Applying and getting into college can be overwhelming. While many schools in Florida are competitive, there are also a plethora of universities and community colleges that have open admissions policies that are designed to give students a better chance of pursuing higher education.
This guide explores Florida colleges that have high acceptance rates, including schools that have open admissions policies and online options. Whether you’re just starting your journey or planning to transfer later, you’ll find practical information and advice in this article that will help you choose the right path for you.
Key Takeaways
- Many Florida colleges have open admission policies, which means that all students with a high school diploma or GED are accepted.
- High acceptance rate schools can still offer strong academics, accredited programs, and valuable student services.
- Community colleges will often provide a low-cost pathway and have guaranteed transfer opportunities into four-year universities.
- Online colleges in Florida help to expand access to education with flexible formats and easy admissions, especially for working adults.
- Choosing a high acceptance rate school can reduce your stress in the admissions process while still leading to respected degrees.
- Accreditation and student outcomes, not just selectivity, are the key factors to review before enrolling.
What Are the Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Florida?
The easiest colleges to get into in Florida are open-admissions state and community colleges that welcome all students with a high school diploma or GED. The easiest colleges to get into in Florida are Broward College, Indian River State College, Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale, College of Central Florida, and Herzing University – Orlando. These universities focus less on past academic performance and more on providing good quality education to all of their students. They are an ideal option for students who have low GPAs and test scores.
When considering “easy admission” schools, students should confirm that the institution is regionally accredited. Regional accreditation ensures credits can transfer to other Florida universities and that degrees are recognized by employers and graduate schools.
Colleges in Florida With Open Admissions
Florida colleges with open admissions policies accept any student with a high school diploma or GED, making higher education widely accessible. Open admission is a non-selective admission policy that admits all students who have a high school diploma or a GED. This means that you can get into college even if you got bad grades in high school. Many of these colleges have two-year associate degree programs where you can build a stronger profile and get into a more selective school after graduating with your associate degree.
- Affordable tuition compared to private universities.
- Easy entry for non-traditional students or working adults.
- Flexible transfer opportunities into Florida’s four-year universities.
- Opportunities to explore different majors before committing.
Are There Good Universities With High Acceptance Rates in Florida?
Yes, there are several accredited universities in Florida that combine high acceptance rates with strong academics and student support services. A high acceptance rate reflects the school’s admissions policy and shows that the university accepts a higher percentage of applicants. The acceptance rate has nothing to do with the quality of education that these schools offer.
Students should still look closely at graduation rates, job placement services, and available financial aid. For example, some Florida universities with over 90% acceptance rates still maintain strong reputations for quality instruction and career support.
Common Admissions Requirements for Colleges With High Acceptance Rates in Florida
Most Florida colleges with high acceptance rates require a diploma or GED, transcripts, and basic application documents. The common admissions requirements for colleges are an application and supporting documents that give more information about your background. Admissions requirements vary from school to school, but these are some of the most common requirements:
- High School Diploma or GED. Applicants seeking admission into colleges with high acceptance rates will need to submit an official transcript from their high school or GED program.
- Standardized Test Scores. Some schools use standardized tests to determine which college classes students should take. For most schools with high acceptance rates, SAT or ACT scores are optional, and you can take a placement exam offered by the school instead. International students will need to take English proficiency exams such as TOEFL or IELTS.
- Application Fee. Depending on the school, you may need to pay a non-refundable application fee. Application fees can usually be waived if you meet certain conditions. Contact the admissions department to see if you can get a fee waiver.
- Florida or Non-Florida Residency Declaration Form. You will have to submit a residency document to establish your status as an in-state or out-of-state student. Florida residents usually have lower tuition rates than out-of-state students.
- Letter of Recommendation. Some schools request that students submit letters of recommendation from a high school counselor, teacher, or mentor.
- Personal Statement. Some high acceptance rate schools require that students submit a personal essay or statement during this application process. An essay allows students to demonstrate why they would be a good fit for the program. It also provides insight into the student’s background.
