Online Colleges With Open Enrollment That Start Anytime (2026)
by EDsmart Staff | Updated September 18, 2026
Students can start online college any time at many accredited schools that combine open enrollment (or open admission) with monthly or frequent term starts, not just fall-only enrollment. Western Governors University, Purdue Global, and National University are popular choices if you're looking to apply, send transcripts, and start classes at a published start date within the same month. Open enrollment usually means that a diploma or GED is enough for general admission; individual programs may require more, and true weekly degree starts remain uncommon.
Need to Know
- Start dates vary by school and program, even at colleges with frequent start dates.
- Some majors, such as nursing and education, may have additional admission requirements even if the college has open admissions.
- Applying doesn't guarantee you'll make the next start date. Transcripts, financial aid, and other enrollment steps can take time.
- Check the school and your specific program before you enroll, especially if your degree leads to a professional license.
Open-enrollment online colleges—those offering open admissions paired with frequent start dates—provide an accessible path to earning a degree. These flexible schedules are ideal for students balancing work or family commitments who can't wait for a traditional fall semester.
Which online colleges can you start soon?
Here are 10 accredited online colleges with flexible admission rules and frequent start dates. Confirm each school’s next start date and program rules before you enroll.
| School | Location |
|---|---|
| Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD |
| Purdue Global | West Lafayette, IN |
| National University | San Diego, CA |
| Bellevue University | Bellevue, NE |
| Wilmington University | New Castle, DE |
| Full Sail University | Winter Park, FL |
| Colorado Christian University | Lakewood, CO |
| Thomas Edison State University | Trenton, NJ |
| Franklin University | Columbus, OH |
Start calendars at a glance (confirm on each program page):
| School | Typical starts | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Western Governors University | Monthly | Online; self-paced (prove skills) |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Multiple dates per year | Online and hybrid |
| Purdue Global | Monthly | Primarily online |
| National University | Monthly (often short blocks) | Online and hybrid |
| Bellevue University | Multiple terms per year | Fully online options |
| Wilmington University | About every 8 weeks | Online and hybrid |
| Full Sail University | Monthly for many programs | Online creative/tech options |
| Colorado Christian University | Short blocks through the year | Online adult programs |
| Thomas Edison State University | Rolling; multiple entry points | Fully online |
| Franklin University | About every 10 weeks | Fully online options |
Online programs that might interest you
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, and financial aid by contacting the schools below.
What do open enrollment, rolling admission, and start anytime mean?
These three terms often get lumped together, but they answer different questions about how a college works:
- Open admissions (open enrollment): Most colleges accept any applicant with a high school diploma or GED, without requiring SAT or ACT scores.
- Program-specific exceptions: Selective majors like nursing, teaching or engineering often require higher GPAs, prerequsites, or secondary applications beyond general school acceptance
- Rolling admission: When applications are reviewed. Admissions teams review files as they arrive instead of waiting for one fixed deadline, often until spaces fill.
- Start anytime / frequent starts: When classes begin. Instead of one fall cohort, these schools offer starts monthly, every few weeks, or several times a year.
Can you really start online college anytime?
Usually, no.
“Start anytime” typically means a college offers several start dates throughout the year. The most flexible schools may start new terms every month. True weekly starts for full degree programs are rare. You still apply, send transcripts, and begin on a published start date—not any day you choose.
Schools can offer open admissions, rolling admission, and frequent starts together.
Why students look for these schools
Flexible admission and scheduling help working adults and adults returning to school:
- Less admissions stress: Skipping SAT or ACT requirements removes a common barrier for adults returning to school.
- No lost time: Frequent start dates mean you don't wait six to twelve months just to take your first class.
- Schedule that fits life: Online terms work better around work hours, family care, or other responsibilities.
Trade-offs to weigh
- Different levels of preparation: Open admissions means students can come in with varied backgrounds and experience. You may see bigger differences in skill levels, especially in early courses.
- Programs with stricter requirements: Nursing, teaching, and other licensed programs may have requirements beyond general admission even when the college has open admissions.
Formats and admission levels
Getting accepted into an open-admission school is just the first step. You still need to apply, send transcripts, meet any program requirements, and set up financial aid. The order of these steps can vary by school.
