This public research university (part of the UT system) is a Hispanic-serving institution located at the western tip of Texas, right on the U.S.–Mexico border. UTEP is known for strong programs in engineering, science, and education, including a highly regarded College of Engineering. The campus has a unique Bhutanese-inspired architecture and is home to about 24,000 students, many of whom commute or are first-generation college-goers. UTEP's nearly 100% acceptance rate reflects its mission to expand access to higher education in its region​usnews.com. Notably, despite being broadly accessible, UTEP holds a top-tier (R1) research designation and is recognized for advancing the social mobility of its graduates. If you're looking for a diverse campus community and solid academics with an almost guaranteed admission, UTEP is a great option.

Founded in 1971, Liberty has grown into one of the largest private universities in the nation. It's best known for its Christian foundation and a massive selection of online programs (Liberty was a pioneer in online learning). Liberty offers over 200 undergraduate majors on campus – popular areas include business, nursing, criminal justice, and theology. The 7,000+ acre campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains features extensive facilities (like an indoor ski slope!). Students who choose Liberty appreciate the supportive, faith-centered community and the school's resources. Liberty's near-automatic acceptance policy (only basic academic requirements are needed) makes it a viable safety school, though applicants should be comfortable with its religious environment. 

The University of Mississippi – fondly known as Ole Miss – is the state's flagship school with a ton of Southern charm and history. It offers a classic big-college experience with renowned programs in accounting, journalism (the Meek School), pharmacy, and Southern studies. The campus in Oxford, MS, is often rated one of the most beautiful in the U.S., and the school's sports (especially football tailgating in the Grove) are legendary. Academically, Ole Miss provides solid resources and even has an honors college for high-achieving students. With an acceptance rate of around 98%, Ole Miss has essentially open admissions – they want to extend opportunities to as many Mississippi and out-of-state students as possible. 

Located in Orono along the Stillwater River, the University of Maine is a historic land-grant and sea-grant university known for its contributions to research in forestry, marine sciences, climate studies, and engineering. Undergraduates flock to programs like marine biology, forestry, engineering, education, and business. The campus atmosphere is welcoming and traditional, with Division I sports (go Black Bears!) and a strong sense of community. If you meet basic requirements, you will likely get in. This accessibility aligns with UMaine's statewide university mission to educate as many residents as possible (and they actively recruit out-of-state students with generous scholarships, too). Students who want a New England college experience, with classic campus life and easy admission, should take a close look at UMaine.

Marshall is a public research university named after Chief Justice John Marshall. It is located in Huntington, a small city on the Ohio River in West Virginia. Marshall offers over 150 majors, with popular ones in health professions (nursing, public health), business, education, and journalism. It also houses the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, giving undergrads opportunities in biomedical sciences. Students often mention the close-knit, supportive campus atmosphere – Marshall's size (around 9,500 undergrads) allows for personal attention. The Thundering Herd athletics and school traditions add to the spirit. At ~96% acceptance rate​, Marshall is not selective. They aim to provide college access to many, aligning with their regional mission. If you are a solid student, you can be pretty confident about admission. Marshall is a terrific choice for a medium-sized school with friendly vibes, strong professional programs, and a near-guaranteed "Yes!".

North Dakota State University in Fargo is a research university with a longstanding focus on agriculture, engineering, and applied sciences. NDSU is instrumental in agricultural research (crop and animal science), which is important to the region, and it boasts strong STEM programs like civil and mechanical engineering, computer science, and pharmacy. The university has about 12,000 undergrads who enjoy a blend of a technology-rich campus and Midwest friendliness. NDSU Bison athletics (especially football) are hugely popular – the team has multiple FCS national championships. NDSU's acceptance rate of around 95%​edurank.org means admissions are straightforward – meeting the minimum requirements (such as a GPA of around 2.75 and core courses) will likely secure your spot. The school actively encourages applications from the region and beyond, contributing to its diverse student mix. For students seeking a strong agricultural or engineering education with a community feel – and extremely high odds of getting in – NDSU is a top pick.

The University of Montana is the flagship in Big Sky Country, set in the scenic Missoula Valley. It's known for its outdoor recreation and natural sciences – UM offers exceptional wildlife biology, forestry, environmental science, and creative writing programs. The campus is considered one of the prettiest, with the iconic Mount Sentinel "M" overlooking it. With around 7,000 undergrads, UM is mid-sized and has a laid-back, nature-loving student body. The acceptance rate of about 95%​ makes UM a safety for most applicants; they use rolling admissions and will admit the vast majority of students who meet the basic requirements (in fact, many Western states' students can qualify for reduced tuition here via the WUE exchange). If you are interested in ecology, wildlife or want a strong liberal arts education amid mountains – and you want a near-certain admission – put UM on your list.

