Worried that you won’t be accepted into graduate school? Don't fret - there exist Grad Schools with High Acceptance Rates. If you weren’t quite as successful as you wanted to be as an undergrad, these sponsored programs may offer you the chance to still earn a graduate degree.
List of 14 Graduate Schools with High Acceptance Rates
1. Loyola University Chicago
Graduate School Acceptance Rate: 60% (some programs may be different)
Founded in 1870, Loyola University of Chicago is one of the nation’s largest Jesuit, Catholic Universities and the only one located in Chicago. Plus, the school has an alumni network of more than 150,000 around the world.
Graduate Programs with High Acceptance Rates
Some of the more than 170 graduate, professional, and graduate-level certificate programs include:
- Master of Jurisprudence in Business and Corporate Governance Law
- Master of Arts (M.A.) in Pastoral Studies
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Health Law
- Master of Arts (M.A.) in Bioethics and Health Policy
- Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
Common Admissions Requirements
Some of the admissions requirements for graduate programs at Loyola include:
- Completed application
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
- Interview (not all programs)
2. St. John’s University
Graduate School 2015 Acceptance Rate: 67%
St. John’s University is a Catholic and Vincentian university that prepares students for personal and professional success in today’s global society. Founded in 1870, the university is committed to combating the root causes of injustice while helping to create a more equitable world.
Graduate Programs with High Acceptance Rates
- Sport Management, M.P.S.
- Educational Administration and Supervision – Master
- Master’s Degree in Finance
- M.B.A. (Finance, International Business, Marketing, Business Administration)
- MA in Sociology
Common Admissions Requirements
Some of the admissions requirements for graduate programs at St. John’s include:
- Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Official transcripts
Tip for Applying
Keep in mind that specific programs have different requirements, such as GRE or GMAT scores for the Peter J. Tobin College of Business or a copy of your teaching certification for the School of Education programs.
3. Simmons College
Graduate School 2015 Acceptance Rate: 70%
Simmons College is located in the heart of Boston and has offered pioneering liberal arts education for more than a century. The school continues to put the needs of their students first through an education that combines intellectual leadership with professional preparation.
Graduate Programs with High Acceptance Rates
- MA in English
- MA in History
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Behavior Analysis (MS or EdS)
Common Admissions Requirements
Many of the graduate programs at Simmons require:
- Current resume
- Letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (topics vary from program to program)
Tip for Applying
However, some of the more competitive programs, such as the MSW have additional requirements. These include taking an introductory statistics course and earning a “B” within the last five years.
4. Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Graduate School 2015 Acceptance Rate: 70%
As an innovator in the field of psychology and related behavioral science 1979, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology is a not-for-profit, accredited institution with more than 4,300 students.
Programs with High Acceptance Rates
- MA in Counseling Psychology
- Ed.S. School Psychology
- MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
- MA in Forensic Psychology
- Master of Public Health
Common Admissions Requirements
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology uses a holistic admissions process grounded in the philosophy of inclusion versus exclusion. The school reviews all applicants in a fair and transparent process that assesses each applicant’s preparedness for graduate studies.
During this process, the school reviews:
- GPA
- Standardized test scores
- Essays
- Previous life and professional experiences
- Previous community service activities
- Interests in the provision of professional services
5. University of San Francisco
Graduate School 2015 Acceptance Rate: 72%
A premier Jesuit university, the University of San Francisco is a reflection of the inclusive, inspirational, innovative city that surrounds it. At USF, they strive to inspire students to go forth to create a more humane, just, and sustainable world.
Graduate Programs with High Acceptance Rates
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)
- MSN in Nursing Administration
- Master’s in Educational Technology
Common Admissions Requirements
There are many differences between the admissions requirements for the graduate programs at USF. For instance, the Master’s in Educational Technology requires a 2.75 GPA, a Statement of Intent, and two current letters of recommendation that note your suitability for graduate work.
On the other hand, the School of Management also requires an interview and some of the programs also require GMAT scores.
Click on any of the links below to learn about the specific admissions requirements.
6. Golden Gate University
Graduate School Acceptance Rate: 75% (some programs may be lower)
Golden Gate University caters to the needs of professionals entering or advancing their careers through flexible scheduling and personalized academic and career advising. In fact, 80% of the students at GGU attend on a part-time basis, which is why the school offers a variety of programs and formats.
Graduate Degrees and Certificates
GGU offers a number of master’s degrees, including:
Some of the available Graduate Certificates at GCU are:
Common Admissions Requirements
The graduate admissions at Golden Gate University are:
- Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution
- Completed application and fee
- Official transcripts
- GRE or GMAT scores
- Personal statement (optional)
7. Regis University
Graduate School 2015 Acceptance Rate: 77%
Located in the Mile High City with an unmatched backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Regis University aims to develop students from all faiths as a whole person and to empower graduates with the skills and perspective needed to harness your passions.
