25 Safety Schools to Consider for Your College List
What’s Covered:
- What Are Safety Schools?
- How Many Safeties Should You Have?
- How to Find Good Safety Schools
- 25 Safety Schools with High Acceptance Rates
Safety schools should not be overlooked when you build your college list. It’s essential to have these options in case you are not accepted to your target or reach schools. In this post, we explain what you should look for in a safety school and provide a list of good safety schools you can consider when building your college list.
What Are Safety Schools?
Safety schools are an integral part of your college list, along with target and reach schools. Safety schools are schools where you have an 80% chance or more of acceptance based on your admissions profile.
What constitutes a “safety school” depends on the individual student’s profile. Based on test scores, grades, activities, and demographics, one person’s safety school may be another person’s target or reach school. That said, it’s important to remember that highly selective schools—those with admissions rates of less than 20%—aren’t safeties for anyone.
Keep in mind that some less-selective, but still competitive, schools practice yield protection. Yield is the percentage of accepted students who enroll at a school. Many schools believe yield is a measure of their desirability, and therefore want to maximize their yield percentages by rejecting or waitlisting exceptional candidates who they think will ultimately enroll in more prestigious schools. Because of this, competitive non-Ivy League schools or top 20 schools aren’t safeties for anyone.
How Many Safeties Should You Have?
You should aim to apply to 8 to 12 schools total, and at least 2 or 3 of those should be safeties. A balanced school list consists of 2 to 3 safety schools, 4 to 5 target schools, and 2 to 3 reach schools. While you should have an 80%+ chance of acceptance at a safety school, at a target or reach school, you should have a 25% to 79% or less than 25% chance of acceptance, respectively.
Having a balanced school list with enough safety and target schools is especially important with test-optional applications and lowered acceptance rates at elite schools. Students who only apply to reach schools may end up having no options at all, unfortunately.
How to Find Good Safety Schools
1. Look at your state schools.
Many state schools prefer in-state applicants and have high admissions rates, making them a great place to start when looking for safety schools. Some state schools even guarantee admission to in-state residents.
For example, if you attend Texas public schools, you get guaranteed admission to public Texas universities if you meet certain class rank and/or testing requirements. Some of these universities are more competitive than others since each school has its own specific requirements for guaranteed admission.
UC schools also offer their own version of guaranteed admission called the Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) Program. If you attend a participating public high school, are in the top 9% of your class, and take the required courses in 10th and 11th grade, you can qualify for guaranteed admission to a UC school.
Some state schools, however, can be pretty selective, such as the University of Michigan. If that’s the case, look for less-selective colleges, like MSU, regional universities, or community colleges.
2. Consider small private colleges that offer significant merit aid.
Many small private schools have high acceptance rates and attract strong applicants with generous scholarships. Unlike larger state schools, these schools often offer smaller class sizes and more contact with professors and faculty, which may appeal to you.
While some small private schools have steep tuition rates, schools like Clarke University, Illinois College, and Florida Southern College offer significant merit aid, making them great options for safety schools.
Since merit aid isn’t need-based, it can help cover costs for students who don’t qualify for federal financial aid. If you have a strong academic profile, with high standardized test scores, GPA, and class rank, you’ll likely be eligible for some form of merit aid, depending on the school.
3. Search for schools on CollegeVine and see your chances of acceptance.
It can be difficult to figure out what schools you can include as safeties on your college list, but don’t worry—CollegeVine can help! This is why we created our free chancing engine. This helpful tool allows you to see your real chances of admission based on your academic profile, test scores, extracurriculars, and more. It even works if you’re applying to test-optional schools, and it will tell you whether or not to submit your score.
Our school search tool is another arrow in your college search quiver. It can help you discover schools based on preferences ranging from intended major to admissions difficulty to diversity.
25 Safety Schools with High Acceptance Rates
While the label of “safety schools” depends on the student, we wanted to share some examples of schools that may be safeties for strong applicants. We also tried to find relatively affordable schools, even for out-of-state students.
