15 Easiest Colleges to Get Into California: 100% Acceptance Rate

California is home to many prestigious universities and colleges but has several schools with high acceptance rates. These schools offer a quality education at a more affordable price.

Here are 15 of the easiest colleges to get into in California:

Here is the table arranged with the highest acceptance rate on top:

15 Easiest Colleges to Get Into in California

Based on the acceptance rates, the 15 Easiest Colleges to Get Into California are arranged as follows:

Ashford University

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Average GPA: No minimum
• SAT score range: No minimum
• ACT score range: No minimum
• 15 Best 4-Week Certificate Programs 

Overview

• Ashford University is a for-profit, private, online university located in San Diego, California.
• It has an acceptance rate of 100%, which means that admission is obtainable for all applicants.
• The university has an open admission policy, which means that the only requirement is a certificate of attendance or a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
• The university has a huge student body with 33,122 full-time undergraduates enrolled, and 40,362 enrolled exclusively in distance education.
• The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1.
• The university offers 51 programs and 16 courses, and students can choose from 47 available majors.

Tuition and Financial Aid

• The average net cost to attend Ashford University is $23,585 per year, calculated as the sum of the average cost of tuition, room and board, books, and supplies, reduced by the amount of average financial aid received.
• Over 90% of Ashford undergraduates receive monetary support.

Programs and Majors

• Ashford undergrads can choose from 47 available majors.
• The university offers 51 programs and 16 courses.

Student Demographics

• The university has a teacher certification program.
• The median alumnus takes home a salary of $28,500 two years after finishing their studies.
• After another four years of work experience, their average income rises 44.6% to $41,200, which is 2.7% higher than the national median earnings for individuals.
• The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1.
• The university has a huge student body with 33,122 full-time undergraduates enrolled, and 40,362 enrolled exclusively in distance education.
• The university reports the admission statistics without distinguishing between local and distance education students.

Rankings

• Ashford ranks 17th in California on the best online colleges list.
• Its protective services program ranks in the top ten in the state.

Notre Dame de Namur University

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Average GPA: 2.7
• SAT score range: 800-1000
• ACT score range: 17-2

Notre Dame de Namur University is a private Catholic university located in Belmont, California. Here is some information about the university:

History and Overview

• Notre Dame de Namur University was founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur as the Academy of Notre Dame in 1851 on 10 acres in San Jose, California.
• The school was chartered in 1868 as the College of Notre Dame, the first college in the state of California authorized to grant the baccalaureate degree to women.
• The university is organized into three schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business and Management, and the School of Education and Leadership.
• In 2021, the university announced it will begin to operate as a graduate school only.

Majors and Programs

• Popular majors include Business, Human Services, and Psychology.
• Graduating 55% of students, Notre Dame de Namur alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $44,300.
• 9 Highest Paid Business Degrees: Makes the Most Money

Rankings and Ratings

• The university ranks 17th in California on the best online colleges list.

Contact Information

• Address: 1500 Ralston Ave, Belmont, CA 94002
• Phone: (650) 508-3500
• Website: https://www.ndnu.edu/

University of California, Merced

• Acceptance rate: 73%
• Average GPA: 3.47
• SAT score range: 960-1140
• ACT score range: 19-24
• New Easy 2-Week Certificate Programs Online

The University of California, Merced is a public land-grant research university located in Merced, California. Here is some information about the university:

Overview

• UC Merced is the University of California system’s newest campus and the nation’s first research institution of the 21st century.
• The university is known for its innovative, interdisciplinary research, with the San Joaquin Valley and the nearby Sierra Nevada serving as living laboratories for studies that yield solutions for the region, California, and beyond.
• UC Merced offers 25 majors, 25 minors, and 18 graduate programs taught by more than 450 faculty members, along with visiting professors and lecturers from some of the world’s top-ranked universities.

Rankings and Campus

• UC Merced is ranked 60 in National Universities according to the 2024 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News.
• The campus is set in a suburban area and covers 815 acres.

