A letter of recommendation is a common feature in many college application processes. You may be wondering, however, if there is a chance of finding colleges that do not require letters of recommendation. The good news is that some universities will accept applications without them.
Colleges that don’t require recommendation letters are more accessible for students who may not have academic or professional references. These schools focus on other parts of your application—like essays, transcripts, or test scores—to decide if you’re the right fit. There are many school options, including online colleges, that do not require recommendation letters. To help, we’ve compiled a list of in-person and online colleges that don’t require recommendation letters.
Key Takeaways
- Plenty of options exist: Well-known schools like Florida State University, Indiana University Bloomington, and Arizona State University do not require recommendation letters.
- Requirements vary: Admissions may rely on essays, transcripts, test scores, or resumes instead. Some schools are test-optional in 2025.
- Online flexibility: Universities such as Southern New Hampshire University and North Central University allow students to apply without letters of recommendation.
- Extra preparation helps: Strong personal statements, resumes, and academic records can replace the weight of recommendation letters.
- Still optional: Even if not required, submitting a recommendation letter may strengthen applications to competitive programs.
What Are Letters of Recommendation, and Why Are They Normally Required?
A letter of recommendation is a document written by someone who is credible to attest to your character, achievements, and worthiness of admission into a school or for a professional position. Usually, a letter of recommendation is written by your high school teacher, professor, manager, or employer. This will require you to ask them for a recommendation letter.
Most universities require letters of recommendation, along with other documents, to consider an applicant eligible for an undergraduate program. In most cases, graduate school applicants must also submit letters of recommendation explaining why they should be admitted to the degree program. However, there are some schools that don’t require letters of recommendation.
Is It Easy to Find Universities That Don’t Require Letters of Recommendations
It is not easy to find universities that don’t require letters of recommendation. However, there are ways to make your search easier. One way is through lists like the one provided in this article. Another way is to comb through the admission requirements of different schools that you’re interested in.
How to Get Into a College That Doesn’t Require Letters of Recommendation
Universities that don’t require letters of recommendation from prospective students use other ways to assess if the prospects are the right fit for a program. Decisions by the admissions committees can be based on other criteria that directly assess a candidate’s qualifications. Admissions decisions may rely on:
- Professional experience
- Internships
- Academic records and transcripts
- Personal statements
- Admissions essays
Strong writing skills and evidence of leadership or extracurricular involvement can also help when recommendation letters aren’t part of the process.
Which Schools Do Not Require Letters of Recommendation for College Admissions in 2025?
| School | U.S. News & World Report Rankings 2026 | Other Admissions Requirements |
| Florida State University | #21 in Top Public Schools1 | Essay, resume, ACT/SAT scores, and transcripts2 |
| Indiana University Bloomington | #34 in Top Public Schools3 | High school transcripts or GED4 |
| Clemson University | #75 in National Universities5 | SAT/ACT scores and Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS)6 |
| Arizona State University | #117 in National Universities7 | Transcripts and SAT/ACT score8 |
| Colorado State University | #79 in Top Public Schools9 | Personal statement/essay and transcripts10 |
| Delaware State University | #45 in Top Public Schools11 | SAT/ACT scores and high school transcripts12 |
| Adams State University | #102 in Regional Universities West13 | High school transcripts14 |
| New York City College of Technology | #13 in Top Public Schools15 | High school diploma or GED16 |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) | #150-164 in Regional Universities North17 | Transcripts, electronic attestation form18 |
| North Central University | #19 in Regional Colleges Midwest19 | Online application, high school transcripts20 |
Colleges That Don’t Require Letters of Recommendation
You can attend schools that don’t require letters of recommendation if you decide to.
If you are looking for schools with a freshman admission policy that doesn’t include letters of recommendation, the following colleges are options to consider.
Florida State University
Designated as a research-based university by the Florida legislation, Florida State University is rated #21 in Top Public Schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report. To apply for a program at the university, candidates have to submit an essay, a resume, SAT/ACT scores, and transcripts.
Indiana University Bloomington
According to U.S. News & World Report, Indiana University Bloomington ranks 34th in Top Public Schools in the nation, with over 550 academic programs that you can choose from.21 The university’s basic admission requirements include a $65 application fee, academic transcripts, and the option to submit ACT/SAT scores.
