You don’t have to experience stress when applying for college, especially if you know what you want to study and where. One way to make the process easier is to consider the easiest university to get into in California. This can increase your chances of acceptance.
An easy university is one with a high acceptance rate to cut off your worry about competitiveness. In this article, I have listed some colleges in California that have high acceptance rates. Included are some important information about each school, such as location, acceptance rate, minimum requirements for admission, and tuition costs. I have also included information on some of the easiest online and community colleges to get into in California.
Easiest University to Get Into in California
Some of the colleges in California that are easier to get into are the Academy of Art University, California State University-Fresno, California Northstate University, Azusa Pacific University, Sonoma State University, California State University-Channel Island, and California State University-Monterey Bay.
Below, I have listed 10 different easiest universities to get into in California. These schools are known for accepting a good number of applicants, so you might have a better chance of getting accepted.
Academy of Art University
Academy of Art University, located in San Francisco, California, is the easiest university to get into in California. They don’t disclose how many people apply each year, but they accept 100% of applicants.
You don’t need to take any exams or provide SAT scores to get in. The main thing you need is a high school diploma or a GED. They also offer online classes that are flexible and come with great tutoring.
California State University, Fresno
California State University, Fresno is in Fresno, California. Every year, about 15,231 people apply, and 97% of them get in. To apply, you need to have completed a college-prep program, provide your high school transcript, and share your high school GPA.
California State University, Fresno, is known for its wide range of programs, with 26 of them being nationally accredited.
It’s one of the largest in the California State University system and is known for its high acceptance rates and student-friendly admission requirements.
California Northstate University
California Northstate University is in Elk Grove, California. They receive about 332 applications per year and accept 95% of applicants.
The application process requires you to provide TOEFL scores, your high school GPA, and possibly other test scores like the Wonderlic or WISC-IIl.
This university focuses mainly on healthcare and aims to create lifelong learners who will become leaders in healthcare science, exploration, and education. With a 95% acceptance rate, it’s the easiest university to get into in California.
Azusa Pacific University
In Azusa, CA, there’s a university called Azusa Pacific University that gets around 3,967 applications each year. They accept about 94% of those applicants. You need a good GPA and your high school transcripts. They make it easier to get admitted by getting rid of the application fee, making SAT scores optional, and accepting pass or no pass grades.
Sonoma State University
Sonoma State University is located in Rohnert Park, CA. They receive about 10,598 applications annually and admit 94% of those applicants.
The requirements for admission include high school transcripts, a good GPA, and completion of a college-preparatory program.
This university is known for its commitment to diversity and honesty. They offer a top-notch education with tutoring available, allowing students to work closely with teachers and explore concepts like discovery and innovation. Plus, students have the opportunity to do internships.
California State University, Channel Islands
California State University, Channel Islands is another easiest university to get into in California for students. It’s located in Camarillo, CA, and receives about 9,244 applications per year, admitting 93% of applicants.
You need a good secondary school GPA, completion of a college-preparatory program, and your high school transcripts. This university stands out because it offers excellent college degree programs at an affordable cost. They also make it easier for students to access grants, scholarships, and loans.
California State University, Monterey Bay
California State University, Monterey Bay is located in Seaside, CA. Every year, around 10,026 students apply, and 93% of them get admitted. To get in, you need your transcripts, to have finished a college-prep program, and your high school GPA. This university is great for people who don’t have a lot of money because 72% of students get financial aid.
They also make it easier for potential students who have traditionally been left out of higher education by not asking for too much to get in.
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt is in Arcata, CA. They get 7,013 applicants per year and admit 91% of them. You’ll need your GPA, to have completed a college-prep program, and your high school transcripts to apply.
This university used to be called Humboldt State University and is known for its small classes and caring teachers. The campus is also in a beautiful spot, near old redwood forests and the ocean.
California State University, Dominguez Hills
California State University, Dominguez Hills is in Carson, CA. They have 16,741 applicants per year and admit 90% of them.
You need your high school record, to have finished a college-prep program, and your high school GPA.
This university is not only the easiest university to get into in California but is also equipped with modern sports facilities and top-notch classrooms. It is also a peaceful environment for learning known for admitting a lot of students.
California State University, Bakersfield
California State University, Bakersfield is in Bakersfield, CA. Every year, 12,334 students apply, and 85% get admitted. You need to have completed a college-prep program and have your high school record, and your secondary school GPA to apply. They recently added a new magic planet in their science building to help teach earth science. In 2019, US News and World Reports ranked it as one of the top public schools in the country.
