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10 Universities with No SAT Requirement & Full Funding for International Students (Part 4)

Test-optional U.S. colleges with full scholarships — Connecticut College, Reed, Whitman, Colorado College, Case Western, University of Richmond, and more.

William Kaseu
William Kaseu
March 27, 20265 min read
10 Universities with No SAT Requirement & Full Funding for International Students (Part 4)

More test-optional schools with full financial aid for international students. This batch includes some of the highest acceptance rates in the series — strong options if you want realistic chances at full funding.

Pro Tip

This is Part 4 of 5. See also: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 5


1. Connecticut College#

DetailInfo
LocationNew London, Connecticut
TypePrivate liberal arts college
Students~1,800
RankingTop 50 Liberal Arts
Acceptance Rate~38%
Financial Aid100% of demonstrated need

Connecticut College (Conn) sits on a hilltop overlooking Long Island Sound on the Connecticut coast. Their Connections program links every student's academics with internships, study abroad, and community learning into a coherent four-year plan. The ~38% acceptance rate makes this one of the most accessible fully-funded options.


2. Union College#

DetailInfo
LocationSchenectady, New York
TypePrivate liberal arts college
Students~2,100
RankingTop 40 Liberal Arts
Acceptance Rate~38%
Financial Aid100% of demonstrated need

Union was the first college in America to offer engineering alongside liberal arts (since 1845). Their interdisciplinary approach lets you combine engineering with humanities, social sciences, or any other field. Located in upstate New York, about 3 hours from NYC.


3. Mount Holyoke College#

DetailInfo
LocationSouth Hadley, Massachusetts
TypePrivate women's liberal arts college
Students~2,200
RankingTop 35 Liberal Arts
Acceptance Rate~40%
Financial Aid100% of demonstrated need

Mount Holyoke is the oldest women's college in America (founded 1837) and part of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire, Smith, and UMass Amherst. About 25% of students are international — one of the highest percentages of any U.S. college. The ~40% acceptance rate and strong international community make this an excellent option for women.


4. Bryn Mawr College#

DetailInfo
LocationBryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
TypePrivate women's liberal arts college
Students~1,400
RankingTop 35 Liberal Arts
Acceptance Rate~32%
Financial Aid100% of demonstrated need (COF Required)

Bryn Mawr is a women's college in the tri-college consortium with Swarthmore and Haverford. The first U.S. institution to offer graduate degrees to women, Bryn Mawr has a long history of empowering women from around the world. Their international student community dates back to 1885.


5. Denison University#

DetailInfo
LocationGranville, Ohio
TypePrivate liberal arts college
Students~2,300
RankingTop 40 Liberal Arts
Acceptance Rate~25%
Financial Aid100% of demonstrated need (COF Required)

Denison has invested heavily in career preparation. Their Knowlton Center connects students with internships, mentors, and job opportunities starting from freshman year. Located on a hilltop about 30 minutes from Columbus, Ohio's capital.


6. Reed College#

DetailInfo
LocationPortland, Oregon
TypePrivate liberal arts college
Students~1,500
RankingTop 50 Liberal Arts
Acceptance Rate~41%
Financial Aid100% of demonstrated need

Reed doesn't give traditional grades — professors provide detailed written evaluations instead. Every senior completes a year-long thesis. Reed doesn't participate in college rankings by choice. Steve Jobs famously audited courses here. The ~41% acceptance rate makes Reed highly accessible for a fully-funded school.


7. Whitman College#

DetailInfo
LocationWalla Walla, Washington
TypePrivate liberal arts college
Students~1,500
RankingTop 50 Liberal Arts
Acceptance Rate~50%
Financial Aid100% of demonstrated need

Whitman has the highest acceptance rate on this entire list at ~50%. Located in wine country in eastern Washington, Whitman is known for outdoor culture, strong sciences, and a close-knit community. If you have decent grades and a compelling application, Whitman gives you a very realistic shot at a fully funded education.


8. Colorado College#

DetailInfo
LocationColorado Springs, Colorado
TypePrivate liberal arts college
Students~2,200
RankingTop 30 Liberal Arts
Acceptance Rate~13%
Financial Aid100% of demonstrated need

Colorado College uses the Block Plan — instead of taking 4–5 courses simultaneously, you study one subject at a time for 3.5 weeks before moving to the next. This immersive approach means field trips, deep focus, and no juggling multiple subjects. Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, the outdoor opportunities are unmatched.


9. Case Western Reserve University#

DetailInfo
LocationCleveland, Ohio
TypePrivate research university
Students~5,800
RankingTop 50 National
Acceptance Rate~28%
Financial Aid100% of demonstrated need

Case Western is a research university particularly strong in engineering, pre-med, and the sciences. Located in University Circle — Cleveland's cultural hub with world-class museums, hospitals, and research institutions right next door. The ~28% acceptance rate makes it a solid option among research universities.


10. University of Richmond#

DetailInfo
LocationRichmond, Virginia
TypePrivate liberal arts university
Students~3,200
RankingTop 25 Liberal Arts
Acceptance Rate~26%
Financial Aid100% of demonstrated need

Richmond is a liberal arts university that combines the small classes and personal attention of a liberal arts college with the resources of a larger institution — including a business school and a law school. The campus is stunning (350 acres around a lake), and Richmond, Virginia is an affordable and growing city.


What's Next?#

  • Part 5 — The final four: WashU, Vanderbilt, Wesleyan, Rochester

Ready to apply? Read the full guide: How to Get a Full Scholarship for Your Bachelor's Degree in the USA.

William Kaseu

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