business often prefers candidates that have work experience over those applying directly out of an undergraduate program.
On the other hand, engineering programs need students to have specific competencies in calculus and physics that prepare them for advanced coursework, and therefore, non-traditional credentials are not as valued.
How can students effectively address any gaps in their academic record or explain any extenuating circumstances that may have affected their previous educational performance?
It is very common for individuals to have a gap between their undergraduate and graduate programs, so this is rarely an issue for graduate admissions. If the individual is applying for a STEM program where the technology is changing rapidly, this can be an issue. Otherwise, a gap should not be a problem, especially if the individual has been working in a related field.
Students with extenuating circumstances [should] be prepared to provide supporting evidence demonstrating why they can be successful in the program. Professional experience is often an excellent way to demonstrate that they have the maturity and skills necessary to succeed. Students [can also] point out if they earned particularly strong grades in academic subjects related to the program for which they are applying, even if they had low grades in non-related areas that impacted their overall grade point average.
Finally, a standardized test score or recent class or training program can help demonstrate the individual’s ability to perform at a high level in an academic setting.
For students who have pursued independent projects or passions during their gap years, how can they effectively showcase these experiences in their college applications?
Prospective students should make every effort to showcase these experiences within the documents required by the institution. If an essay, personal statement, or resume/CV is an application requirement, make sure the independent projects pursued during your gap year(s) are prominently featured in these documents. Supplemental or non-required documents may be accepted as part of an application, but there is no guarantee that these non-essential documents will be reviewed.
Academic programs are looking for passionate students who can connect their experiences to what they will learn in the program. Even if the project was not directly related to your field of study, if you can articulate the lessons you have learned, it will demonstrate the critical thinking skills valued by an admissions committee.
How do admissions committees view standardized test scores for applicants with non-traditional academic backgrounds, particularly if they haven't been in a traditional classroom setting for a while?
This is going to vary greatly by the academic program. In general, programs are moving away from standardized test scores and toward a more holistic review of the applications received. Strong test scores, however, can help an applicant, particularly if their scores are high in the area related to the program.
For example, engineering programs want to see students with strong quantitative test scores, whereas programs in the social sciences and humanities will want to see strong qualitative or writing scores. But it is very rare to see a test score as the deciding factor.
Can you advise students on how to navigate the college application process if they are unsure of their career goals or academic interests?
The best advice that I can give is to do your research. Talk to people — friends and mentors, as well as admissions advisors and faculty members. The admissions office is a great place to start. It is our job to assist prospective students, and many of the individuals with whom we speak are unsure of their career goals and specific academic interests. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It is likely that your questions will help steer you to the right major — it may be one that had not occurred to you before.