1. CSU Fullerton
Location: Fullerton, California
Undergrad Enrollment: 38,597
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 860-1070/21.5-30
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $23,679/$35,559
CSU Fullerton is a large state school. In fact, it’s the largest of all the CSU schools. The university is federally designated as a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution (AANAPISI). The large school competes in Division I athletics. One unique aspect of the university is its architecture, as most campus buildings were constructed with a post-modern futuristic flair.
Learn more about CSU Fullerton and what it takes to get accepted.
2. Cal Poly Pomona
Location: Pomona, California
Undergrad Enrollment: 25,255
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: N/A
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $34,721/$47,321
Cal Poly Pomona provides students a unique learning experience through its polytechnic approach—polytechnic means “skilled in many arts.” Students at Cal Poly institutions are taught through experiential learning, discovery, and innovation. A noteworthy fact about Cal Poly Pomona is that 1 out of every 14 engineers in the state of California is a graduate of the school. Cal Poly Pomona is nationally ranked for helping students achieve economic success immediately after graduation.
Learn more about Cal Poly Pomona and what it takes to get accepted.
3. Truman State University
Location: Kirksville, Missouri
Undergrad Enrollment: 3,302
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1250-1370/25-31
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $28,006/$37,075
Truman State University is a public university with a liberal arts feel. They emphasize a rigorous liberal arts and science curriculum with a close-knit and accepting campus culture. Professors at Truman are known for challenging their students. Many students are drawn to Truman due to its smaller student body and the closeness that can be achieved with professors and other students. Truman students also have the opportunity to participate in Division II sports.
Learn more about Truman and what it takes to get accepted.
4. Florida International University
Location: Miami, Florida
Undergrad Enrollment: 44,904
Acceptance Rate: 55%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1070-1250/21-27
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $28,232/$40,630
Florida International University is a very large school—it’s one of the largest in the nation. FIU is ranked among the nation’s top 50 public research universities and has a reputation for international business. Research is a key part of the school’s programs, regardless of the field of study. One characteristic that draws students to FIU is its location in Miami, a vibrant city, teeming with life and opportunities for young people.
Learn more about FIU and what it takes to get accepted.
5. University of North Florida
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Undergrad Enrollment: 13,735
Acceptance Rate: 53%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1070-1260/19-25
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $24,841/$39,241
The University of North Florida provides students with an individualized experience. This includes research with faculty, community-based learning, and studying abroad, which UNF students do at twice the average rate. UNF is also a Division I athletic school, with 19 athletic teams. Students enjoy the location of UNF’s campus, situated directly between the Jacksonville beaches and downtown Jacksonville, with access to anything they could desire.
Learn more about the University of North Florida and what it takes to get accepted.
6. Louisiana Tech University
Location: Ruston, Louisiana
Undergrad Enrollment: 11,058
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1120-1300/21-27
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $25,995/$35,640
Louisiana Tech was founded as a rural industrial college in 1894 during the Second Industrial Revolution. The school has remained true to those roots over the years, emphasizing both technical skills and polytechnic approaches. Students at Louisiana Tech can participate in Greek life, Division I athletics, and numerous other clubs and activities. Louisiana Tech is different from many schools on this list as the school’s university calendar operates on the quarter system.
Learn more about Louisiana Tech and what it takes to get accepted.
7. Louisiana State University | LSU
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Undergrad Enrollment: 34,242
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1180-1320/24-30
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $27,876/$44,552
LSU is one of the large state schools on this list, which fosters a unique environment for students. The school is very invested in sports, school spirit, and traditions. That said, they call their students “champions on the field, and in every field,” and do not shy away when it comes to academics.
LSU emphasizes that students in all fields examine and attempt to find solutions for the world’s pressing issues. Some important benefits of attending a large state school, like LSU, include a large alumni base and access to state-of-the-art technology and resources.