Regional accreditation, typically from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), is especially important. Accreditation impacts eligibility for federal financial aid, transferability of credits, and recognition of your degree by employers.
The Best Colleges With High Acceptance Rates in Florida
The best Florida colleges with high acceptance rates include both public state colleges and private universities with broad admissions policies.
| School | Acceptance Rate | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Broward College | 100%1 | $2,830 (in-state); $8,952 (out-of-state)1 |
| Chipola College | 63%2 | $3,120 (in-state); $8,950 (out-of-state)2 |
| Daytona State College | 100%4 | $3,106 (in-state); $11,994 (out-of-state)3 |
| Eastern Florida State College | 100%6 | $2,496 (in-state); $9,739 (out-of-state)5 |
| Indian River State College | 100%8 | $2,764 (in-state); $10,201 (out-of-state)7 |
| Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale | 97%9 | $39,1899 |
| Herzing University – Orlando | 90%10 | $13,42010 |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University | 82%11 | $42,25011 |
| Lynn University | 73%12 | $46,45012 |
While these acceptance rates highlight the admissions accessibility, it’s also important to note that outcomes will vary. Some state colleges report graduation rates near 50% while others are lower. Employment rates also differ from school to school, which makes it important to compare career services and alumni success across schools in addition to acceptance rates.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Florida: A Closer Look
These Florida colleges are among the easiest to get into, with high or open admissions policies and straightforward application processes. Below is a closer look at their acceptance rates and tuition costs.
Broward College
- Acceptance Rate: 100%1
- Tuition: $2,830 (in-state); $8,952 (out-of-state)1
Broward College offers associate and bachelor’s degree programs. Its admissions process is simple and accessible for all students with a high school diploma or GED.
Chipola College
- Acceptance Rate: 63%2
- Tuition: $3,120 (in-state); $8,950 (out-of-state)2
Located in Marianna, Chipola College provides academic programs in business, health sciences, mathematics, and the arts. The school maintains an inclusive admissions process and strong transfer pathways.
Daytona State College
- Acceptance Rate: 100%4
- Tuition: $3,106 (in-state); $11,994 (out-of-state)3
Daytona State College is known for affordable, high-quality programs and its Quanta-Honors College for motivated students. It also provides many opportunities for extracurricular involvement.
Eastern Florida State College
- Acceptance Rate: 100%6
- Tuition: $2,496 (in-state); $9,739 (out-of-state)5
Eastern Florida State College offers more than 100 academic programs and provides rolling admissions. Students benefit from clubs, athletics, and equal access to education.
Indian River State College
- Acceptance Rate: 100%8
- Tuition: $2,764 (in-state); $10,201 (out-of-state)7
Indian River State College has a strong reputation for small class sizes, personalized instruction, and accessible associate and bachelor’s degree programs.
Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale
- Acceptance Rate: 97%9
- Tuition: $39,1899
Founded in 1977, Keiser University enrolls students across associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. The admissions process is student-friendly, with academic advisor support.
Herzing University – Orlando
- Acceptance Rate: 90%10
- Tuition: $13,42010
Herzing University offers both online and in-person programs, including nursing at its Orlando campus. The admissions process includes a meeting with an advisor and a simple application.
Palm Beach Atlantic University
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- Acceptance Rate: 82%11
- Tuition: $42,25011
Palm Beach Atlantic University is a Christian university offering over 50 programs in fields such as medicine, business, ministry, and teaching. It also has a strong Office of Career Development.
Lynn University
- Acceptance Rate: 73%12
- Tuition: $46,45012
Located in Boca Raton, Lynn University emphasizes experiential learning and hands-on education.
Online Colleges Based in Florida That Are Easy to Get Into
Florida also has online colleges that have easy admissions, which offers a flexible degree pathway for working adults and career changers.
