Private Schools That Don’t Require Letters Of Recommendation

Applying to graduate school without letters of recommendation? When it seems like every school and program you want to attend has that requirement? But don’t worry!  You may get into Graduate School without Letters of Recommendation. Below is a list of schools and specific programs that may not need any recommenders.

This article may also give you some ideas on how to get letters of recommendation. It may also show how to choose the perfect program for you.

What Is a Letter of Recommendation?

A letter of recommendation is usually a letter that you request from someone who is in a position to share information about you and your academic strengths.

College applicants often seek letters from high school teachers who are familiar with their academic work. Sometimes, you might request a letter of rec from someone other than a teacher, such as a coach, a school guidance counselor, or even a pastor or youth leader.

It’s also fairly common for application materials to specify if a reference letter needs to come from someone with a specific professional standing, such as a teacher or a guidance counselor.

It’s beneficial to request letters from people who know you well enough to reference your positive traits and comment on your passion for certain school subjects or vocations.

When Are Letters of Recommendation Important?

The role that letters of recommendation play in the admissions process, and the weight or importance they have for admissions decisions, can vary from school to school. It can even vary from one individual case to another.

If letters of rec are required for admissions, they can be important simply because omitting them and submitting an incomplete admissions packet could automatically disqualify someone from consideration.

That said, there are different contexts or scenarios where letters of recommendation could be considered more important. For example, let’s say you have some poor grades on your transcript, you have an unimpressive overall GPA, or you failed a class related directly to your prospective college major.

In this type of case, a recommendation letter from a trusted professional may help admissions officers be more confident about your overall qualifications or understand some extenuating circumstances.

At many small and relatively competitive colleges, recommendation letters might be an important part of the traditional application review process. This may be especially true for ones that emphasize on-campus residency and in-person learning. In other cases, your recommendation letter is likely to be less important to the overall admissions process.

For instance, admissions officers for online programs and at schools with very large applicant pools may not have a high interest in assessing college reference letters. When there are a great number of applicants, admissions officers may also not have enough time to read letters.

Why Do Colleges Ask for Letters of Recommendation?

There are least two main reasons why colleges might be interested in requiring and reviewing letters of recommendation from an applicant.

First, a letter of recommendation can provide admissions officers with a fuller profile of your personal traits and character. A reference letter is often written by someone whose input is deemed professional and relatively objective.

Second, schools may ask for these letters to look for any signs that a student might not be a good fit socially or academically in their particular school setting. All in all, a letter of recommendation can often provide admissions officers a chance to make a more informed decision about an applicant.

Applying to Graduate School Without Letters of Recommendation

When deciding to go to grad school, the entire process could seem overwhelming. Especially, as you try to balance deadlines, standardized tests, and completing your graduate school applications. This could be true if you don’t have letters of recommendation.

It is true that many grad programs require them. In fact, references should be viewed as a necessity for a PhD program. Yet, there are plenty of schools that may not require letters of recommendation for some master’s programs. Some of these schools may consider work experience instead of recommendations.

So, if you don’t have any, check out the schools listed below and find the perfect program for you.

Still worried? Then, read all our tips on applying to graduate school. In the table below are a few ideas from partner universities to help get you started.

30 Colleges That Don’t Require Letters of Recommendation

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited, offer undergraduate programs online or in a hybrid format, and not require letters of recommendation to be considered for admission.

Adams State University

The admissions committee at Adams State University considers both academic and personal attributes.

All applicants are considered for merit scholarships based on cumulative grade point average. SAT and ACT scores are optional, but the school encourages applicants with GPAs below 2.8 to submit them. Test scores can also be used for class placement.

Adams State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Appalachian State University

To apply to Appalachian State University, you’ll need your high school transcripts or college transcripts if you have attended college since high school graduation. You also have the option of submitting SAT/ACT scores, an interest statement, and a list of your extracurricular activities to display who you are beyond your grades.

Appalachian State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Arizona State University

To be admitted to Arizona State University, you need to fit one of the following criteria: top 25% of your graduating class, GPA of 3.0, ACT score of 22, or an SAT score of 1120. Certain majors may have further admissions requirements.

ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Bellevue University

Bellevue University makes it a priority to simplify the admissions process. SAT/ACT scores are not required. All you need is your high school transcripts and transcripts from any colleges you have previously attended if you are a transfer student. If needed, you can also submit a GED certificate or a homeschool letter of completion.

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Bryant and Stratton College

Bryant and Stratton College offers a quick and easy admissions process. Prospective students can simply fill out a basic application online or on campus and submit their transcripts and diploma or GED. If you choose to apply on campus, you can talk to a personal admissions representative about your education and career goals.

Bryant & Stratton College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Clemson University

Clemson University will require you to submit your high school transcripts when you apply so that admissions officials can examine your GPA, class rank, and the classes you’ve taken.

SAT and ACT scores are optional. Admissions requirements may vary for specific majors depending on how popular those majors are and how many spaces are in the program.

Clemson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Cleveland State University

Prospective students at Cleveland State University must submit official transcripts from each secondary school and college they’ve previously attended. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.3, and international students must submit SAT or ACT scores. Specific programs within the university may have further requirements.

Cleveland State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Delaware State University

Delaware State University’s admissions requirements include a diploma from an accredited high school and a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Delaware State has recently adopted a test-optional policy to ensure that applicants face no unnecessary barriers in the admissions process.

Delaware State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

DePaul University

Applicants to DePaul University must submit high school transcripts. SAT and ACT scores are optional, and you can still be considered for both admission and academic scholarships without them. There are additional application steps specifically for the School of Music and the Theatre School.

DePaul University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

DeVry University

To apply to DeVry University, you must first complete an interview with an admissions advisor, and then fill out an application, including information about your prior education.

For test scores, applicants have the option of submitting SAT/ACT scores or taking DeVry’s placement examinations. Homeschooled students must submit appropriate documentation of completed courses.

DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Florida State University

The admissions process at Florida State University is a holistic process in which no single factor guarantees acceptance or rejection. Factors considered include senior schedule, resumes, academic records, ACT/SAT scores, essays, and curriculum rigor. The average GPA of admitted first-year students is 4.2.

The Florida State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Grand Canyon University

At Grand Canyon University, applicants must have an unweighted high school GPA of at least 3.0. Neither an essay nor SAT/ACT scores are required, but you may submit your SAT/ACT scores for consideration if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Granite State College

Granite State College uses a rolling admissions process, so you can apply online at any time of the year. All you need is a high school diploma or a GED. If you are transferring from another college or university, you will need to provide official transcripts from the school you are attending.

Granite State College is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Idaho State University

Idaho State University requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a minimum SAT score of 1030 or minimum ACT score of 18. Applicants who do not meet these requirements may still be considered for conditional admission. Applicants must schedule an appointment with an advisor if they are specifically applying to the College of Technology.

Idaho State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Liberty University

To apply to an undergraduate degree program at Liberty University, you must submit your high school transcripts or fill out Liberty’s high school self-certification form. You can apply either online or over the phone. In addition to the general admissions requirements, each degree program may have its own specific requirements.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University

At National University, you can apply online, and applications are accepted year-round. You can enroll in classes as soon as you have been accepted.

The admissions process takes into account your academic record, test scores, interviews, professional experience, motivation, and educational objectives. Each major may have its own specific admissions requirements.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Northcentral University

Northcentral University accepts applications at any time of the year. All you need to do is fill out the online application and send in your transcripts. Some majors have program-specific requirements and application procedures. Once accepted, you can usually enroll in your first course within thirty days.

Northcentral University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Ohio University

Ohio University considers the following criteria for admissions: class rank, academic rigor, GPA, and SAT/ACT scores. SAT/ACT scores are optional. You may also choose to submit letters of recommendation, essays, extracurricular activity lists, resumes, portfolios, or other materials, but these things are not required.

Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Purdue University

To apply at Purdue University, you must have a high school diploma or GED. You can begin the application process by speaking with an admissions advisor and then complete an interview about your education and career goals. Many of Purdue’s programs require that you provide an unofficial transcript during the interview process.