Learn more about LSU and what it takes to get accepted.
8. SUNY Plattsburgh
Location: Plattsburgh, New York
Undergrad Enrollment: 3,825
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: N/A
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $27,176/$37,086
Situated on the shore of a lake in the Champlain Valley, students at SUNY Plattsburgh wake up every day satisfied with their university’s connection to nature. Additionally, they are amazed by the academic opportunities afforded to them. With more than 70 academic programs spanning the humanities, sciences, and education, opportunities are abundant. SUNY Plattsburgh even boasts some hard-to-find degrees like expeditionary studies and robotics.
Learn more about SUNY Plattsburgh and what it takes to get accepted.
9. SUNY Oneonta
Location: Oneonta, New York
Undergrad Enrollment: 4,681
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1100-1260/24-28
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $25,411/$28,361
SUNY Oneonta offers an intimate setting for learning, with small classes, opportunities for undergraduate research, and a low student-to-faculty ratio. As students enter their senior year, roughly 75% have been involved in at least two “high-impact learning experiences”—things like studying abroad, doing research, doing a service-learning project, or completing an internship. The school identifies “caring” as its longest-standing tradition—they emphasize philanthropy, inclusivity, service, and sustainability.
Learn more about SUNY Oneonta and what it takes to get accepted.
10. SUNY Geneseo
Location: Geneseo, New York
Undergrad Enrollment: 3,902
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1210-1340/26-31
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $25,669/$36,569
SUNY Geneseo is known as the prettiest SUNY campus, which is saying something, seeing that most SUNY campuses are considered outstandingly beautiful. The university is known for its exceptional professors, welcoming atmosphere, and successful alumni.
Additionally, it’s known for an abundance of study abroad programs, which makes it unsurprising that over 40% of students study abroad. Attending ice hockey games and watching the famously striking sunsets over the university are popular activities for students.
Learn more about SUNY Geneseo and what it takes to get accepted.
11. SUNY Purchase
Location: Purchase, New York
Undergrad Enrollment: 3,283
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1198-1363/27-30
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $31,018/$40,928
SUNY Purchase is one of the more unique schools on this list, due to its emphasis on the arts. They offer a rigorous liberal arts and sciences program, supplemented by world-class conservatory programs in the visual and performing arts. They are thought of as SUNY’s “dreamers, DIYers, and forward-thinkers.” A specific type of student enjoys a school like SUNY Purchase, but if you are an arts-oriented, open-minded, liberal thinker, it might be a great safety school for you.
Learn more about SUNY Purchase and what it takes to get accepted.
12. SUNY Brockport
Location: Brockport, New York
Undergrad Enrollment: 5,429
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1070-1230/18-26
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $23,291, 33,201
Students at SUNY Brockport enjoy a small college-town environment, with access to the city resources of Rochester, just 16 miles away. The school has outstanding programs for nursing, sports management, exercise science, and other sports-related majors. It also has 23 Division III athletic teams. Students at the school foster a small but supportive community, with strong well-being ratings.
Learn more about SUNY Brockport and what it takes to get accepted.
13. SUNY Oswego
Location: Oswego, New York
Undergrad Enrollment: 5,517
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: N/A
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $25,851/$36,101
Like the other SUNY schools, SUNY Oswego is known for its welcoming atmosphere and beautiful campus. That said, SUNY Oswego is specifically known for its loyal alumni base, which can be extremely valuable for students after graduation. Students at SUNY Oswego are expected to push the boundaries of traditional higher education.
Learn more about SUNY Oswego and what it takes to get accepted.
14. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
Location: La Crosse, Wisconsin
Undergrad Enrollment: 9,513
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1098-1315/22-27
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $18,541/$28,459
UWL is a public university in Wisconsin, known for unique programs like recreation management, therapeutic recreation, nuclear medicine technology, archaeology, and anthropology. It’s the only undergraduate archaeology/anthropology program in the Midwest and one of just a few nationally.