The following are the easiest online colleges to get into that are based in Florida:
- Nova Southeastern University. This private institution has campuses across Florida, including Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, and Palm Beach. It offers online bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs and has an acceptance rate of 73%.15
- Rasmussen University – Florida. Rasmussen provides more than 50 online degree programs across certificates, diplomas, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs. It maintains an open admissions policy for new students and accepts 100% of applicants.16
- Full Sail University. Full Sail University offers accelerated, immersive online degrees in technology, design, business, music, and more, with open admissions.17
- Florida Southwestern State College. This public college provides online associate and bachelor’s programs in business, technology, and health fields. Florida Southwestern State College has a 100% acceptance rate.14
- South University – Tampa. South University offers online associate through doctoral programs and maintains an open admission policy with a 100% acceptance rate.13
Even when attending online colleges, students should verify accreditation. Regionally accredited online degrees from Florida schools generally qualify for federal aid and transfer pathways, while nationally accredited programs may be more limited.
Should I Attend Community College in Florida and Then Transfer to University?
Attending a Florida community college before transferring to a university is a cost-effective way to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Since it is easier to get into a community college, this is a good way for students who didn’t perform well in high school to earn a higher GPA and transfer into a larger school. Many community colleges in Florida have articulation agreements or a Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) with certain universities. This provides a direct pathway for students to transfer credits from a community college and move to a four-year program at a university. Community colleges usually only offer two-year degrees.
Florida’s statewide “2+2” articulation agreement guarantees that students who complete an associate degree at a Florida College System institution can transfer seamlessly to a state university. For example:
- Miami Dade College → Florida International University
- Tallahassee Community College → Florida State University
- Valencia College → University of Central Florida
Easiest Community Colleges to Get Into in Florida
Florida’s community colleges maintain open admissions, which makes them the easiest entry point into higher education in the state. Below are 5 community colleges in the state.
- Santa Fe College
- Tallahassee Community College
- Seminole State College of Florida
- Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Miami Dade College
Should I Attend a University in Florida With a High Acceptance Rate?
Choosing a Florida university with a high acceptance rate can save money and reduce admissions stress without sacrificing accreditation.
Pros:
- More accessible admissions for students with varied GPAs.
- Affordable tuition, especially at state colleges.
- Diverse student body with many non-traditional learners.
Cons:
- Less prestige compared to highly selective universities.
- Larger class sizes at some community/state colleges.
- Graduation rates may be lower, requiring strong self-motivation.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Florida FAQ
Yes, there are colleges in Florida with a 100 percent acceptance rate. These types of schools have an open admissions process, which means they accept all students with a high school diploma or GED.
A minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is required for admission to Florida colleges with a selective admissions process. Highly selective schools may have higher GPA requirements, usually somewhere around 3.0 to 3.5.
The hardest colleges to get into in Florida are the University of Miami, University of South Florida, University of Florida, Florida A&M University, and Florida Memorial University. These colleges are highly selective and have lower admission rates.
If your high school record doesn’t meet the academic threshold, if you have an incomplete application, or if the number of aspiring students is much larger than the number of available spots then a college might not accept you. The more well-known a school is, the more students apply, and the harder it is to get in. This is one reason it’s so hard to get into an Ivy League school.
Sources
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/broward-college-666949
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/chipola-college-1472
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/daytona-state-college-1475
- https://www.niche.com/colleges/daytona-state-college/admissions/
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/eastern-florida-state-college-666948
- https://www.niche.com/colleges/eastern-florida-state-college/
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/indian-river-state-college-1493
- https://www.niche.com/colleges/indian-river-state-college/
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/keiser-university-21519
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/herzing-university-orlando-643831
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/palm-beach-atlantic-university-8849
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/lynn-university-1505
- https://www.niche.com/colleges/south-university-tampa/
- https://www.niche.com/colleges/florida-southwestern-state-college/
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/nova-southeastern-university-1509
- https://www.niche.com/colleges/rasmussen-university-ocala/
- https://www.niche.com/colleges/full-sail-university/
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