Think getting into college is nearly impossible? Think again. While top-tier institutions remain highly selective, most colleges are becoming easier to access. Enrollment has declined by over 1.5 million since 2010 and the number of 18-year-olds considering college is expected to decrease. More high school graduates are opting out of college directly after graduation.
Consequently, colleges are admitting a larger percentage of applicants, with some even accepting students who haven’t applied. Institutions are waiving application fees, assisting with financial aid, and offering incentives for campus visits. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), only 33 colleges accept 10% or fewer applicants. Most colleges accepted at least half in 2022.
The acceptance rate for private colleges is 70%, while public universities admit nearly 80% of applicants. The American Enterprise Institute’s analysis found a 7.6 percentage point increase in median acceptance rates since 2012. It’s becoming easier to get in as colleges work to combat declining applications.
Some states now offer direct admission, automatically accepting students who meet certain criteria. In California, students who earn at least a C in required courses are automatically accepted into the California State University system. Illinois has a one-click process for guaranteed admissions if grades are above a cutoff. Private colleges also participate in this trend.
With over 2,000 colleges making SAT and ACT scores optional, the admissions process is further simplified. NACAC is launching a program to aid accepted students with enrollment logistics, like financial aid and housing. “Everyone is on board to make it less complicated,” said Erwin Hesse, director of NACAC’s Center for Innovation in College Admission. Colleges are increasingly focused on removing barriers to entry.
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