High acceptance-rate universities in USA: Top 10

High acceptance-rate universities in USA: Top 10

Are you hoping to study in the USA? With our list of high acceptance rate universities in USA, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

While USA is known for its high quality of education, excellent economy, infrastructure, and diverse culture, it’s also known for its high cost of education. GradRight can help you navigate through those challenges.

Top 10 high acceptance rate universities in USA

As per US news, these universities have accepted 82-99% of International applicants for the Fall season.

1. Kent State University (OH)

This public research university in Kent, Ohio has regional campuses in East Liverpool, Ashtabula, Salem, Jackson Township, Warren, New York City, Twinsburg, Italy, Florence, Independence, and Cleveland.

No. of international applicants in Fall 2021: 640

No. of accepted international students in Fall 2021: 635

International applicants’ acceptance rate: 99%

2. Colorado State University

This is a public land-grant research university in Fort Collins, Colorado, which is one of the best high acceptance rate universities in USA. While it was named Colorado Agricultural College from 1870 to 1935, it was later renamed Colorado A&M from 1935 to 1957.

No. of international applicants in Fall 2021: 617

No. of accepted international students in Fall 2021: 612

International applicants’ acceptance rate: 99%

3. The University of Texas at Arlington

Established in 1895, this public research university in Arlington, Texas used to be a member of the Texas A&M University System until 1965, after which it joined the University of Texas System.

No. of international applicants in Fall 2021: 625

No. of accepted international students in Fall 2021: 584

International applicants’ acceptance rate: 93%

4. University of Kansas

The University of Kansas has satellite campuses, medical centers, research, and educational facilities, and classes located around the state. The student acceptance rate for this public research university is as follows:
No. of international applicants in Fall 2021: 519

No. of accepted international students in Fall 2021: 509

International applicants’ acceptance rate: 98%

5. Loyola University Chicago

This private Jesuit research university is in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1870, this is one of the United States’ largest Catholic universities.

No. of international applicants in Fall 2021: 1452

No. of accepted international students in Fall 2021: 1309

International applicants’ acceptance rate: 90%

6.  University of Utah

This is the flagship university of the Utah System of Higher Education. Founded in 1850, this public research university was initially named the University of Deseret. It was later renamed to the University of Utah in 1892.

No. of international applicants in Fall 2021: 546

No. of accepted international students in Fall 2021: 474

International applicants’ acceptance rate: 87%


7. Virginia Commonwealth University

One of the US universities with high acceptance rate is Virginia Commonwealth University. This university in Richmond, Virginia started out as the medical department of Hampden–Sydney College in 1838 and was later rechristened as the Medical College of Virginia in 1854.

No. of international applicants in Fall 2021: 515

No. of accepted international students in Fall 2021: 451

International applicants’ acceptance rate: 88%

8. University of Colorado Boulder

Located in Boulder, Colorado, the University of Colorado Boulder is a flagship university of the University of Colorado system. It was founded 5 months before Colorado became a state, in 1876.

No. of international applicants in Fall 2021: 2097

No. of accepted international students in Fall 2021: 1801

International applicants’ acceptance rate: 86%

9. The University of Texas at Dallas

Located in Richardson, Texas, this public research university is one of the largest universities in Dallas, and also the northernmost institution in the University of Texas System.

No. of international applicants in Fall 2021: 629

No. of accepted international students in Fall 2021: 513

International applicants’ acceptance rate: 82%

10. University of Cincinnati

Being Ohio’s second-largest institution, it has roughly 44,000 students enrolled each year. The student acceptance rate for this public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio is as follows:

No. of international applicants in Fall 2021: 1176

No. of accepted international students in Fall 2021: 970

International applicants’ acceptance rate: 82%

Applying to US universities with high acceptance rate

When you choose to apply to US universities with high acceptance rates, keep note of the following:

  1. Most universities have their own websites where you can apply online.
  1. Check prerequisites while applying. Some ask for standardized examination scores like GRE, GMAT, LSAT, AND MCAT, and some institutes may ask for additional documents like a list of patents, writing samples, portfolio, etc.