Live classes vs. on-your-own schedules
Online courses usually fall into two formats:
- Synchronous (live): You meet at set times on video with classmates and the instructor.
- Asynchronous (on your own): You complete your work on your own schedule, typically with weekly deadlines and no required in-person or live classes.
Note: Many programs mix both formats. If a program page says “100% online,” ask whether labs, intensives, or proctored exams still require fixed times or on-campus visits.
Undergraduate vs. graduate admission
Undergraduate open enrollment usually requires a high school diploma or GED. Graduate programs have different admission requirements and may look at your college GPA, work experience, previous coursework, portfolio, or test scores. Check the requirements for your specific graduate program before you apply.
A Closer Look at Each School
These profiles give you a closer look at the schools in the tables above. Start dates can vary by program, so confirm the next available term on the school’s program page.
About the data: Average net price, graduation, retention, and median earnings come from U.S. Department of Education outcomes data when available. Reporting years and student cohorts vary by metric. “Not reported in current federal data” means the figure is missing or not published for this school in our current dataset—not that the school has a zero rate. Definitions: EDsmart rankings methodology.
Western Governors University
- Good fit for: Self-paced learners who want to move faster by proving skills they already have.
- Typical starts: 1st of each month (confirm on the program page).
Overview: WGU is built for working adults. Instead of following a traditional weekly class schedule, you move through courses by showing that you know the material. Tuition is charged at a flat rate for each term, and you can complete more courses during that term if you're able to move faster.
- Format: 100% online; self-paced
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Admission: Flexible undergraduate admission for many programs; some programs have additional requirements
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Good fit for: Working adults, military-connected students, and transfer students with prior college credits.
- Typical starts: Multiple start dates throughout the year, including shorter sessions.
Overview: UMGC is a public university built largely around online and adult students. It offers multiple start dates throughout the year, so you don't always have to wait for a traditional fall or spring semester. The school also accepts transfer credits and has separate tuition rates for some students, including Maryland residents and military students.
- Format: online and hybrid options
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Admission: Open admission for many undergraduate programs; graduate programs have separate requirements
Purdue Global
- Good fit for: Working adults who want frequent start dates and an online program within the Purdue University system.
- Typical starts: Monthly.
Overview: Purdue Global is part of the Purdue University system and is designed largely for working adults. Many programs have monthly start dates, so you don't have to wait for a traditional fall or spring semester. Check your specific program for start dates and any in-person requirements.
- Format: primarily online; some programs may have in-person requirements
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Admission: Flexible undergraduate admission for many programs; program requirements vary
National University
- Good fit for: Students who want short courses and frequent start dates.
- Typical starts: Monthly for many programs.
Overview: National University offers short courses that usually focus on one subject at a time. Many programs have monthly start dates, which can make it possible to begin within weeks instead of waiting for the next semester. Online and hybrid programs are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Format: online and hybrid
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Admission: Requirements vary by degree and program
Bellevue University
- Good fit for: Working adults and transfer students who want a fully online degree.
- Typical starts: Multiple start dates throughout the year.
Overview: Bellevue University focuses heavily on working adults and offers fully online degrees in areas such as business, IT, and health-related fields. It also accepts transfer credits, which can be important if you've already completed part of your degree somewhere else. Before you enroll, find out how many of your previous credits will count toward your program.
- Format: fully online options
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Admission: Requirements vary by program
Wilmington University
- Good fit for: Working students who want shorter, structured terms.
- Typical starts: About every eight weeks.
Overview: Wilmington University offers online courses in shorter terms that are often about eight weeks long. That gives students several chances to start throughout the year instead of waiting for a fall or spring semester. Online and hybrid options are available for students who need more flexibility around work or other responsibilities.
- Format: online and hybrid
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Admission: Requirements vary by program
Full Sail University
- Good fit for: Students interested in creative, media, entertainment, or technology programs.
- Typical starts: Monthly for many programs.
Overview: Full Sail University offers programs in areas such as film, games, design, technology, and entertainment. Many programs start monthly, so students may be able to begin relatively quickly. Cost is one thing to look at closely: Full Sail's average net price is higher than many of the other schools on this list.
- Format: fully online options in many creative and technology fields
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (career/national)
- Admission: Requirements vary by program
Colorado Christian University
- Good fit for: Adults who want shorter courses at a Christian university.