East Carolina University is the third-largest university in North Carolina, located in Greenville (a smaller city about 1.5 hours east of Raleigh). ECU began as a teacher's college and still has a strong College of Education, but it's also well-known for nursing and allied health programs (it produces a lot of the state's nurses) and business. In fact, ECU's Brody School of Medicine and College of Nursing are highly respected. Other distinctive offerings include a College of Fine Arts and a maritime studies program (NC's coastal university). Student life is active, with robust Greek life and passionate support for the ECU Pirates football team. ECU  have rolling admissions and even offer assured admission for students meeting certain criteria. This makes ECU a great "safety" school. If you aimi for a big-school experience with strong health, education, or business majors – and a high certainty of admission – ECU could be for you.

The University of Oregon is the flagship of Oregon, known for its school spirit (Go Ducks!), beautiful campus, and programs in journalism and environmental studies. UO's School of Journalism and Communication is among the best in the nation (home of the notable Oregon Daily Emerald paper), and the School of Architecture and Environment is also highly regarded. The university's location in Eugene provides a classic college-town feel with a funky, outdoorsy culture. Nike's co-founder is an alum, and the company's influence is seen in UO's top-tier sports facilities and the emphasis on sports marketing and product design programs. UO's acceptance rate is between 93% and the mid-80s – either way, chances of admission are very strong. If you are after a flagship university with great liberal arts and an easy admissions hurdle, the University of Oregon deserves consideration.

UTA is a large public research university in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. It serves over 25,000 undergrads, many of whom are commuters or part-time students, and is classified as an R1 research institution. UTA's strengths lie in engineering (it graduates a significant number of engineers annually), nursing, business, and education. Because it caters to a diverse urban population, UTA offers flexible schedules and many online course options. UTA may be particularly attractive if you want to be in a major metro with ample internship opportunities. It is an excellent choice for students seeking strong professional programs (especially in STEM and health) with the backing of a big university system and an admissions process that is not stressful.

Northern Arizona University sits at 7,000 feet elevation in Flagstaff, amidst ponderosa pines – a very different Arizona climate (snowy winters!) than Phoenix. NAU started as a teachers' college and still excels in education programs, but it's also known for forestry, environmental science, and hotel management. The campus has a polite, laid-back student body of about 21,000 undergrads who love the outdoors – skiing, mountain biking, and hiking in nearby mountains and the Grand Canyon region. NAU offers the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) tuition discount to many Western-state students, making it popular for out-of-state applicants. Applicants meeting baseline requirements (like a 3.0 GPA or adequate test scores) are generally admitted. This high accessibility and Flagstaff's beauty make NAU a strong safety choice. It is perfect for students who want a scenic location, a relaxed campus with solid academics (think forestry, education, health sciences), and an easy admissions path.

Iowa State University is internationally recognized for its engineering, agriculture, and design programs. It's home to the first electronic digital computer (invented by ISU professor John Atanasoff) – so there's some serious tech history here! The College of Engineering at Iowa State is among the largest in the country, drawing students from all over. ISU is also noted for architecture (with a highly ranked design college) and veterinary medicine (the state's vet school). Campus life features Cyclone athletics and a friendly Midwestern student culture. Iowa State admissions are based on a formula called the Regent Admission Index (RAI); if your RAI score (calculated from GPA, test scores, class rank, etc.) meets a set threshold, you're automatically in. As a result, about 9 in 10 applicants are admitted​. In short, solid B students and above have an excellent shot. Iowa State is an ideal choice if you're seeking a big-campus, Big 12 experience with top-notch STEM programs – and you want a likely admission in hand early.

West Virginia University is the flagship public university of the Mountain State, located in the hills of Morgantown along the Monongahela River. WVU is known for strong programs in engineering (mining, petroleum, and aerospace engineering in particular), forensic science, journalism, and health sciences (it houses a major academic medical center). It also has a unique Mountaineer spirit – the campus culture is passionate about WVU's Mountaineer athletics, and yes, the mascot carries a musket and wears buckskins. Academically, WVU offers everything from law and pharmacy to a renowned coal and energy research program reflecting the state's heritage. With around 90% acceptance rate in recent years​, WVU ensures that most students who meet basic requirements (minimum GPA and coursework) can enroll. The school even has rolling admissions, so it reviews applications as they come. For students who desire a spirited campus life in a beautiful Appalachian setting, solid programs (especially in STEM and professional fields), and an almost guaranteed shot at admission, WVU is a superb option.