What are the easiest colleges to get into for international students? When you are planning to study in the US, it’s important to find universities with a high acceptance rate. That could be your plan B if your first choice does not admit you. Colleges have the highest acceptance rates, but this does not mean they perform worse in higher education. Follow us and look at universities with high acceptance rates for international students that are welcoming, flexible, and dedicated to fostering an inclusive learning environment.
15 Universities with the Highest Acceptance Rate for International Students
According to the statistics from U.S. News, we compiled information on 15 universities with the highest acceptance rate for international students, including their U.S. News ranking, international applicants, international enrollments and the acceptance rates of each university in fall 2023.
No. 15 University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
| U.S. News ranking | International applicants | International applicants accepted | Acceptance rate for international students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 244 (tie) National Universities |
509 | 459 | 90.18% |
The University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth is often called Umass Dartmouth. The public institution was founded in 1895. It is located nearly 60 miles to the south of Boston, providing a convenient life for its students. They can choose from over 50 fields of undergraduate study at Umass Dartmouth once they are admitted. With 90.18% of the international admission rate, it is one of the easiest universities to get into for international students.
No. 14 Murray State University
| U.S. News ranking | International applicants | International applicants accepted | Acceptance rate for international students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 (tie) Regional Universities (South) |
1505 | 1360 | 90.37% |
Established in 1922, Murray State University is a public university in western Kentucky. It is inclusive and full of diversity. Students at this university are from all kinds of backgrounds. It is one of the best universities in USA for international students. Besides, it offers small classes to ensure you have individual attention, and you will also have unique hands-on opportunities to improve your practical ability.
No. 13 Kent State University
| U.S. News ranking | International applicants | International applicants accepted | Acceptance rate for international students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 231 (tie) National Universities |
2055 | 1861 | 90.56% |
Located in northeastern Ohio, Kent State University has seven regional campuses situated across the state. It is one of the American universities with a high acceptance rate. The total number of undergraduates at Kent State University is 20,485 until fall 2023. Here, students can take part in over 200 campus organizations to help them adapt to college life as soon as possible and make some friends with the same interests.
No. 12 Pennsylvania State University – Behrend
| U.S. News ranking | International applicants | International applicants accepted | Acceptance rate for international students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 138 Regional Universities (North) |
568 | 517 | 91.02% |
Penn State Behrend has 38 four-year degree programs, and some of them are special in the Penn State system. As one of the easiest schools to get into, Penn State Behrend supports people to respect each other from different cultural backgrounds and is creating an inclusive and diverse college community. There are more than 140 clubs and organizations at Penn State Behrend, where students can make friends and find what they love.
No. 11 Wright State University
| U.S. News ranking | International applicants | International applicants accepted | Acceptance rate for international students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 392-434 National Universities |
2397 | 2201 | 91.82% |
Named for the Wright brothers, Wright State University is a national public university in Dayton, Ohio, with a history of 57 years. It has six colleges offering 315 academic programs. It is one of the universities with the highest acceptance rate for many international students. Moreover, its in-state tuition and fees are $10,076 and out-of-state tuition and fees are $19,494. The university is more affordable than other universities.
No. 10 School of Visual Arts
| U.S. News ranking | International applicants | International applicants accepted | Acceptance rate for international students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 (tie) Regional Universities (North) |
1408 | 1309 | 92.97% |
School of Visual Arts, or SVA, is located in NYC. With the development of more than seven years, it has cultivated many professional artists and designers for the world. It is one of the most popular schools in the USA for international students who are interested in art. SVA emphasizes practical work. Almost all teachers of all majors are very confident in their art, encouraging and supporting students’ creation and breakthroughs, and are not bound by the market and so-called economic value.
No. 9 South Dakota State University
| U.S. News ranking | International applicants | International applicants accepted | Acceptance rate for international students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 266 (tie) National Universities |
734 | 687 | 93.60% |
South Dakota State University offers 200+ programs for students to choose from based on their personal interests and career development. More than 250 student organizations offer students a diverse college community to develop themselves. If you will study in the US as a foreign student, SDSU should be one of the schools you apply to. There is a policy for SDSU applicants. It is free to apply to SDSU before Nov. 30! It is valid for freshmen, transfer students, returning students, international students and non-degree-seeking students.
No. 8 Northern Arizona University
| U.S. News ranking | International applicants | International applicants accepted | Acceptance rate for international students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 244 (tie) National Universities |
579 | 551 | 95.16% |
In the beginning, Northern Arizona University was a teachers’ college and is committed to developing education. NAU focused on hands-on experiences in a good learning environment. Its academic colleges have lots of programs related to various disciplines, including art, education, engineering, forestry, social sciences, and business. With an international admission rate of 95.16%, it is one of the highest acceptance rate universities in the USA.
No. 7 University of Kansas
| U.S. News ranking | International applicants | International applicants accepted | Acceptance rate for international students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 152 (tie) National Universities |
614 | 585 | 95.28% |
The University of Kansas was founded in 1866. It is the flagship institution of the state and has 5 campuses. The main campus is located in Lawrence. The Edwards Campus is in Overland Park. Satellite campuses are in Wichita, Salina, and Kansas City for medical professions. Beyond the classroom, there are more than 500 student organizations for students to enrich their spare-time life. It is an ideal easy college to apply to.