Purdue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Rutgers University

You can apply online to up to three schools at Rutger’s University at the same time. Each school will make its admissions decision independently. On the application, you will be asked to answer questions about your extracurricular activities and other experiences and to write an essay. Submission of test scores is optional.

Rutgers is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Southern New Hampshire University

To apply at Southern New Hampshire University, you need to fill out an online application and submit your transcripts. SAT/ACT scores are not required. Applications are accepted year-round, and decisions are usually made within a few days. The school has admissions counselors available to help through the application process.

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Strayer University

Strayer University features a simple admissions process to help make education more accessible.

All you need is a high school diploma or GED. Some of Strayer’s degree programs may have their own specific requirements. The school’s application includes basic questions about your educational background and can be filled out online at any time.

Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Hawaii

The University of Hawaii has ten different campuses. They all use the same online System Application Form, but applications are processed by each campus individually. Each campus may have its own admissions requirements, but all campuses require the submission of high school transcripts and college transcripts, if applicable.

The University of Hawaii is accredited by the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota uses a holistic admissions process in which each application is read in its entirety and no one factor is the deciding factor. Applicants are evaluated on both academic and context factors. Academic factors to be considered include high school coursework, GPA, class rank, rigor of curriculum, and academic interests.

The University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Oklahoma

The admissions process at the University of Oklahoma focuses on grade point average and the rigor of your high school curriculum.

Applicants are encouraged by the school to submit SAT or ACT scores, but they are not required. Other factors to be considered include your application essay and short answers and your extracurricular activities and community involvement.

The University of Oklahoma is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Oregon

The basic application requirements at the University of Oregon include a high school diploma or GED, a grade of C- or better in fifteen college preparatory courses, transcripts, and an essay. Applicants also have the option of submitting SAT/ACT scores and a second essay.

The University of Oregon is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

University of Texas – Austin

To apply at the University of Texas—Austin, you can fill out either the ApplyTexas application or the Coalition for College application. Along with the application, you must also submit an essay and your official high school transcripts documenting your completed coursework, GPA, and class rank.

The University of Texas at Austin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Washington

The University of Washington uses a holistic review process in which they will encourage you to share who you are and what is important to you. Your essays and extracurricular activities are just as important as your GPA. The University of Washington does not require SAT or ACT scores.

The University of Washington is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Walden University

At Walden University, you can get step-by-step help from an enrollment specialist as you apply. The application process is designed to be easy and streamlined.

For most programs, you can simply choose your degree program and send in your personal information, employment history, academic history, and transcripts. Admissions requirements may vary across degree programs.

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Western Connecticut State University

Western Connecticut State University is looking for applicants who graduated in the top one-third of their classes. Submitting test scores is optional, but prospective students who are not submitting test scores should have a GPA of at least 3.0 and are asked to submit a resume of activities.

Western Connecticut State University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

List of Grad Schools That Don’t Require Letters of Recommendation

More Information on 12 Grad Schools That Don’t Require Letters of Recommendation

Admissions to graduate schools may be very competitive, especially high demand degrees such as nursing or an MBA. So, keep in mind that the admissions requirements listed below are often the minimums. These do not guarantee admission.

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Liberty University

With more than 250,000 alumni and 550 programs of study, Liberty U offers an education with a solid Christian foundation. Committed to academic excellence and to Training Champions for Christ, Liberty strives to teach the values, knowledge, and skills you’ll need for success in every aspect of life.

Admissions Requirements include:

• Completed application
• Application fee
• Transcripts
• Bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 GPA

Application Fee Waiver Policy

Liberty may waive its $40 application fee for students who apply online. They also offer a potential app fee waiver for those who meet need based requirements.

Master’s Degree Programs

• Master of Science (MS): Exercise Science: Community Physical Activity
• (MS) Master of Science in Healthcare Administration: Project Management
• Master of Business Administration (MBA): Public Relations

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Grand Canyon University

Over the last eight years, GCU has invested millions of dollars to improve the quality of academic offerings and every student’s experience. This has helped the school achieve its mission of providing academic excellence and igniting transformation across the community.