Contact Information

• Address: 5200 N. Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343
• Phone: (209) 228-4400
• Website: [UC Merced](https://www.ucmerced.edu)

Whittier College

• Acceptance rate: 75%
• Average GPA: 3.2
• SAT score range: 980-1180
• ACT score range: 20-25

Whittier College is a 4-year private liberal arts college located in Whittier, California. Here is some information about the college:

Overview

• Whittier College is a private liberal arts college in Whittier, California. It is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and had approximately 1,200 undergraduate and graduate students as of spring 2023.
• The college was founded in 1887 and offers one graduate degree, a master’s degree in education.

Campus and Setting

• The college is located in a suburban area and covers 75 acres.
• The campus colors are purple and gold, and the nickname for the sports teams is “The Poets.”
• Whittier College is a member of the NCAA Division III and the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC).

Contact Information

• Address: 13406 E Philadelphia Street, Whittier, CA 90601
• Phone: (562) 907-4200
• Website: [Whittier College](https://www.whittier.edu)

University of the Pacific

• Acceptance rate: 78%
• Average GPA: 3.3
• SAT score range: 1000-1200
• ACT score range: 20-26
• Easiest 6-Week Certification Programs Online

The University of the Pacific is a private university located in Stockton, California. Here is some information about the university:

Overview

• The University of the Pacific is a private university originally founded as a Methodist-affiliated university with its main campus in Stockton, California, and graduate campuses in San Francisco and Sacramento.
• The university was the first independent coeducational campus in California, and the first conservatory of music and first medical school on the West Coast.
• Pacific offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in nine schools and colleges.

Popular Major

• The most popular majors at University of the Pacific include Business, Health Professions, and Social Sciences.

Rankings and Campus

• The University of the Pacific is ranked 142 in National Universities according to the 2024 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News.
• The campus is located in a city and covers 175 acres.

Contact Information

• Address: 3601 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95211
• Phone: (209) 946-2011
• Website: [University of the Pacific](http://www.pacific.edu)

California State University, Fresno

• Acceptance rate: 83%
• Average GPA: 3.3
• SAT score range: 940-1160
• ACT score range: 19-25
• 10 Free & Cheap Honorary Doctorate Degrees Online

California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) is a public university located in Fresno, California, and is part of the California State University system. Here is some information about the university:

Overview

• Fresno State offers 72 undergraduate, 49 post-baccalaureate, and three doctoral degree programs.
• The university has a student population of 25,341 as of fall 2020.
• Fresno State has eight schools and colleges, including the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Engineering, the College of Health and Human Services, the College of Science and Mathematics, the College of Social Sciences, the Graduate School, the School of Nursing, and the School of Public Health.
• The university is known for its hands-on learning experiences and emphasis on preparing students for success after graduation.

Academic Programs

• Fresno State has nationally ranked programs in part-time MBA, Physical Therapy, Nursing, Speech-Language Pathology, and Social Work.
• The university also offers a joint doctoral program in collaboration with San Jose State University for a Doctor of Nursing.

Campus and Setting

• The campus covers 225 acres in the heart of Fresno.
• Fresno State has 18 varsity teams that compete in NCAA Division I.

Contact Information

• Address: 2601 E. Shaw Ave., Fresno, CA 94741
• Phone: 559-278-4000
• Website: [California State University, Fresno](www.fresnostate.edu)

California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt

• Acceptance rate: 91%
• Average GPA: 3.33
• SAT score range: 1022-1257
• ACT score range: 22-28.5
• 30+ Jobs & Top Degrees in Demand for the Future

California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt (Cal Poly Humboldt) is a public university located in Arcata, California. Here is some information about the university:

Overview

• Cal Poly Humboldt is one of three polytechnic universities in the California State University system.
• The university offers nearly 50 undergraduate degrees and about a dozen master’s programs in the colleges of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Professional Studies; and Natural Resources and Sciences.
• Cal Poly Humboldt emphasizes STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and hands-on learning experiences.

Rankings and Campus

• Cal Poly Humboldt is ranked 32 in Regional Universities West according to the 2024 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News.
• The campus covers 144 acres and is situated among redwood forests and just a few miles from the Pacific coast.