Colleges in California with Open Admissions
Open admissions means that a college will accept anyone who has a high school diploma, GED, or a certificate of attendance. This type of admission is not very selective. Mostly, community colleges and colleges that offer associate degree programs have open admissions.
- Santiago Canyon College
- Academy of Art University
- Santa Ana College
- Allan Hancock College
- City College of San Francisco
Are There Good Universities with High Acceptance Rates in California?
In California, several good universities are known for their high acceptance rates. These include Sonoma State University, Biola University, California Baptist University, Azusa Pacific University, California State University-Fresno, and California State University-Monterey Bay.
Admissions Requirements for Easiest Universities with High Acceptance Rates in California
When it comes to getting into these schools, there are some common requirements that you’ll need to meet. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll typically need to provide:
Official high school transcript
This is a record of your academic performance in high school, and it needs to be sent directly to the university or handed over in a sealed envelope.
Standardized test scores
Most universities will ask for your SAT or ACT scores to assess your readiness for college-level work.
Letters of recommendation
You’ll usually need to provide two letters from people who know you well, like teachers or mentors, who can vouch for your abilities and character.
GPA
Your grade point average, or GPA, is another important factor that universities will consider. While the minimum GPA required can vary from school to school, it’s typically around 2.50 to 3.00.
English proficiency test
If English isn’t your first language, you may need to take a test like the IELTS or TOEFL to prove that you’re proficient enough in English to succeed in your studies.
Universities with High Acceptance Rates in California
This table shows the easiest university to get into in California based on the high acceptance rate.
| School | Acceptance Rate | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Academy of Art University | 100% (Open Admission Policy) | $25,424 |
| California State University, Fresno | 97% | $6,653 (in state), $18,533 (out of state) |
| California Northstate University | 95% | $49,793 |
| Azusa Pacific University | 94% | $41,510 |
| Sonoma State University | 94% | $7,988 (in state), $19,868 (out of state) |
| California State University, Channel Island | 93% | $6,817 (in state), $18,697 (out of state) |
| California State University, Monterey Bay | 93% | $7,218 (in-state), $19,098 (out of state) |
| California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt | 91% | $7,864 (in-state), $19,744 (out of state) |
| California State University, Dominguez Hills | 90% | $7,060 (in-state), $18,940 (out of state) |
| California State University, Bakersfield | 85% | $7,579 (in-state), $19,459 (out of state) |
Online Universities in California That Are Easy to Get Into
In California, many online colleges are easy to get into. These schools provide a lot of resources for students, helping them explore different certification programs, including graduate programs for those who want to continue their education. Here are some of the easiest online colleges to get into in California:
Azusa Pacific University (APU)
APU is known for having one of the highest acceptance rates in California, with 94% of students getting accepted.
They offer over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, both online and in-person at seven locations in Southern California, including the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Murrieta, Orange County, and San Diego.
Sonoma State University
This university was established in 1961 and currently has around 9,300 students. It has an average acceptance rate of 89% and generally accepts all qualified students who apply within the school’s service area.
They also have a high transfer acceptance rate from outside the North Bay region.
University of California, Merced
Founded in 2005, this is the newest university in the University of California system and the first US research university to open in the 21st century. This UC is also considered the easiest in California.
It has a high acceptance rate of 85% and offers more than 50 online accredited certificate programs. Online courses are also available to non-students.
California Baptist University
This private school in Riverside, California, is known for its Division of Online and Professional Studies, which has ranked well in national rankings by US News & World Report. It is one of the top Christian colleges in Southern California, with an acceptance rate of 80%.
California State Polytechnic University at Humboldt
This university is one of three polytechnic universities in the California State University system. It offers several online courses that provide the same resources and hands-on experience as its in-person classes. The average acceptance rate is 75%.
Should I Attend a University in California with a High Acceptance Rate?
Yes, you should consider attending a university in California with a high acceptance rate. The acceptance rate of a university doesn’t always reflect the quality of education you will receive.
There are many smart, hardworking, and talented students at universities with both high and low acceptance rates.
The most important thing to look at is the quality of the programs, the academic environment, and the extra resources the school provides. Before you decide on a university, you should also think about how well the school can help you reach your career goals.
Hardest Universities to Get Into in California
In California, some of the schools that are hardest to get into include Stanford University, University of California – Los Angeles, University of California – Berkeley, San Diego State University, Harvey Mudd College, Pitzer College, and Pomona College.
Some of these schools have open admissions, which means they don’t have many requirements for enrollment.