Admissions Requirements include:

• Undergrad degree from accredited college
• 2.8 GPA or higher for undergrad
• If you don’t meet the GPA requirement, you may be accepted if you score higher than a 500 on the GMAT or 300 combined on the verbal / quantitative GRE

Master’s Degree Programs

• M.B.A. Programs
• Psychology & Counseling Programs
• Master’s in Education Programs

3

Full Sail University

Full Sail U uses a creative approach to education that provides an immersive, fast paced, and relevant learning experience that mirrors the evolving industries and offers degrees designed for the world of entertainment, media, arts, and technology.

Admissions Requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited school
• 2.5 GPA on bachelor’s degree
• Degree in similar field or scope as one applying to

Students with a lower GPA, or a degree in an unrelated field, may be accepted with a letter of intent, resume, and transcripts.

Master’s Degrees Programs

• (MS) Master of Science in Entertainment Business
• Master of Arts (MA) in Public Relations
• Master of Science (MS) in Internet Marketing

4

Southern New Hampshire University

As a private, nonprofit, accredited institution, SNHU has more than 3,000 on campus students and over 80,000 online students. Since 1932, the school has been focused on reinventing higher education to fit the changing needs of students.

Admissions Requirements include:

The admission process for many master’s degrees at SNHU only requires that you have earned a 2.75 GPA. This is while earning your undergrad degree from an accredited school. However, there may be more requirements for international students.

Master’s Degrees Programs

• MS Information Technology in Healthcare Informatics
• Master of Science Information Technology in Internet Security
• MS Information Technology in Data Analytics

5

Purdue University Global

Education that puts you in control of what, how, and where you learn. Purdue Global is a public, nonprofit school focused on providing a personalized online learning experience.

Admissions Requirements include:

• Completed app
• App fee
• Transcripts
• Bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 GPA

Master’s Degrees Programs

• Master of Health Informatics
• MSN – Executive Leadership
• Master of Health Care Administration

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Colorado Technical University

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Admissions Requirements include:

• Completed application
• Application fee
• Transcripts
• Bachelor’s degree from accredited school

Master’s Degrees Programs

• MS in Information Technology
• Master of Science in Nursing
• MS Homeland Security

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Walden University

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Admissions Requirements include:

• Completed application
• Resume
• Interview
• Bachelor’s degree

Master’s Degrees Programs

• MBA Project Management
• Master of Social Work – Clinical Management
• MS in Criminal Justice – Leadership

8

Ohio University

Founded in 1808, Ohio U holds its central purpose as the intellectual and personal development of its students. Ohio U offers grad programs designed to achieve the school’s educational and research mission. The specific admissions requirements for a master’s degree at Ohio U vary from program to program. Be sure to check with your desired program for more info.

Master’s Degrees Programs

• Civil Engineering
• History
• Educational Administration

9

Cleveland State University

At the core of everything they do at CSU is their philosophy of Engaged Learning. This is the mantra that gives purpose to CSU’s mission of providing an accessible education and creativity across all branches of learning. Some of the grad programs at CSU require letters of recommendation, such as social work and doctorate degrees.

Admission Requirements include:

• Completed application
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
• Official transcripts
• Official test scores

Master’s Degrees Programs

• Chemical Engineering
• Accountancy and Financial Information Systems
• Mathematics (Offered as MA and MS)

10

University of Oklahoma

Founded in 1890, the UO believes that anything could grow if you have the drive to make it so. The school is also committed to providing an inclusive community where diversity serves as the cornerstone of learning. All of the graduate degrees and master’s programs at UO have different admissions requirements. Therefore, be sure to check with all of the requirements before applying.

Admission Requirements include:

• Transcripts
• GMAT score
• Resume
• Statement of goals

Master’s Degree Programs

• Master of Science (MS) in Accounting
• Early Childhood Education
• Industrial Organization Psychology

11

University of Minnesota

The staff and faculty of the UM is known for being exceptionally dedicated to the school’s mission of preparing students to meet the challenges of the world by developing your strengths with experiences beyond the classroom. At the UM, all of the master’s degree programs have different admissions requirements. Be sure to check with the school to find the perfect program for you before applying.