Contact Information

• Address: 1 Harpst St, Arcata, CA 95521
• Phone: (707) 826-3011
• Website: [Cal Poly Humboldt](https://www.calstate.edu/attend/campuses/humboldt)

California State University, Monterey Bay

• Acceptance rate: 94%
• Average GPA: 3.3
• SAT score range: 920-1140
• ACT score range: 19-25
• 31 Best Learning Apps for Adults: Easy And Quick Guide

California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is a public university located in Monterey County, California. Here is some information about the university:

Overview

• CSUMB is one of the 23 campuses of the California State University system.
• The university offers nearly 50 undergraduate degrees and about a dozen master’s programs in the colleges of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Professional Studies; and Natural Resources and Sciences.
• CSUMB emphasizes hands-on learning experiences and community engagement.

Rankings and Campus

• CSUMB is ranked 32 in Regional Universities West according to the 2024 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News.
• The campus covers 1,350 acres (5% of the former Fort Ord) and is located on the site of the former military base Fort Ord, straddling the cities of Seaside and Marina, about one mile inland from Monterey Bay along the Central Coast of California.

Athletics

• CSUMB is a member of the NCAA Division II and the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).
• The university’s sports teams are known as the Otters.

Contact Information

• Address: 100 Campus Center, Seaside, CA 93955
• Phone: (831) 582-3000
• Website: [CSU Monterey Bay](https://www.csumb.edu/)

California State University, Channel Islands

• Acceptance rate: 95%
• Average GPA: 3.24
• SAT score range: 890-1100
• ACT score range: 18-24
• The 10 Best Colleges for Stock Trading

California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI) is a public university located in Camarillo, California. Here is some information about the university:

Overview

• CSUCI is the 23rd campus in the California State University system and opened in 2002.
• The university is located midway between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles and just 25 miles from Malibu.
• CSUCI offers over 50 academic programs, providing a diverse range of studies for students.

Financial Aid

• 80% of CSUCI students receive financial aid.

Campus and Setting

• The campus covers 250 acres in Camarillo, California.
• CSUCI is a residential campus, offering on-campus housing options for students.

Student Life

• CSUCI has a variety of student clubs and organizations, as well as a University Chorus that performs winter concerts in Santa Barbara and Ventura.
• The university also offers a Basic Needs Program that provides emergency food and toiletries, as well as connects students to critical on and off-campus resources, such as emergency housing and financial assistance.

Contact Information

• Address: 60 W. Ventura St., Camarillo, CA 93526
• Phone: (805) 877-4211
• Website: [CSU Channel Islands](www.csuci.edu)

Sonoma State University

• Acceptance rate: 96%
• Average GPA: 3.4
• SAT score range: 960-1180
• ACT score range: 19-26
• Cheap Online Colleges Without Application Fee

Sonoma State University is a public university located in Rohnert Park in Sonoma County, California. Here is some information about the university:

Overview: 

Sonoma State University is one of the smallest members of the California State University system. It offers 92 bachelor’s degree programs, 19 master’s degree programs, and 11 teaching credentials.

Campus and Setting: 

The university’s campus covers 269 acres and is located in the California northern bay area. It is about an hour north of San Francisco in Rohnert Park, Calif. The campus is situated in the middle of wine country.

Academics: 

Sonoma State University offers 46 majors and 49 minors at the undergraduate level. The university features a joint master’s degree program in mathematics with San Francisco State. Popular majors for undergraduates include Business Administration, Psychology, and Sociology.

Rankings: 

Sonoma State University is ranked 27 in Regional Universities West according to the 2024 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News. The university’s in-state tuition and fees are $8,190, and out-of-state tuition and fees are $22,388.

Contact Information:

• Address: 1801 E Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park, CA 94928
• Phone: (707) 664-2880
• Website: [Sonoma State University](http://www.sonoma.edu)

California State University, Stanislaus

•  Acceptance rate: 97%
•  Average GPA: 3.2
•  SAT score range: 870-1090
•  ACT score range: 17-23
• 18 High Paying Jobs Nobody Wants

California State University, Stanislaus (CSU Stanislaus) is a public university located in Turlock, California. Here is some information about the university:

Overview

• CSU Stanislaus is one of the 23 campuses of the California State University system.
• The university offers 45 undergraduate programs, 17 master’s degree programs, and one doctoral degree program in Educational Leadership.
• CSU Stanislaus is a Hispanic-serving institution and has a diverse student population.