- Typical starts: Multiple short terms throughout the year.
Overview: Colorado Christian University offers online programs for adult students with several start dates throughout the year. Courses are often offered in shorter blocks instead of traditional semester-long classes. CCU is a Christian university, so its religious mission and faith-based curriculum are also important to consider when deciding if it's a good fit.
- Format: fully online adult programs
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Admission: Requirements vary by program
Thomas Edison State University
- Good fit for: Adults with previous college credits, military training, or other learning that may qualify for college credit.
- Typical starts: Multiple start dates throughout the year.
Overview: Thomas Edison State University is designed largely for adults who already have college credits or other previous learning. The university can evaluate previous college courses, military training, and some other types of learning for possible credit. This can be useful if you've already completed part of a degree and want to finish it online.
- Format: fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Admission: Designed primarily for adult students; requirements vary by program
Franklin University
- Good fit for: Working adults who want frequent start dates and fully online degree options.
- Typical starts: About every 10 weeks.
Overview: Franklin University focuses on working adults and offers online programs with new terms starting about every 10 weeks. That gives you several chances to start during the year instead of waiting for a traditional semester. Its federal graduation and retention rates are lower than several other schools on this page, so those numbers are worth looking at along with cost, transfer credit, and student support.
- Format: fully online options
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Admission: Requirements vary by program
Which other schools offer frequent starts?
True weekly degree starts are rare. These schools often show up in “start soon” searches because they offer short terms and frequent start dates. They aren't included in the featured schools above, so check each school’s program page for current tuition, career outcomes, and upcoming start dates.
University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC)
- Good fit for: Students who want to progress by taking one course at a time.
- Typical starts: Frequent entry points (often about 5-week undergrad and 6-week grad terms).
Overview: UAGC focuses on single-subject acceleration, so you can finish one course before starting the next without long breaks between terms.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
- Good fit for: Working adults who need predictable weekly deadlines without required live video classes.
- Typical starts: About 6 undergraduate term starts per year (~8-week terms).
Overview: Offers structured coursework with weekly deadlines designed to fit around shifting work schedules and family care.
Capella University
- Good fit for: Self-directed learners who want guided terms or a prove-skills path.
- Typical starts: Quarterly starts for traditional terms, plus FlexPath entry for some degrees.
Overview: Features both traditional guided terms and a self-paced FlexPath model where you move ahead by showing mastery of the material.
University of Phoenix
- Good fit for: Adult learners who need continuous, year-round start options.
- Typical starts: Frequently through the year (often monthly).
Overview: Offers short courses one after another so adults can start a degree without waiting for traditional semesters.
American Public University System (APUS / AMU)
- Good fit for: Military-connected students, public safety personnel, and government workers.
- Typical starts: Monthly (8- and 16-week formats).
Overview: Flexible monthly entry points built for shift workers and military schedules. Ask about digital course materials and total cost before you enroll.
Charter Oak State College
- Good fit for: Degree completers bringing in substantial prior college credit or learning that can be evaluated for credit.
- Typical starts: Multiple entry points through the year (often 5-, 8-, and 15-week blocks).
Overview: A public Connecticut school focused on adult degree completion with flexible credit transfer policies.
University of North Dakota (UND Online)
- Good fit for: Students who want a traditional state university brand with flexible online scheduling.
- Typical starts: Rolling admission with semester-based and self-paced enrollment tracks.
Overview: Combines a public university credential with online coursework you can complete on a flexible schedule, plus flexible entry options.
Are open enrollment online colleges legit?
Open enrollment online colleges can be legitimate if the school has recognized accreditation. How hard a school is to get into reflects its admission requirements, not the quality of its programs or whether its degrees are legitimate.
Before you enroll, check the school in the U.S. Department of Education’s accreditation database. If you're getting a degree in a licensed field, such as nursing, teaching, or counseling, make sure your specific program meets your state's licensing requirements. The school's overall accreditation may not be enough.
Online and on-campus students at the same accredited school generally earn the same type of degree. Your diploma may not identify whether you earned the degree online, but policies vary by school. Check with the college if this matters to you.
What should you check before choosing a start-soon college?
