Nowadays, just about anyone with a high school diploma can attend college. Many schools have easy entrance requirements, particularly those in California. In fact, there are several colleges that do not require high school or college transcripts or anything proving your academic aptitude. This process is called open enrollment. It's just a matter of finding the school that fits your requirements and simply applying for admission. Average students in California have many college options.
Academy of Art University
San Francisco's Academy of Art University is an esteemed school that anyone with a high school diploma or GED can get into. The school is hailed as one of the best arts schools in the country and has the largest enrollment (roughly 9,000) of any private art school in the country. Many famous artists and designers have attended Academy of Art, and graduates enjoy a plethora of job opportunities and collaborations. The university offers associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees.
Address: Academy of Art University 79 New Montgomery Street San Francisco, CA 94105 800-544-2787 academyart.edu
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California, is one of the least selective colleges in the state. The school is for students with a strong Christian faith and a dedication to spreading their faith once they graduate. The minimum GPA for entrance for high school students is 2.8 (on a 4.0 scale) and 2.2 for college transfer students. The minimum SAT score for high school students entering college is 910, and the minimum ACT score is 19. Students do not need proof of extracurricular school activities. They are evaluated on an individual basis based on their commitment to faith and their involvement in church or church community activities.
Azusa Pacific University 901 E. Alosta Ave., PO Box 7000 Azusa, CA 91702 626-969-3434 apu.edu
California State University, Chico
The California State University-Chico is one of the easiest state schools to get into. To qualify for admissions, students must have at least a "C" average on their high school coursework, or at least a 2.0 to 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Students must have a minimum SAT score of 900 or a minimum ACT score of 19.
California State University, Chico 400 West First Street Chico, CA 95929 530-898-4636 csuchico.edu
Biola University
Biola University in La Mirada, California, is another Christian college that is very easy to get into. First-time college students as well as transfer students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, an SAT score of at least 920 or an ACT score of at least 19. The school has no class requirements, so you can take whatever level of classes you wish during high school. Additionally, students must be evangelical Christians to attend the school.
Biola University 13800 Biola Ave La Mirada, CA 90639 800-OK-BIOLA biola.edu
California State University, East Bay
California State University-East Bay is another state school that is easy to get into. Incoming freshman and college transfer students must have a "C" average, or a 2.0 to 2.5 cumulative GPA to apply. SAT and ACT scores are less important and a high score is not necessarily required. Students are rated based on an "eligibility index," or the added sum of their GPA and test scores.
California State University, East Bay 25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard Hayward, CA 94542 510-885-3000 csueastbay.edu