Rankings and Campus

• CSU Stanislaus is ranked 42 in Regional Universities West according to the 2024 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News.
• The campus covers 228 acres in Turlock, California.

Athletics

• CSU Stanislaus is a member of the NCAA Division II and the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).
• The university’s sports teams are known as the Warriors.

Contact Information

• Address: One University Circle, Turlock, CA 95382
• Phone: (209) 667-3122
• Website: [CSU Stanislaus](https://www.csustan.edu/)

Mills College

•  Acceptance rate: 98%
•  Average GPA: 3.1
•  SAT score range: 950-1160
•  ACT score range: 19-25

Mills College, now part of Mills College at Northeastern University, was founded in 1852 in Benicia, California, as the first women’s college west of the Rocky Mountains. 

In 2022, Mills College merged with Northeastern University to create a bicoastal university powered by Northeastern’s experiential learning and research, strengthened by Mills’ historic leadership in women’s education and social justice. 

The merger expanded the university’s global impact and created new opportunities for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the Oakland community.

About Mills College at Northeastern University

Mills College at Northeastern University is a bicoastal university for undergraduate and graduate learning, leveraging the complementary strengths of Mills and Northeastern for the benefit of students and society.

The university is committed to advancing equity, social justice, and women’s leadership, and has a legacy of nurturing academically successful LGBTQ+ students, Black, indigenous, and other students of color.

Mills students and faculty learn, teach, live, and make breakthrough discoveries on Northeastern’s Oakland campus, with opportunities to pursue a vast array of academic, research, and professional experiences throughout the university’s global system of campuses in the U.S., U.K., and Canada.

Academic Programs

Mills College at Northeastern University offers a wide range of academic programs, including those in the arts, sciences, and social sciences.

The university is known for its experiential learning and research opportunities, providing students with real-world experiences to complement their academic studies.

Campus and Setting

The Oakland campus is the focal point of Mills College at Northeastern University, with many facilities and resources available to support learning, research, culture, and community.

The campus is part of Northeastern University’s global university system, which includes campuses in the U.S., U.K., and Canada.

Athletics

Prior to the 2022 merger, Mills College’s athletic teams competed as the Mills College Cyclones, primarily competing in the NCAA Division III ranks and the Coast to Coast Athletic Conference (C2C).

Contact Information

• Mills College at Northeastern University’s address is 2001 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116.
• The university’s phone number is (617) 559-3000.
• For more information about Mills College at Northeastern University, visit their official website at [mills.northeastern.edu].

Mount Saint Mary’s College

•  Acceptance rate: 98%
•  Average GPA: 3.0
•  SAT score range: 900-1100
•  ACT score range: 17-23

Mount Saint Mary College is a private Catholic college located in Newburgh, New York. It was founded in 1959 by the Dominican Sisters and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. 

The campus overlooks the Hudson River and is situated halfway between New York City and Albany. 

The college is organized into three schools: The School of Arts, Sciences, and Education, the School of Business, and the School of Nursing. 

The student-faculty ratio at Mount St. Mary College is 12:1, and the college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 

The five most popular majors at Mount Saint Mary College are Health professions and related programs. 

The college is known for its commitment to providing a high-quality education and for its strong sense of community.

California State University, Bakersfield

•  Acceptance rate: 99%
•  Average GPA: 2.9
•  SAT score range: 800-1000
•  ACT score range: 16-22

California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) is a public university located in Bakersfield, California. Here is some information about the university:

Overview

• CSUB was established in 1965 as Kern State College and officially became California State College Bakersfield in 1968.
• The university offers 39 different bachelor’s degree programs, 17 master’s degree programs, and a doctoral program in Educational Leadership.
• As of fall 2021, there were more than 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students at either the main campus in Bakersfield or the satellite campus, Antelope Valley Center in Lancaster, California.

Rankings and Campus

• CSUB is ranked 34 in Regional Universities West according to the 2024 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News.
• The campus covers 375 acres in Bakersfield, California.

Athletics

• CSUB is an NCAA Division I school and a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
• The university’s sports teams are known as the Roadrunners.

Contact Information

• Address: 9001 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93311
• Phone: (661) 654-3036
• Website: [CSU Bakersfield](https://www.csub.edu/)