Do not choose a school based on start date alone. Compare:
- Total cost after financial aid, including the school's current tuition and fees
- How many of your transfer credits will count toward your degree
- Program accreditation and state licensing requirements for your field
- Course pace and whether you have to attend live classes
- Graduation and retention rates when federal data is available
- Median earnings when available, including what the number actually measures
How do you enroll without waiting a year?
- Pick your start date: Find a school with an upcoming start date that fits your timeline. This might be monthly, every eight weeks, or another schedule with several starts throughout the year.
- Verify accreditation: Check the school in the U.S. Department of Education’s accreditation database to make sure it has recognized accreditation.
- Apply and send your records: Fill out the application and request your high school, GED, or previous college transcripts right away.
- File the FAFSA: Add the school’s Federal School Code to your FAFSA. You can do this when you apply or even before. Finish enrollment: Complete orientation, take any required math or writing placement tests, and register for your classes.
Common questions
What does open enrollment mean for online colleges?
In higher education, open enrollment usually means open admissions. For undergraduate students, this generally means you can get into the school with a high school diploma or GED without meeting a minimum high school GPA or submitting SAT or ACT scores. Some programs may have additional admission requirements.
Can you start online college today without waiting for fall?
You can apply today, but you probably won't start classes the same day. Most online colleges with frequent starts have monthly or short-term start dates. You still need to apply, send your transcripts, and finish the school's enrollment requirements before you can start classes.
Can I apply to an online university and start classes within the same month?
Sometimes. Schools such as Western Governors University, Purdue Global, and National University have frequent start dates, so you may be able to apply and start classes within the same month. It depends on when you apply, how quickly your transcripts and other documents are processed, and the start dates for your specific program.
Do online colleges have weekly start dates?
True weekly degree starts are rare. Colleges that advertise frequent starts are more likely to have monthly start dates or shorter terms that begin several times throughout the year. Check your specific program's calendar before you apply.
What is the difference between open enrollment and rolling admission?
Open enrollment, or open admissions, refers to who can get into the school. Rolling admission refers to when the school reviews applications. With rolling admission, applications are reviewed as they come in instead of after one application deadline. A college can have both open admissions and rolling admission.
Do open enrollment colleges require the SAT or ACT?
Open-admission colleges generally don't require SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate admission. Some programs may have additional requirements, including placement tests or other exams. Check the admission requirements for your specific program before you apply.
Are online degrees from open enrollment colleges accredited?
They can be. Open admissions doesn't determine whether a college is accredited. Check the school in the U.S. Department of Education's accreditation database before you enroll. If you're entering a licensed field, such as nursing, teaching, or counseling, also make sure your specific program meets your state's licensing requirements.
How should I compare the cost of these schools?
Start with the average net price in the school profiles when federal data is available, then check current tuition and fees on each school's website. Financial aid, transfer credits, flat-rate tuition, in-state tuition, and military discounts can all change what you actually pay. Among the schools on this page with a reported average net price, Western Governors University has the lowest figure at $12,548. Your actual cost may be different.
Can you transfer credits into a start-anytime program?
Usually, but getting accepted doesn't mean all of your previous credits will count toward your degree. Ask the school to evaluate your transfer credits before you enroll so you know how many credits you'll still need to graduate.
Can you get financial aid if you start mid-year?
Often, yes. File the FAFSA for the correct academic year and add the school's Federal School Code. Then check with the school's financial aid office to find out how your aid will work with your start date.
Are graduate programs open enrollment too?
Graduate programs usually have different admission requirements. They may look at your college GPA, work experience, previous coursework, portfolio, or test scores. Check the requirements for your specific graduate program before you apply.
Sources
Primary sources used for this guide. Confirm start calendars and program rules on each school’s site before you enroll.
- NCES College Navigator — enrollment, programs, and school facts
- EDsmart rankings methodology — how we use U.S. Department of Education outcomes data (average net price, retention, graduation, median earnings)
- U.S. Department of Education accreditation database — verify school accreditation
- CHEA — recognized accrediting organizations
- StudentAid.gov — FAFSA and federal aid
- School admissions, academic calendar, and tuition pages — start dates and current prices (confirm per program)
Popular online programs that might interest you
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, and financial aid by contacting the schools below.