Top Online Colleges with Open Enrollment and No Application Fee

If you’re exploring flexible, affordable, and accessible education options, online colleges with open enrollment and no application fee can be the perfect solution. These institutions are especially appealing to:

• Adult learners returning to education

• Students with lower GPAs or no SAT/ACT scores

• International students looking for a cost-effective U.S. education

• Busy professionals needing a flexible study schedule

With open enrollment, colleges accept all students who meet basic criteria, eliminating the stress of intense competition. And when combined with no application fee, you avoid upfront financial barriers.

This guide dives deep into the best online colleges that are open enrollment and charge no application fee, their benefits, how to choose one, and key things to watch out for.

What is Open Enrollment in Online Colleges?

Open enrollment means that a college accepts all applicants who meet the basic requirements (e.g., high school diploma or GED). There’s no GPA requirement, no standardized test score, and minimal application barriers.

Key Benefits:

• Easy Access: Ideal for students with academic gaps or those changing careers.

• Rolling Admissions: Apply anytime throughout the year.

• Faster Start Dates: Many programs begin monthly or quarterly.

• Fewer Rejections: More inclusive than traditional college models.

Who Is It Best For?

• Adults returning to school

• Working professionals

• GED holders

• International students without access to U.S. entrance exams

Top Online Colleges with Open Enrollment and No Application Fee

Below are some of the most reputable U.S.-based online colleges that combine open enrollment and no application fees, along with details on tuition, accreditation, and available programs.

1. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
Accreditation: NECHE (New England Commission of Higher Education)
Application Fee: $0
Enrollment Type: Open admission for undergraduate online programs

Why SNHU Stands Out:

• Offers over 200 online degree programs

• Accredited and widely recognized

• Accepts up to 90 transfer credits

• Year-round enrollment with flexible terms

Popular Online Programs:

• B.A. in Psychology

• B.S. in Business Administration

• B.S. in Information Technologies

Tuition Estimate: ~$320 per credit hour (undergraduate)

Website: www.snhu.edu

2. Western Governors University (WGU)

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Accreditation: NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities)
Application Fee: $0 (with waiver code)
Enrollment Type: Open enrollment

What Makes WGU Unique:

• Competency-based model: move at your own pace

• Monthly start dates

• Flat-rate tuition: ~$3,625 per 6-month term

• Career-aligned programs in IT, business, healthcare, and education

Popular Online Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (RN to BSN)

• B.S. in Business Management

• B.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

Website: www.wgu.edu

Read Also: 7 Low Cost Medical Coding and Billing Online Programs

3. Purdue University Global

Location: Online arm of Purdue University
Accreditation: HLC (Higher Learning Commission)
Application Fee: $0
Enrollment: Open enrollment for most online programs

Why It’s a Top Choice:

• Backed by Purdue University, a leading public institution

• Offers a free 3-week trial for many programs

• Serves working adults, military, and international students

Popular Online Programs:

• B.S. in Criminal Justice

• B.S. in Legal Support and Services

• MBA with various concentrations

Tuition Estimate: ~$371 per credit (undergraduate)

Website: www.purdueglobal.edu

4. Columbia Southern University (CSU)

Location: Orange Beach, Alabama
Accreditation: DEAC (Distance Education Accrediting Commission)
Application Fee: $0
Enrollment Type: Open admission

Why CSU?

• Focused exclusively on online learners

• Flexible learning schedule (LifePace Learning®)

• Generous transfer policy

Popular Online Programs:

• B.S. in Occupational Safety & Health

• B.A. in Homeland Security

• MBA in Public Administration

Tuition Estimate: $245 per credit hour (undergraduate)

Website: www.columbiasouthern.edu

5. American Public University System (APUS)

Location: Charles Town, West Virginia
Accreditation: HLC
Application Fee: $0
Enrollment Type: Open admission

What Makes APUS Appealing:

• Over 200 online degrees and certificates

• Affordable tuition: $285 per undergrad credit

• Offers military tuition grants

Popular Online Programs:

• B.S. in Environmental Science

• B.A. in Military History

• B.A. in Emergency and Disaster Management

Website: www.apus.edu

6. University of the People (UoPeople)

Location: Fully online, U.S.-accredited
Accreditation: DEAC
Application Fee: $0 (there is a $60 assessment fee per course)
Enrollment Type: Open enrollment

Highlights:

• 100% tuition-free (students only pay per exam)

• Non-profit and globally accessible

• Programs in English and Arabic

Popular Programs:

• B.S. in Computer Science

• B.S. in Business Administration

• M.Ed. and MBA programs available

Website: www.uopeople.edu

Benefits of Choosing These Colleges

1. No Upfront Financial Barriers: Many students can’t afford to spend $50–$100 per application. These schools remove that barrier, allowing you to apply to multiple schools risk-free.

2. Faster Application and Enrollment Process: No standardized test requirements mean no long waits or additional preparation. You can often apply, get accepted, and start classes in under a month.

3. Flexible Learning for Working Adults: Online learning allows you to continue working or caring for family while earning a degree.

4. Transfer-Friendly: Most of these schools accept transfer credits from previous college coursework or professional training, helping you graduate faster and cheaper.

What to Watch Out For

1. Accreditation: Always check if the school is regionally or nationally accredited. Regional accreditation is typically preferred for credit transfer or graduate school admissions.

2. Hidden Costs: Even with no application fee, you may face:

• Technology fees

• Graduation fees

• Exam proctoring costs

Always review the full tuition and fee breakdown.

3. Program Quality: Research the curriculum and faculty. Look at alumni outcomes and employer recognition. Some low-cost online colleges may offer weaker academic support or outdated content.

How to Choose the Right Online College

Choosing the right open-enrollment, no-fee college isn’t just about affordability. Here’s a checklist to help you choose the best one for your goals:

Read Also: 13 Best Free Online Medical Coding Courses with Certificates

Success Tips for Enrolling in These Online Programs

1. Organize Your Documents Early: Have your high school diploma, ID, and transcripts ready to upload.

2. Apply for Financial Aid: Fill out the FAFSA even if tuition is low—you may qualify for federal grants or loans.

3. Look into Scholarships: Many of these schools offer institutional scholarships, military discounts, or adult learner grants.

4. Set a Study Schedule: Open-enrollment programs often expect students to be self-motivated. Create a weekly routine and stick to it.

5. Ask About Credit for Work Experience: Some colleges (e.g., WGU, CSU) grant academic credit for prior learning or job experience.

FAQs

Are These Colleges Legit?

Yes. All schools listed are accredited and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA-approved agencies.

Can I Get Financial Aid at These Schools?

Most accept federal financial aid if accredited regionally or nationally. University of the People, for example, doesn’t participate in FAFSA but has scholarship options.

Can I Enroll as an International Student?

Yes. Most offer open enrollment to international students, but may require proof of English proficiency for certain programs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for affordable, flexible, and inclusive education, online colleges with open enrollment and no application fee offer a powerful pathway forward. Whether you’re returning to education, starting fresh, or seeking a career change, the schools listed above provide accredited, quality programs with minimal barriers.

Next Step: Choose 2–3 schools from this list and apply today. Since there’s no application fee, there’s nothing to lose—and a life-changing opportunity to gain.