Varun Srinivasan July 8, 2023 9 11th Grade,12th Grade,Applying to College,Grades and GPA

90 Colleges That Accept Low GPAs

What’s Covered:

• What Is a Low GPA?
• How Do Colleges Evaluate Your GPA?
• 90 Colleges That Accept Low GPAs
• Top 10 Schools That Accept Low GPAs
• How to Increase Your Admissions Chances if You Have a Low GPA

Your grade point average (GPA) is probably one of the biggest things on your mind during the college application process. Don’t worry, it’s a good thing to be thinking about—GPA is without question one of the most important factors in college applications. That said, the question of what a “good” or “bad” GPA is isn’t an easy question to answer. There are quite a few factors that go into calculating a GPA, as well as factors involved in how an admissions officer “reads” the GPA as a component of your entire application.

What Is a Low GPA?

The strength of your GPA is relative, as the average GPA of enrolled students can vary significantly by college. That said, in general, a GPA under 3.0 is considered low. In fact, according to a 2016 study by Inside Higher Ed, the average high school GPA is a 3.38 among SAT test takers.

It’s worth noting that if your GPA falls below this average, you still have opportunities for admission to various colleges. This is especially true if you have extenuating circumstances, like illness or tragedy, that resulted in a low GPA. However, some colleges will have hard GPA cutoffs that usually fall around 2.5 or 2.0.

Basically, a “good” GPA is relative to the colleges you’re aiming for. You can use a tool like CollegeVine’s free chancing engine to see how your GPA compares to students admitted to your dream schools. This tool also factors in your test scores, extracurricular activities, course rigor, and more, for a well-rounded perspective of your admissions chances.

How Do Colleges Evaluate Your GPA?

When colleges evaluate your GPA, they typically use your unweighted GPA to assess your grades, while your weighted GPA is used to understand your course rigor. Both types are important, but your unweighted GPA is often what is used to fulfill minimum GPA requirements.

A high GPA alone won’t secure your admission to a college. Many institutions use the Academic Index—a measure that combines your GPA and standardized test scores into a single numerical value—to establish academic benchmarks. Once you meet these benchmarks, your application is evaluated holistically. This means that the admissions committee will review all aspects of your application, not just your grades.

90 Colleges That Accept Low GPAs

The following table shows 90 schools whose student body has an average GPA that can be considered “low”, from 2.0-3.0. (remember that “low” is relative when it comes to GPA). 

You can use our free chancing engine to see how your profile stacks up to admitted students at these schools.

Keep in mind that many colleges do not report the average high school GPA of their enrolled students, so this list likely doesn’t include all colleges that are willing to accept students with lower GPAs. Again, you can consider using a tool like CollegeVine’s free chancing engine to discover schools that could be a good fit for you academically.

Top 10 Schools That Accept Low GPAs

1. William Paterson University of New Jersey

Location: Wayne, New Jersey

Acceptance Rate: 83%

Middle 50% ACT: 16-23

Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,200

William Paterson University maintains a strong focus on experiential learning and encourages students to participate in internships and cooperative education programs. These experiences foster practical learning, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and apply their classroom knowledge in real-world situations.

With a student body representing numerous countries—60% of students are students of color—and a commitment to creating an environment that embraces different perspectives and backgrounds, the University provides a culturally rich and vibrant campus experience.

2. Franklin Pierce University

Location: Rindge, New Hampshire

Acceptance Rate: 89%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: N/A

Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,200

Franklin Pierce University is a private institution with a rural setting. Since 1962, the University has been delivering education that seamlessly blends liberal arts with practical learning experiences. Committed to fostering critical thinking and intellectual curiosity, Franklin Pierce University provides students with numerous opportunities to test their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.

With a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, the University and its small classes facilitate personalized attention, ensuring an intimate and engaging learning environment that promotes collaboration and in-depth discussions. The close-knit community further adds to the school’s allure, as it creates a sense of camaraderie and belonging among students.

3. SUNY Buffalo

Location: Buffalo, New York

Acceptance Rate: 85%

Middle 50% SAT: 930-1160 SAT

Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,100

The State University of New York at Buffalo, colloquially known as SUNY Buffalo, is the largest institution within the State University of New York system. It stands as a public research university with an impressive amount of diversity and an undergraduate enrollment of over 6,000 students. The University offers hundreds of degree programs, emphasizing research and innovation.

From providing quality education to fostering research and innovation, SUNY Buffalo has established a global reputation. The University hosts a significant number of international students, showcasing a global perspective within its student body. It also regularly engages in international collaborations, broadening the horizons of its students and faculty alike.

4. Methodist College

Location: Peoria, Illinois

Acceptance Rate: 88%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 800-1160 SAT/16-22 ACT

Undergraduate Enrollment: 500

Methodist College is a private institution with a specialized focus on healthcare education. One of the distinct aspects of Methodist College is its clinical partnerships with healthcare providers in central Illinois, providing students with invaluable hands-on experience in their field of study.

Methodist College is also focused on hands-on training methods for students, allowing them to accumulate significant practical hours during their programs. Thanks to the aforementioned clinical partnerships, students are even able to complete a total of 1,000 clinical hours.

5. Alabama State University

Location: Montgomery, Alabama

Acceptance Rate: 98%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 840-1050 SAT/15 -20 ACT

Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,400

Alabama State University is a historically Black institution with popular areas of study that include business, health, education, and social sciences. Beyond academics, Alabama State University boasts a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, athletic events, and diverse cultural activities, providing students with a well-rounded college experience.