Graduate Programs with High Acceptance Rates
- MBA – General
- MBA – Marketing
- Master of Science in Accounting
- MS Organization Leadership / Human Resource Management and Leadership
- Master of Nonprofit Management
Common Admissions Requirements
While the graduate programs at Regis have a high acceptance rate, there are some admissions requirements that vary from program to program. However, some of the most common include:
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
- Resume
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement or writing sample
- Official transcripts
8. Sacred Heart University
Graduate School 2015 Acceptance Rate: 81%
Founded in 1963 as an independent, Catholic University, Sacred Heart University believes that inquiry, pursuing knowledge, and intelligent reflection, both inside and outside the classroom, create greater opportunities.
Graduate Programs with High Acceptance Rates
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Master of Science: Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science: Digital Marketing
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Human Resource Management
Common Admissions Requirements
While each of the graduate programs at Sacred Heart have different admissions requirements, there are many similarities:
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement
Many programs also have a minimum GPA requirement, such as the MSN with a 3.2 GPA and the MSW has a 3.0. Some programs, such as the MSW also require an interview.
9. Bob Jones University
Graduate School Acceptance Rate: 86%
Bob Jones University is committed to broadening your horizons through liberal arts and fine arts while learning to view everything through the lens of a biblical worldview.
Graduate Programs at BJU
Some of the master’s degrees at Bob Jones University are:
Common Admissions Requirements at BJU
The admissions requirements for graduate programs at BJU include:
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university
- Undergraduate major or equivalent in graduate field of study
- Undergraduate program substantially equal to course of study at BJU
10. Benedictine University
Graduate School Acceptance Rate: 87%
Inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition and the social teaching of the Church, Benedictine University is an inclusive academic community dedicated to teaching and learning.
Graduate Programs at Benedictine
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Master of Education (MEd) – Reading and Literacy
- Dual Master of Business Administration (MBA) / Master of Science (MS) in Management and Organizational Behavior
Common Admissions Requirements
Before applying, the university recommends that you schedule an appointment with an Admissions Counselor to review your application. However, some of the admissions requirements for graduate programs at Benedictine are:
- Personal statement
- Letter of reference by an academic or professional contact
- Transcripts
11. Boston Architectural College
Graduate School Acceptance Rate: 92%
Established in 1899 as Boston Architectural Club, the Boston Architectural College is one of the largest private schools of spatial design in New England. They’re also known as The BAC. They offer students professional bachelors and masters programs in several areas of architecture and design.
Graduate Programs at BAC
A few example degree programs include:
Graduate Admissions Requirements
The graduate admissions requirements at The BAC include:
- Completed application
- Portfolio
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- Admissions essay
- One letter of recommendation
Difference Maker
BAC uses an open admissions policy, opening their doors to any student who—like you—are dedicated to honing their design skills, learning all they can, and gaining hands-on experience. Plus, 97% of classes have under 20 students, meaning you could access the personal attention you need to thrive.
12. Utica College
Graduate School 2015 Acceptance Rate: 92%
Utica College’s mission is to educate students for rewarding careers, responsible citizenship, enlightened leadership, and fulfilling lives through a community of learners with diverse experiences and perspectives. This comprehensive, private institution offers the high degree of personal attention to help you build a strong foundation for success.
Graduate Programs with High Acceptance Rates
- MS in Data Science
- Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies
- MS in Cybersecurity
- MHA in Health Care Administration
- MBA – Finance and Accounting
Common Admissions Requirements
The common admissions requirements to graduate programs at Utica College include:
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
- GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Letters of recommendation
- Essay
Tip for Applying
Each program has different additional requirements. For example, for the MBA, applicants with less than a 3.0 GPA will be asked to submit GMAT scores. In addition, the Cybersecurity MS asks applicants with a BS in a degree other than Cybersecurity, Intelligence, or Computer Forensics to take up to 12 hours of prerequisite classes on top of the regular 30-hour program.
13. Walden University
Graduate School Acceptance Rate: 93% (some programs may be different)
Through programs that reflect current market trends and promote positive social change, Walden University is committed to helping you achieve your goals so that you can make a difference in your career.
Graduate Programs with High Acceptance Rates
Some of the master’s degrees available at Walden include:
- M.S. in Criminal Justice – General
- M.S. in Human Resource Management – General Program
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Project Management
- M.S.N. – Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (RN Track)
- M.S. in Education – Teacher Leadership (Grades K-12)
Common Admissions Requirements
While the admissions requirements vary depending on which graduate degree you pursue, some of the admissions requirements include:
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- Employment history and educational history
Tip for Applying
Keep in mind that additional materials may be required for some programs.
14. New England College
Graduate School Acceptance Rate: 96%
New England College is located in Henniker, New Hampshire that offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as continuing education for teachers and professionals. NEC was established in 1946 to help men and women returning home to New England from World War II pursue an education.
Graduate Programs at NEC
Here are a few examples of graduate programs offered at NEC.
