Colleges With Rolling Admissions Near Me

Popular Schools With Rolling Admissions

Here are some popular universities with rolling admissions (listed alphabetically):

• Arizona State University
• Indiana University Bloomington
• Michigan State University*
• Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)*
• University of Alabama
• University of Maine
• University of New Haven
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Tulsa

While all of these schools have a rolling admissions process, it’s worth pointing out that Michigan State’s and Penn State’s rolling admissions work a little differently.

Michigan State divides their admission process into three stages: early action, regular, and rolling. If you apply before November 1, you’re considered an early action applicant. If you apply after November 1 but before February 1, you’re applying with regular admission. Any application submitted after February 1 will be considered with rolling admission.

The key difference between these three types of applicants is when you’ll receive an admission decision. Early action applicants will get their notifications by January 15, regular applicants will hear by March 31, and rolling applicants will hear eight to 12 weeks after they submit their admissions materials. Also, while applying early doesn’t increase your chances of admission, it does increase your odds of receiving scholarship money. Be sure to visit their website for more information about this process.

Like Michigan State, Penn State handles their rolling admissions a little differently as well. Penn State uses what they call a “rolling admissions process.” Penn State begins accepting applications in August, but rolling admissions doesn’t kick in until after December 1. Students who apply early have the best chance of admission. Additionally, some of their programs, like the accelerated pre-med and nursing programs, have firm (non-rolling) application deadlines. (You can check out the recommended submission deadlines—along with decision notification dates—on the Penn State Admissions website.)

Complete List of Schools With Rolling Admissions

Here’s the full list of schools with rolling admissions in alphabetical order. Just scroll down to find the ones you’re interested in or use ctrl + F to search for a school directly. We’ve also included the admission rate for each school so you can see how difficult it is to get in.

If you’re interested in applying to any of these schools, make sure to set a deadline for yourself and stick to it! Also be sure to check the school’s website to see if there are any deadlines applied to scholarship or financial aid applications. If, however, these schools aren’t on your college list, they could be a good fallback option should your other schools not work out.

Rolling Admission Deadline

Advantages of Rolling Admission

You’re putting together your college list and notice that your dream school accepts applications on a “rolling basis.”  Here’s how rolling admission can be good for you:

1. It reduces college stress

The rolling admission process is quick. The earlier you apply, the sooner you get your answer, which could be as soon as 4-6 weeks after submitting your application. Many students can even begin senior year with a college acceptance in the bag!

2. It gives you a potential leg-up

The application process can be less competitive if you apply on the early side of the admission window. Colleges still have their whole incoming class to fill and won’t be comparing you to already accepted students. (This is not to say that you still don’t need a strong GPA, great test scores, and stellar college essays!).

3. It allows you to be flexible

Rolling admission decisions aren’t binding like early action decisions. You’ll have up until the school’s deadline to decide whether you will attend.  Rolling admissions schools often have long admission windows, meaning you could still apply after other schools’ regular decision deadlines have passed.

How to Reap the Benefits of Rolling Admission

1. Do your research

As you’re putting together your college list, pay attention to deadlines and requirements. Some schools will accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year, but others will have a specific admission window. 

2. Submit rolling applications first

Rolling admission colleges begin taking applications as early as July and continue as late as April. Your chances of admission will be much stronger early on when there are more spaces left to fill, so it’s a smart idea to submit your rolling applications before working on your regular decision apps. The results (acceptance, waitlist, or rejection) could change the rest of your admission strategy.

3. Plan ahead for SAT/ACT prep

Most students end up taking the SAT or ACT more than once.  If you’re aiming to submit a rolling admission application in early fall, it’s a good idea to take the test for the first time in October of your junior year (which gives you the option to take the test again in the spring, if needed). Check out our ACT and SAT Testing timelines to help you figure out when to start your prep.

4. Take care with your application

Your competitive advantage will be erased by a slapdash application. Give the same time and attention to your rolling decision applications as you would with your regular decision applications. 

5. Don’t forget about financial aid!

As with your regular decision applications, it’s important to be on top of your financial aid applications and scholarship search. We recommend filling out the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1. If you’re applying to college later in the rolling admission window, you run the risk that school aid funds and scholarship will have been awarded to those students who were accepted before you. Research each school’s procedures for applying for aid, and have these docs ready to go.