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The University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis graduates students earning a median of $137,047 annually despite accepting over 91% of applicants. This challenges the common assumption that selectivity determines earning potential. Among 1,172 colleges with acceptance rates above 70%, specialized programs consistently outperform traditional liberal arts institutions in post-graduation earnings. Maritime academies capture three spots in the top rankings, reflecting America's growing need for maritime professionals as supply chain concerns drive domestic shipping investments. State universities dominate this accessible education market, with institutions like University of Minnesota-Twin Cities combining a 74.91% acceptance rate with strong alumni networks that connect graduates to major employers across the Midwest. California State University Maritime Academy graduates earn $94,784 annually while maintaining a 95.5% acceptance rate, demonstrating how specialized training programs serve critical infrastructure needs. The earnings range spans from $63,126 to $137,047, with health sciences and maritime programs consistently reaching the higher end. These schools serve varied regions from Massachusetts to California, providing accessible pathways to middle-class careers without the pressure of ultra-competitive admissions. Many maintain strong relationships with local employers, state governments, and industry partners who actively recruit from their programs.
50
Schools
$20,636
Avg. Net Price
$40,463
Avg. Earnings
56.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Easy Admission Colleges

College listings
# School Acceptance Rate Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 100.0% 279 $39,581
2 100.0% 284 $33,304
3 100.0% 415 $33,553
4 100.0% 323 $31,831
5 100.0% 1,062 $34,155
6 100.0% 566 $28,789
7 100.0% 412 $35,522
8 100.0% 337 $30,580
9 100.0% 22 $24,711 85.7%
10 100.0% 383 $33,228
11 100.0% 65 $5,800 80.0%
12 100.0% 93 $6,055 4.3%
13 100.0% 189 $6,103 68.3%
14 100.0% 141 $11,230 100.0%
15 100.0% 5
16 100.0% 43 $11,537 27.3%
17 100.0% 144
18 100.0% 289 $23,304
19 100.0% 3,214 $11,096 79.4%
20 100.0% 1,185 $32,603 75.0%
21 100.0% 118 $7,975 6.1%
22 100.0% 17 $10,500 12.5%
23 100.0% 68 33.3%
24 100.0% 114 $13,539 28.6%
25 100.0% 23 $11,881 75.0%
26 100.0% 553 $26,818 76.1%
27 100.0% 91 $9,482 12.0%
28 100.0% 177 $36,219 100.0%
29 100.0% 118 $12,929 57.1%
30 100.0% 25 $24,273 64.7%
31 100.0% 169 $20,170 69.2%
32 100.0% 122 $26,411 65.6%
33 100.0%
34 100.0% 41 $19,158 100.0%
35 100.0% 2
36 100.0% 1,807 $14,774
37 100.0% 401 74.2%
38 100.0% 285 $24,729 49.4%
39 100.0% 71 $20,984 25.0%
40 100.0% 60 $7,589 33.3%
41 100.0% 1,246 $31,502 9.1%
42 100.0% 41
43 100.0% 497 $5,231 44.9%
44 100.0% 758 $10,933 69.0%
45 100.0% 168 $17,401 75.6%
46 100.0% 325 $25,596 62.5%
47 100.0% 36
48 100.0% 39 $6,349 75.0%
49 100.0% 127 $33,578 60.0%
50 100.0% 12 $15,727

Frequently Asked Questions

What careers do graduates from high-acceptance colleges typically pursue?

Maritime academy graduates often work in shipping, logistics, and port management, with California State Maritime Academy graduates earning $94,784 annually. Health sciences programs lead to nursing, pharmacy, and healthcare administration roles. The University of Health Sciences produces pharmacists earning $137,047 median salaries. Engineering and business programs at state universities connect students to regional employers across manufacturing, technology, and government sectors.

How do graduation rates compare among these accessible institutions?

Graduation rates range from 63.3% to 100%, with specialized programs showing stronger completion rates. Chamberlain University Indiana and Carolinas College of Health Sciences both achieve 100% graduation rates. Maritime academies average around 75% graduation rates, while large state universities like University of Minnesota-Twin Cities reach 84.8%. Smaller, focused programs tend to provide more individualized support leading to higher completion rates.

Is financial aid available at schools with high acceptance rates?

Net prices vary significantly from $10,898 to $37,002 annually. State maritime academies offer excellent value, with California State University Maritime at $17,555 and Massachusetts Maritime at $26,661. Large public universities like University of Minnesota-Twin Cities cost $17,139 after aid. Private specialized programs like Chamberlain University command higher prices but often provide targeted career preparation and job placement assistance.

Does school size affect the college experience at these institutions?

Enrollment ranges from 177 students at Chamberlain University Indiana to 30,469 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Smaller programs under 1,000 students often provide closer faculty relationships and specialized training. Mid-size schools like James Madison University with 20,497 students balance personal attention with campus resources. Large universities offer extensive research opportunities and alumni networks while maintaining accessible admissions standards.

Where are the best values among high-acceptance colleges located?

California and New York offer strong value propositions through their state university systems. San Jose State University costs just $13,741 annually with graduates earning $78,988. SUNY Maritime College provides excellent career outcomes at $21,781 net price. Southern institutions like University of Oklahoma at $17,413 combine affordability with solid earning potential of $63,126 for graduates entering regional job markets.

What admission requirements do these colleges typically have?

Most require high school completion with GPAs around 2.5-3.0 and modest standardized test scores. Virginia Military Institute maintains the lowest acceptance rate at 71.06% but still admits most qualified applicants. Specialized programs may require prerequisite courses in math or science. Many schools use broad review processes considering work experience, essays, and interviews alongside academic metrics, making admission achievable for motivated students.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.