No. 6 University of South Dakota
| U.S. News ranking | International applicants | International applicants accepted | Acceptance rate for international students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 273 (tie) National Universities |
917 | 881 | 96.07% |
The University of South Dakota was operated from 1862 in Vermillion, South Dakota. It is a traditional school with more than 60 years of history. The campuses are located in Vermillion and Sioux Falls. As the size and population grow, the university becomes much bigger and stronger than before. It is one of the best universities in the USA for international students. With 34% of all undergraduates living on campus, others choose to live in student housing, thus making it more convenient to live in society.
No. 5 St. Cloud State University
| U.S. News ranking | International applicants | International applicants accepted | Acceptance rate for international students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98 (tie) Regional Universities (Midwest) |
1525 | 1474 | 96.66% |
St. Cloud State University covers an acre of 100. The main campus is located along the banks of the Mississippi River. It has other campuses in Plymouth, Minnesota and Anwick Castle, England. 95% of students from this university are employed in their field within one year of graduation. High employment rates and admission rates make it popular for international students in USA.
No. 4 Kansas State University
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| U.S. News ranking | International applicants | International applicants accepted | Acceptance rate for international students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 165 (tie) National Universities |
603 | 591 | 98.01% |
Located in Manhattan in the northeastern part of the state, Kansas State University offers students more than 250 undergraduate majors and 60+ master’s degree programs, including courses in the fields of business, engineering and education. Besides, students can be trained in infectious disease research at its Biosecurity Institute. It is also one of the easiest universities to get into for international students.
No. 3 University of North Carolina – Pembroke
| U.S. News ranking | International applicants | International applicants accepted | Acceptance rate for international students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41 (tie) Regional Universities (South) |
1030 | 1011 | 98.16% |
With over 7,660 students, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke offers bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees. It is located in the southeastern North Carolina town of Pembroke. UNCP is considered one of the safest campuses in the University of North Carolina System. The university implements small-class teaching so that students have more opportunities to interact with their teachers. More diverse campuses may make it one of the best universities in USA for international students.
No. 2 Missouri Southern State University
| U.S. News ranking | International applicants | International applicants accepted | Acceptance rate for international students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 131 (tie) Regional Universities (Midwest) |
515 | 507 | 98.45% |
As one of the easiest universities to get into, Missouri Southern State University have about 3400 international students. There are over 140 programs for applicants to choose from at the undergraduate stage. Owning more than 70 clubs and student organizations, students can enjoy wonderful campus life and participate in various activities. In addition, international students can enjoy smaller class sizes, accessible faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities.
No. 1 University of Mississippi
| U.S. News ranking | International applicants | International applicants accepted | Acceptance rate for international students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 171 (tie) National Universities |
769 | 761 | 98.96% |
The University of Mississippi is a public institution founded in 1848. The university has 16 academic divisions and is committed to research. Its programs include the Center for Southern Cultural Studies, the National Center for Physical Acoustics, and the Mississippi Law Institute. It is one of the universities with the highest acceptance rates in the USA. New students will live on campus in Oxford, a traditional university town with an arts scene, restaurants and much more to see.
Factors: Choose High Acceptance Rate Universities for International Students
Once you decide to study at colleges with high acceptance rates, the next thing you must consider is which university you should apply to. It’s crucial to do some preparation jobs, like researching your target institution and getting to know yourself better. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the easiest colleges to get into.
Tuition and fees: compared to more selective institutions, some universities with higher acceptance rates may have more affordable tuition rates.
- Scholarships and financial aid: if financial conditions concern you a lot, you can try to find high acceptance rate universities in the USA that offer generous scholarships and financial aid, which can help you solve some of the economic difficulties.
- Location and lifestyle: when you search for the easiest schools to get into, make sure you are clear about their geographic locations and local lifestyle. In that way, you can choose one according to your adaptability and personal needs and preferences.
Access to education and employment: make sure that your selected universities with higher acceptance rates can offer satisfying education and employment opportunities. This is beneficial for your long-term career development and personal growth.
Conclusion
This blog introduces 15 easiest universities to get into for international students and describes some important factors that should be considered when choosing American universities with high acceptance rates. These universities mentioned above have flexible admission policies and a welcoming campus environment for international applicants. By researching and applying to these easiest universities to get into, international students can increase the opportunities to study in the US.
FAQ
Which university is easiest to get into as an international student?
The easiest universities to get into for international students in 2025 are as follows:
- University of Mississippi
- Missouri Southern State University
- University of North Carolina – Pembroke
- Kansas State University
- St. Cloud State University
- University of South Dakota
- University of Kansas
- Northern Arizona University
- South Dakota State University
- School of Visual Arts
Is it harder to get accepted as an international student?
No.
It is not hard to get accepted as an international student. There are some American universities with high acceptance rates for international students, such as University of Mississippi and Missouri Southern State University. As long as the applicants make full preparations and meet the requirements, they will be admitted easily by those schools.
What university has a 90% acceptance rate?
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
The acceptance rate of the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth is 90.18%. It is one of the easiest universities to get into for international students.