Suggested Read: Avoiding 3 common study mistakes can save you money and boost your standardized test score

  1. Apply to three to five universities to increase your chances of getting accepted.
  2. Depending on the university, the application fees for universities could be anywhere from $75 to $100.
  3. International students will be asked to show proof of English language proficiency in the form of TOEFL, IELTS, and similar certificates.

Best of all; stack the deck in your favor. Compare universities on meaningful parameters like alumni network, return on investment, placement record, etc.

It’s like having Ramanujan crunch the numbers for you, so you go to a massive-RoI university.

Try SelectRight.

How to raise your chances of getting accepted in US universities with high acceptance rate

Although you know that these universities are most likely going to accept you, it’s still better to raise your chances.

Here’s how:

  1. Write a compelling essay: This essay can be more important than you realise. A personal statement can really tell the university who you are. This information will go beyond the data that your application shows. This essay will also explain how you’ll thrive in their university.

Remember, you’re the star of your essay. Make sure you mention all your positive attributes. Another key aspect of your essay is prioritizing experience over goals. The university, after all, can only judge you based on what you’ve already accomplished; not on what you aim to achieve.

  1. Earn good grades in tough classes: Many competitive schools look at your rigorous course schedules and high GPA. Make sure you challenge yourself constantly. Some ways to improve your GPA include:
  • Attending classes regularly: Not only will this help you understand the academic material better, but it will also give you and your instructor more face-to-face time.
  • Stay organized: Chart your long-term deadlines and use a planner or an app to make sure you meet those deadlines. Prepare yoruself for all the midterm essays and exams.
  • Find a tutor: Your college’s student success factor should be able to provide you with a tutor for free. They can assist you with your studies for tests along with help in writing essays.
  1. Get a high ACT/SAT score: When preparing for these exams, ensure you choose quality practice tests and focus on your weaknesses.
  2. Apply early and interview when possible: This can showcase your commitment to the university along with your determination to be a part of their university. You can even attend alumni or college interviews to practice.
  3. Secure excellent letters of recommendation: You can stand apart from other applicants with a strong letter of recommendation that speaks to your achievements and your character.

How to manage studying expenses in USA?

Once you’ve got accepted into any of these US universities with high acceptance rate, you’ll have to manage the cost of studying expenses.

Some sources of finance include:

  1. Scholarships (Check your eligibility for scholarships on our GradRight website)

Here are some more ways you can secure a scholarship:

  1. Educational loans
  2. Personal funds
  3. International Organizations like the WHO

Some more ways in which you can sponsor your own expenses while studying in USA

Studying in high acceptance rate universities in USA is exciting, but can also be expensive. While the standards of living in the country are high, so is the cost of living.

Some ways to manage your expenses include:

  1. Teaching assistantship: Ease the burden off teachers by offering to help them. You’ll receive financial aid in return. These funds will usually be available after a semester/year.
  1. Working on campus: While studying, you can offer to work 20 hours a week on campus for some extra money.
  2. Research assistantship: On a temporary basis, you can help as a researcher and receive monetary compensation, which is usually available after a semester/year.

Navigating through challenges

While we know the upside of studying in high acceptance rate universities in USA, we also know that it can be expensive. But apart from dealing with the high expenses, what are the different challenges you may face?

  1. Facing cultural differences: You might not feel a sense of familiarity when you’re in America. You may start to even feel homesick. You’ll find that people have a different way of speaking; a different way of just being. However, if you go there with an open mind, with the trust that you will experience some new, nice things, you’ll be alright.
  2. Having academic difficulties: Your grades may take a backseat while you put in all your time figuring things out in the USA and trying to settle down. But thankfully, you can get back on track by joining study groups. You can also seek guidance from professors, and collaborate with other students to boost your grades.
  3. Blending in with the society: It can take you time to blend in if you don’t have a social circle. That’s why, put in more of an effort to make new friends. You could work on projects with others, and get involved with as many events and activities to make this happen.
  4. Food: You may roll your eyes at this one. America is famous for burgers and pizzas. But those who are nitpicky about food may find it difficult to adjust here. It’s not just in America; you won’t find food that your taste buds are accustomed to anywhere outside India with ease.