The Rise of Direct Admissions and What States Need to Consider

As the 2026 legislative session begins, policymakers may be considering a topic gaining traction across many states: direct admissions.

It’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about strategies in college access, promising a simpler, smoother path for students who might otherwise be overwhelmed by the traditional application maze.

But what exactly is direct admissions, and why are so many states paying attention?

What is Direct Admissions?

Direct admissions is a policy approach that aims to make the admissions process easier for students by proactively admitting high school seniors. Instead of navigating a long list of tasks: researching schools, filling out multiple applications, paying application fees, waiting for decisions, and then finally choosing a college, students receive an admission offer upfront and simply choose whether to accept it.

In 2015, Idaho created the first statewide direct admissions policy, and according to the National College Attainment Network, 15 states currently offer direct admissions programs, with five of those being adopted in 2024.

Outcomes of Direct Admissions

A recent study by Taylor Odle and Jennifer Delaney found that direct admissions increased the likelihood that students would indicate intent to enroll by 12%, particularly among racially minoritized groups, first-generation students, and students from low-income backgrounds.

However, it did not lead to an increase in enrollment.

This shows that while simplifying the application process and providing students with an early “yes” may encourage more students to consider higher education, there are additional barriers before students enroll in an institution.

Considerations for States

More states are launching or expanding direct admissions programs to boost declining application numbers, in-state student enrollment, and access to their institutions. Here are some key factors states will need to keep in mind as they design and develop these programs:

1. Data access and sharing. To determine which students meet institutional criteria, colleges need reliable access to high school data. Idaho’s pioneering program benefited from a centralized K–12 and higher education governance structure that made data sharing easier.
2. A central application system. Statewide direct admissions works best with a single, streamlined application platform. States without one may need to build a system, adapt an existing tool (such as a Promise program application), or partner with groups like the Common App.
3. Institutional buy-in. Most direct admissions efforts focus on broad-access public institutions. But even after a student is admitted to the institution, they may still need to take additional steps to enter their desired major. To truly simplify the process, institutions must be fully aligned with how direct admissions works.
4. Financial aid information integration. As stated previously, while direct admissions does increase intent to enroll, it does not necessarily increase enrollment. One reason for this is affordability. A study by Dynarski et. al. showed that providing grant aid information early in the application process increased applications and enrollment. Tennessee’s direct admissions pilot program is also testing this by providing some students with financial aid information in admissions letters.
5. Relationship building before the admissions letter arrives. Just as clear financial aid information can lower barriers to enrollment, familiarity with an institution can do the same. That’s why states should think about direct admissions as an extension of the relationships they already have with students. Dual enrollment, early college experiences, and statewide youth programs all create natural on-ramps to direct admissions. Maine offers a compelling example: high school seniors who participate in Maine 4-H programs receive direct admission to all seven of the state’s public universities.
6. Institutional enrollment management challenges. Direct admissions can create new uncertainties for institutions. Students may indicate interest in multiple colleges without real intent to attend, making it harder for institutions to forecast enrollment, adjust waitlists, and rely on historical application patterns. States should work with institutions on mitigating these challenges.

Next Steps

Direct admissions offers a promising path to reducing barriers and encouraging more students to see college as a viable next step. As states continue to explore or expand direct admissions programs, success will depend on thoughtful design, robust data infrastructure, and institutional collaboration. However, evidence suggests that simplifying admissions alone is not enough to move students from interest to enrollment. For direct admissions to translate into meaningful gains in postsecondary participation, states should intentionally embed it within a broader enrollment strategy that pairs early admission offers with clear financial aid information, coordinated student supports, and sustained engagement before and after the admissions letter arrives. Viewed this way, direct admissions is not a standalone solution, but rather a component of a broader strategy to support students’ enrollment in postsecondary education.

Photo by Allison Shelley/Complete College Photo Library.