Greek life plays a very small role at UWL (under 1% of students). However, the school has a myriad of Division III sports teams and other recreational clubs that bring students together. Statistics show that students enjoy their time at UWL, with the school boasting an 87% retention rate and a 73% graduation rate, well above the national average.
Learn more about UWL and what it takes to get accepted.
15. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
Location: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Undergrad Enrollment: 8,765
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1130-1360/22-28
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $23,320/$32,929
The University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire is a mid-size institution. Popular majors include business, nursing, and marketing. The school offers a number of notable programs, including a prestigious University Honors Program that students are invited to join based on their application statistics. The school is also a part of the National Student Exchange (NSE)—a program that allows students to attend a semester or two at a different institution while paying UWEC tuition.
One fun part of the UWEC student experience is exposure to music. The Blugold Marching Band (BGB) is one of the largest marching bands in the country. Additionally, the school is home to one of the most well-regarded jazz bands in the country and an important historical collection of jazz music.
Learn more about UWEC and what it takes to get accepted.
16. University of Minnesota–Morris
Location: Morris, Minnesota
Undergrad Enrollment: 1,020
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: N/A
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $30,316/$33,650
The University of Minnesota–Morris is a student-centered university that emphasizes student access to professors, technology, and resources. The most popular major at the University of Minnesota–Morris is biology, and they advertise the fact that faculty, not TAs, teach all classes and labs. Students at the University of Minnesota–Morris describe themselves as quirky and dedicated. Students can participate in and attend games for Division III athletics.
Learn more about the University of Minnesota–Morris and what it takes to get accepted.
17. University of Minnesota Duluth | UMD
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Undergrad Enrollment: 7,336
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: N/A
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $30,080/$37,490
University of Minnesota Duluth offers the advantages of a small liberal arts school and the resources of a large research university. The school’s beautiful campus overlooks Lake Superior and provides unparalleled opportunities in nature. The school offers over 150 majors and minors, with 8 pre-professional programs, and many other internships, study abroad, and research opportunities available for students.
Learn more about the UMD and what it takes to get accepted.
18. Winona State University
Location: Winona, Minnesota
Undergrad Enrollment: 5,421
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1040-1260/19-25
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $20,146/$23,730
Winona State University is the first tax-supported school west of the Mississippi and the oldest Minnesota state school. Between the school’s two campuses in Winona and Rochester, students are offered over 200 academic programs. WSU has the best student success rate of Minnesota state schools, with over 96% of students receiving jobs in a field related to their degree after graduation.
The university’s Winona campus is situated along the beautiful banks of the Mississippi River, giving students easy access to rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, and all sorts of outdoor adventure.
Learn more about WSU and what it takes to get accepted.
19. Central Michigan University
Location: Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Undergrad Enrollment: 10,219
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 970-1200/21-27
Total Cost: $32,589
Central Michigan University is known for being one of the largest public institutions in Michigan. Students at CMU can earn Bachelor’s degrees in over 200 fields. Additionally, CMU boasts unique coursework that emphasizes a holistic approach to learning. This means that students blend disciplines, engage in experiential learning, and approach issues through unique lenses.
Unlike many schools on this list, CMU participates in Division I athletics, with 15 men’s and women’s teams in the Mid-American Conference. It’s also home to approximately 300 student organizations.
Learn more about CMU and what it takes to get accepted.
20. Bowling Green State University | BGSU
Location: Bowling Green, Ohio
Undergrad Enrollment: 14,783
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1000-1210/19-26
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $33,202/$41,192
Bowling Green State University structures education in a way that leads students to live meaningful and productive lives. BGSU is particularly focused on the idea of the greater good and community values—with that goal in mind, BGSU has many partnerships with other organizations dedicated to the greater good, such as The Center for Justice Research (in collaboration with the Ohio Attorney General), The Center for Advanced Manufacturing (in collaboration with other service-centered institutions), Cedar Fair Resort and Attraction Management program, and a public health partnership with the Wood County Health Department.