Admission Requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• 3.0 GPA or above
• GRE

Master’s Degree Programs that don’t require Letters of Recommendation

• Psychology
• Social Work
• Human Resource Development

12

Western Connecticut State University

Striving to change the lives of all students by providing a quality education that fosters individual growth, WCSU has the goal of being widely recognized as a premier public university that aims to prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.

Admissions Requirements include:

The admissions requirements at WCSU vary from program to program, some of which require letters of recommendation. However here are some general requirements:

• Official transcripts
• GPA of 2.8 or higher on all completed coursework
• Completed application with fee

There may be additional requirements, such as a teaching certificate for teaching programs or a portfolio review for arts and writing degrees. Before applying to grad programs at WCSU, check with the school for more info.

Master’s Degree Programs that don’t require Letters of Recommendation

• Earth and Planetary Science
• Mathematics
• Education

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Admissions Requirements for Grad School

Every school and program may have different admissions requirements. In fact, some schools may even have different requirements for different programs. As a grad student there may be many options. This is why it’s important to research a variety of schools before you apply.

However, some of the most common admissions requirements often include:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
• GRE scores or GMAT scores
• Official transcripts
• Writing samples or personal statement
• Resume
• Meeting with admissions committees

While many schools may require letters of recommendation for graduate studies, check out the list below for options that don’t have that requirement.

How To Ask For Letters Of Recommendation

If you’re applying to grad school without these letters, there may still be time to get some before sending your applications. While this may take a couple of weeks and may postpone sending your apps, it may help you get into some of your target schools.

In fact, some of the schools listed above may not require letters of recommendation for all programs but may need them for others. While they may not be required for the app process, they might help to improve your chances of acceptance.

Therefore, it may not hurt to look for references while you send out some apps for graduate admissions. Then wait to send out others until you have received your recommendation letters.

Sources of Recommendations

While there are many people you could ask for recommendations, some of the best sources may be:

1. Former teachers
2. Supervisors
3. Colleagues

Another option that many students may overlook is to take a class. This may be either at the grad level or the undergrad level if you’re changing fields. Make sure that you perform well and take part in class to impress your professor enough for them to write a recommendation for you.

Of course, this may postpone sending your applications and going to grad school. It may also help you get into one of your desired schools.

Paying for Graduate School According to a study by Sallie Mae, on average graduate students pay for 77% of their education with money they have earned, saved, or borrowed, compared to undergraduates who pay for 30% of their degree using the same resources. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

How To Pursue Graduate School?

A great way to seek admission into graduate school may be to prepare yourself while you’re still earning your undergrad degree by:

• Taking higher level courses
• Taking classes from a variety of professors
• Get professional experience through internships
• Learning advanced skills need in the field
• Taking a grad level course as a senior

If you’re interested in applying to graduate school, be sure to consider different aspects or concentrations of your desired field. The perfect way to do this may be to diversify your courses. Diversify your research while still pursuing your undergrad degree also.

That means, don’t choose a specific aspect of your field before your junior year to make sure that you take courses from different professors and different subsets of your field. This could give you a wide variety of experience and points of view.

What Master’s Degree Should I Earn?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2013, those with a master’s degree earned $12,000 more per year than those with only a bachelor’s degree. This was across all industries and occupations. There were some fields that those with a master’s degree earned the same or below the median annual salary for those with a bachelor’s.

A possible increase in wages shouldn’t be the only question to consider when choosing a master’s. You should also think about:

1. Is it worth the time and money?
2. What are the alternatives?
3. Could you qualify for financial aid?

When choosing a master’s degree, be sure to consider all your options. Research a variety of programs and schools to make sure that you find the perfect program for you. These could be online programs or traditional classrooms. For instance, are you looking for an MBA or a master of science in business?

Master’s Degree Programs

Some of the most common master’s degree options are typically:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Psychology
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
• Social Work
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Public Health
• Master of Education (MEd)

law schools that dont require letters of recommendation

What have you been doing since your undergrad years? This (probably) underlies the basis of why you want to go to law school. Those colleagues and mentors that can speak to your activities during these intervening years are among your best sources.

The broader the experience base, generally the more adept the professional. Look at these intervening years as broadening your experience base, making you (hopefully) a better candidate for the experiences. Capture this base in your letters of recommendation.