The University’s dedication to academic excellence and research is especially shown during an annual Research Week that showcases the scholarly work of students and faculty across various disciplines. This event highlights the University’s commitment to research and innovation, providing a platform for intellectual exchange and collaboration.

6. Norfolk State University

Location: Norfolk, Virginia

Acceptance Rate: 89%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 860-1080 SAT/15-20 ACT

Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,000

Norfolk State University is a historically Black university that offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs. For decades, Norfolk State has been providing quality education in fields like business, education, social work, and visual and performing arts. Known for its culturally diverse community, the University cultivates a supportive and inclusive environment. With its state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty, Norfolk State University enables students to engage in innovative research and experiential learning.

Furthermore, the University takes pride in its extensive network of alumni who have achieved significant milestones in their careers, reinforcing the University’s commitment to student success.

7. New England College

Location: Henniker, New Hampshire

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: Not Reported

Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,300

NEC emphasizes experiential learning beyond classrooms, giving students practical, hands-on perspectives. This approach includes internships, cooperative programs, service learning, and study abroad opportunities. Students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, developing problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork skills.

NEC offers diverse undergraduate majors and minors, from health science and business administration to creative writing and psychology. The college promotes academic flexibility, enabling students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. Small class sizes ensure individual attention and foster an intimate learning environment.

8. Virginia State University

Location: Petersburg, Virginia

Acceptance Rate: 96%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 830-1040 SAT/14-18 ACT

Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,800

Virginia State University is dedicated to addressing societal issues. Through its Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Research Station, the University conducts impactful research and shares practical findings with underrepresented communities.

Research is integral to the educational experience at Virginia State University. Virginia State University hosts an annual research symposium, providing a platform for students and faculty to showcase their scholarly work. This event attracts participants from various disciplines, promoting interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration. Students present their research through oral and poster presentations, highlighting the University’s commitment to fostering a vibrant research community.

9. Kentucky State University

Location: Frankfort, Kentucky

Acceptance Rate: 65%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 860-1050 SAT/15-19 ACT

Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,100

Kentucky State University, a historically Black public institution, has evolved into a comprehensive university. It enrolls a diverse student body and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Kentucky State University operates as a land-grant institution, which signifies its commitment to providing accessible education, conducting research, and offering extension services to benefit local communities. The University actively engages with agricultural and rural communities through programs like cooperative extension, providing practical knowledge and resources to address social, economic, and environmental issues.

10. National Louis University

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Acceptance Rate: 97%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: Not Reported

Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,600

National Louis University (NLU) is a private institution with a rich history dating back to 1886. Originally focused on training kindergarten teachers, NLU has evolved into a leading university known for its professional and career-oriented programs, particularly in education and business studies.

NLU’s business programs are designed to develop leaders for the modern business landscape. Whether pursuing a BBA or an MBA, students at NLU benefit from experienced faculty and engaging coursework that blends contemporary business theories and practices. The University’s emphasis on rigorous coursework, case study analyses, and collaborative projects ensures that graduates are well prepared to navigate the complexities of today’s business world.

How to Increase Your Admissions Chances if You Have a Low GPA

If you’re a junior or a senior, it’s worth noting that it will be much more difficult to increase your GPA—doing this is much easier when you have more time to implement healthier habits to improve your academic standing. For older students, here are some useful tips to help you increase your GPA or boost your overall academic success:

1. Apply to Branch Campuses

One approach is to apply to branch campuses of renowned in-state school systems. Branch campuses can offer the same high-quality education and resources as the main campus, but often have less competitive admissions standards. You can begin at a branch campus and then, if you wish, transfer to the main campus after a year or two. This strategy allows you to show your dedication and ability to succeed in a college setting, improving your chances of moving on to the main campus later.

2. Attend Community College

Starting your post-secondary education at a community college and then transferring to a four-year institution can be an excellent way to mitigate the effect of a low GPA. During your time at community college, you can focus on achieving high grades to create a stronger academic transcript. Not only can this display your capability to perform at a collegiate level, but it can also give you a chance to clarify your career interests and save money on tuition costs.

3. Perform Well on Standardized Tests

Performing well on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT can help balance out a lower GPA. Higher test scores can show that you have the academic capabilities necessary for college, even if your GPA doesn’t reflect that. A high score can significantly affect your Academic Index, a metric some colleges use to evaluate a student’s academic accomplishments.

4. Write Strong Essays

Crafting compelling essays can help offset a low GPA by providing a platform to showcase your unique perspective, experiences, and goals. Admissions officers appreciate applicants who can reflect deeply and articulate their thoughts clearly. A well-written essay can bring your application to life and can give colleges a good reason to accept you despite a low GPA.

5. Detail Extenuating Circumstances

If there were extenuating circumstances that contributed to your low GPA, such as personal or family issues, health problems, or a demanding work schedule, it’s important to communicate this to the colleges to which you’re applying. Most applications have a section where you can explain these situations. However, be sure to focus not just on the difficulties themselves, but also on how you responded to these challenges and what you learned from them.

For example, if you had to work a part-time job to support your family, which resulted in less time for studies, you could talk about how this experience has taught you about responsibility and time management. Or if you had a health problem that affected your grades, you could discuss your resilience and determination to continue your education despite these challenges.

No matter what your GPA is, a crucial decision within your control during the admissions process is the selection of the schools to which you apply. By targeting institutions where you meet or exceed the GPA requirements or other criteria, your application process can become significantly smoother.

One effective method to determine the schools at which your chances of admission are highest is by using CollegeVine’s free chancing engine. This powerful tool calculates your personalized probability of acceptance at your chosen schools based on a variety of factors, including GPA, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities. This engine can help you apply to schools with some knowledge of how you’d fare in their application process.