Students who value diversity, respect, understanding, and improvement will be drawn to BGSU’s mission.
Learn more about BGSU and what it takes to get accepted.
21. Brigham Young University | BYU
Location: Provo, Utah
Undergrad Enrollment: 32,952
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1290-1440/28-32
Total Cost: $23,552 for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; $30,440 for non-members
Brigham Young University is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you’re affiliated with the church, you’re charged less than a non-church member, similar to in-state vs. out-of-state costs.
Because of its religious affiliation, BYU’s stated goal is “to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life.” BYU boasts excellent language programs, offering courses in more than 60 different languages. A whopping 65% of students speak a second language—with over 120 languages spoken—at the school.
BYU has Division I athletic programs and a number of visual and performing arts opportunities for students.
Learn more about BYU and what it takes to get accepted.
22. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Location: Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
Undergrad Enrollment: 6,853
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1000-1190/18-26
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $22,754/$30,720
As its name suggests, Slippery Rock University is located in Slippery Rock, an artsy college town known for its street fairs, jazz ensembles, and public art. Academically, the university offers 150 undergraduate majors and minors, research opportunities, and service-learning programs. SRU is home to an Honors College for competitive students interested in a more interdisciplinary approach to learning.
Students at SRU can also participate in Division II sports—it has 17 teams—and a large Greek life population.
Learn more about the SRU and what it takes to get accepted.
23. UNC Charlotte
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Undergrad Enrollment: 24,868
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1150-1320/21-28
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $20,083/$33,517
UNC Charlotte is North Carolina’s premier urban research university. Its faculty is recognized for their impactful research, inspiring a student body that’s deeply engaged in innovation and committed to making a difference in the world. Students are drawn to UNC Charlotte due to its contemporary campus and the urban experience the quickly growing Charlotte area offers. Charlotte’s light rail provides students easy access to the city through the UNC Charlotte Main Station.
Learn more about UNC Charlotte and what it takes to get accepted.
24. UNC Wilmington
Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
Undergrad Enrollment: 15,254
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1230-1280/24-29
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $29,170/$47,646
UNC Wilmington is a great school that draws students in for several reasons. First of all, Wilmington is a great place to be. The weather is nice, and students have easy access to both the city and the beaches. The school also has a strong sports culture centered around the school’s Division I basketball team. Perhaps most importantly, students appreciate the size of UNCW, as it offers abundant opportunities and provides the chance to form tight-knit and meaningful communities.
Learn more about UNC Wilmington and what it takes to get accepted.
25. Western Carolina University
Location: Cullowhee, North Carolina
Undergrad Enrollment: 10,112
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1075-1260/19-25
Total Cost In-state/Out-of-state: $22,380/$26,380
Western Carolina University provides students with numerous adventurous opportunities. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, its students’ lives are filled with exploration, recreation, and experiential learning. The school offers several unique programs, including an Honors Program, cooperative education programs with other schools, and study abroad opportunities.
One interesting aspect of WCU is its “body farm,” which is a human decomposition center where students can learn about forensic anthropology and the process of human decomposition.
Learn more about WCU and what it takes to get accepted.
Do You Have a Balanced College List?
It’s important to include safety schools when creating your balanced college list. CollegeVine has made it easy to identify which schools fall into the “safety school” category for you with our free chancing engine.
This tool helps you estimate your chances of admission at over 1,600 colleges and offers tips to strengthen your application. Try entering the 25 schools listed above, along with any others you’re considering. This will help you refine your list and aim for a balanced mix—typically 2 to 3 safety schools, 4 to 5 target schools, and 2 to 3 reach schools.
The tool also allows you to search specifically for schools based on preferences like location, major, cost, and more.
