What Is Open Admissions?

Open admissions is a policy under which a college accepts all applicants who meet basic requirements, usually a high school diploma or equivalent, and sometimes a minimum age, without competitive selection based on grades or test scores. Community colleges in the United States are the most common examples, and some other institutions and open universities in different countries work in similar ways.

How it works

Applicants fill out a simple application, show proof of graduation and may take placement tests in math and English to decide which courses they should start in. There is no cap based on academic records, though enrollment can be limited by capacity and funding. Some programs within an open admissions college have separate requirements, such as nursing, dental hygiene or engineering technology, which may require prerequisites, minimum GPAs or applications.

Why colleges use it

The aim is access. Open admissions provides opportunities for students who might not be admitted to selective colleges, adults returning to education, people who want to change careers and students who need to build skills or save money before transferring. Tuition is generally low, particularly at public colleges.

What students should consider

• Placement and developmental courses: you may need to take preparatory classes, which may not count toward a degree. Many colleges now use support models that let you take college-level courses with extra help.
• Support services: check advising, tutoring, childcare and transport support.
• Transfer pathways: if you plan to transfer, look for articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs with universities.
• Completion rates: these vary, so use the college's data to see how many students finish or transfer, and what support helps.
• Competitive programs: apply early for programs with limited places.

Open admissions around the world

Open universities, such as the Open University in the UK, admit students without entry requirements for many courses. Some countries guarantee a place at public universities to anyone who passes a national exam, though this is not the same as open admissions, because places can be limited.

Related terms

See transfer student, articulation agreement, acceptance rate, dual enrollment and pathway program.