Colorado State University
Colorado State University is a research-focused institution with many programs for undergraduates and graduate students. The university’s admission process is friendly to international students, with enough guidance to see them through the process. Colorado State University has been ranked #79th for Top Public Schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Delaware State University
Founded in 1891, Delaware State University offers courses for first-year students, transfer students, and international students. As of 2025, admissions officers at the university require undergraduate applicants to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 or better on a 4.0 scale, SAT scores of 800 or higher, and ACT scores of 17 or higher. In addition to undergraduate programs, Delaware State University offers graduate degree programs.
New York City College of Technology
New York City College of Technology offers a wide range of associate, bachelor’s, and postgraduate degree programs. The minimum requirements for acceptance into the programs include a high school diploma and proficiency in math and English. With a riveting campus life, students can access all the resources they need to excel.
Clemson University
Clemson University is a research-focused university in South Carolina. The university assesses the applicant’s academics, community engagement, background, opportunities, and unique story. Applicants who can demonstrate academic qualifications and career goals that align with the course objectives have a better chance of being accepted. The university is ranked 75th in Best National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Arizona State University
In addition to Arizona State University’s regular campus-based programs, the university offers approximately 400 online degree programs, as of September 2025.22 Students benefit from flexibility as they pursue degrees and prepare for advanced careers.
Adams State University
Adam State University is a public university in Colorado. In addition to campus-based programs, it has several online programs you can pursue, depending on your prior education. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to one and a student-focused learning style, the learning experience is supportive.23 International applicants can join the applicant pool by setting up an applicant profile on the school’s website.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University has several online programs. The application procedures are straightforward, allowing students to walk through the process quickly. High school students looking to get a place in the highly competitive school will need to submit an application form, an electronic attestation form, and transcripts.
North Central University
North Central University is an online school specially created to help busy professionals earn degrees. The university allows students to earn degrees in technology, education, business, and psychology. Besides an undergraduate program, there are options available for students who want to earn a master’s or doctoral degree.
Should You Still Submit Letters of Recommendation Even if It Is Not Required?
No, you don’t have to submit letters of recommendation if it’s not required. While a letter of recommendation can help demonstrate your knowledge and experience, colleges that don’t require letters of recommendation have other ways of assessing you in this regard.
Colleges That Don’t Require Letters of Recommendation FAQ
Not submitting letters of recommendation means you aren’t obtaining and submitting letters from people in authoritative positions who can vouch for your achievements, character, and suitability for a program or position.
Yes, there are grad schools that don’t require letters of recommendation. Although these documents are commonplace in most admissions processes, some schools prefer to stick with other admission criteria or requirements.
Yes, you can find schools that don’t ask for references. You can find information on the requirements for a program on your desired school’s website.
Yes, you can apply to a college without letters of recommendation. However, you have to confirm with the admissions office that the university doesn’t require letters of recommendation. If you find a program that suits you, complete your application and submit the relevant documents.
Sources:
1 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/florida-state-university-1489
2 https://admissions.fsu.edu/first-year/wwlf
3 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/indiana-university-bloomington-1809/applying
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4 https://admissions.indiana.edu/apply/freshman/index.html
5 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/clemson-university-3425
6 https://www.clemson.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/apply/first-year.html
7 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/arizona-state-university-1081
8 https://admission.asu.edu/apply/first-year/admission
9 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/colorado-state-university-1350
10 https://admissions.colostate.edu/apply/freshmen/#what
11 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/delaware-state-university-1428
12 http://desu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-students
13 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/adams-state-university-1345
14 https://www.adams.edu/admissions/undergraduate/freshman-requirements/
15 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/cuny-new-york-city-college-of-technology-2696
16 https://www.citytech.cuny.edu/admissions/requirement.aspx
17 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/southern-new-hampshire-university-2580
18 https://www.snhu.edu/admission/online
19 https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/north-central-university-2369
20 https://www.northcentral.edu/admissions/undergraduate-students/
21 https://ois.iu.edu/admissions/about-iub/academics/index.html
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