- Online MBA in Digital and Social Media
- Online Mental Health Counseling and Human Services Programs
- Online Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) Programs
A few campus based options include:
- MS in Healthcare Administration Management
- Low Residency MFA in Creative Writing
- Master of Arts in Public Policy
Common Admissions Requirements
The admissions requirements for graduate programs at NEC include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Completed application
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
Difference Maker
NEC has also dedicated itself to fostering an open and inclusive campus environment, welcoming of students from all cultures and backgrounds. They seek not only to educate a diverse student body, but also to equip each student with cross-cultural competence and uphold values of social justice.
Consider Grad Schools with High Acceptance Rates
Finding the perfect graduate program for you isn’t easy. After all, you have to identify what degree you want, find schools offering that degree, and a specific subject area.
Then you need to compare the admissions requirements of each school to see if you can get in.
Luckily, there are plenty of grad schools with high acceptance rates. Check out some of the partner schools in the table below.
Finding Graduate Programs with High Acceptance Rates
One of the more challenging aspects of applying to grad school is that every program has unique requirements, even at the same school. That’s why it’s always a good idea to check with each department or program before applying.
Some other ideas and facts are listed below.
A Diverse Bunch to Choose From
Luckily, just like students are diverse, so are graduate schools. So, while Harvard or Yale might be a little too competitive for you, there are plenty of other potential options.
But how do you find them?
Map Your Strategy
One strategy is to look for schools that have shown themselves to be a little less selective in certain areas. That's because grad schools with higher acceptance rates may view your application in a holistic manner.
For instance, there are plenty of grad schools that accept a low GPA and other graduate schools that don’t require letters of recommendation.
However, bear in mind that just because a university as a whole has a relatively high acceptance rate, doesn’t mean the specific graduate program you’re applying to will be the same—and it might be a different story for transfer students.
Conduct Your Future Follow-Up
Graduate school acceptance rates and other prerequisites may vary by program and subject area and change from year to year.
So, while this is a good starting point, make sure you follow up for more information by clicking on any of the sponsored listings below.
List of 14 Graduate Schools with High Acceptance Rates
| Graduate School | Example Graduate Degrees Awarded | 2015 Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Loyola University Chicago | MPH, LLM in Health Law, MA in Health Policy | 60% |
| 2. St John's University | MA in Sociology, MPS, Master's in Finance | 67% |
| 3. Simmons College | MA in English, MSN, Behavior Analysis | 70% |
| 4. Chicago School of Professional Psychology | MA in English, MSN, Behavior Analysis | 70% |
| 5. University of San Francisco | MPA, MPH, PsyD, MSN | 72% |
| 6. Golden Gate University | Master of Accountancy, DBA, MS in Business Analytics | 75% |
| 7. Regis University | MBA, MBA Marketing, MS in Accounting | 75% |
| 8. Sacred Heart University | MSW, MSN, MS Digital Marketing | 81% |
| 9. Bob Jones University | MA Biblical Studies, Theological Studies PhD | 86% |
| 10. Benedictine University | MSN, MPH, MBA, MeD | 87% |
| 11. Boston Architectural College | Graduate Degrees in Architecture | 92% |
| 12. Utica College | MS in Data Science, MS in Cybersecurity, MBA | 92% |
| 13. Walden University | M.S. in Criminal Justice, MSN, MBA | 93% |
| 14. New England College | MA in Public Policy, | 96% |
4 Key Tips You Need to Remember
1. Do Your Research
Each school and program is different, so it follows that there’s no single answer regarding how best to present yourself to them. Look at their requirements, the school’s values, and the types of experiences they offer. If possible, tailor your application to emphasize the things they value most.
2. Get Experience Outside the Classroom
While your studies are crucial, the classroom isn’t the only place you’re able to learn. If you can, enhance your grad school application with volunteer, internship, or other work experience related to your area of study.
This applies outside your discipline as well. Community service and volunteer opportunities could help you show how well-rounded you are.
3. Rock Those Tests
While grad school entrance exams aren’t always required, they could still be an opportunity to demonstrate your academic skills.
For instance, many grad schools that don’t require the GRE still allow you to submit your scores. Therefore, a good score will never hurt your chances.
4. Go the Extra Mile
Many graduate schools look at applicants holistically, so make sure to spend time on every aspect of your application. For example, prepare for your interviews beforehand and spend extra time writing and polishing your personal essays and other writing samples.
Demonstrate your personality, dedication and professionalism, and show the admissions what a great fit you’d be!
Tips to Boost Your Grad School Application
Need to give your graduate school application that extra “oomph?” You might have a lot to offer potential schools, so spend some time thinking about your life experience, passions, and talents when putting your applications together.
Search for Graduate School Acceptance Rates & Grad Schools with High Acceptance Rates
If any of the schools described above sound like they might be a perfect fit for you, click on any of the links to reach them directly.
Then you can ask more questions about the type of education they offer, graduate school acceptance rates, and other details. Or complete the form on this page to get matched to the perfect program for you!