US Colleges That Accept Low GPAs + Ways to Improve Your Application

Key takeaways

Grade point average (GPA) is an important measurement when applying to bachelor's degree programs, graduate school, and even jobs.

• What counts as a low GPA varies by institution.

• Some colleges consider anything less than a 3.0 as being low, while others consider anything less than a 2.0 as being low.

• However, many colleges consider factors beyond GPA, including academic progress, coursework, and overall application materials.

Learn more about what colleges consider a low GPA and ways to strengthen your college application when your concerned about your GPA. Afterward, learn how to develop a plan to overcome any challenges in learning with the American Psychological Association's Student Success Specialization.

What do colleges consider a low GPA?

The meaning of "low GPA" varies by college. On a 4.0-grade scale, many college admissions guides often describe GPAs below 3.0 as being low. However, other institutions consider a low GPA to be a 2.0 or lower.

Whether you're interested in applying to college and want to verify your GPA, or you're are already attending one and have concerns about your academic standing, you can find information about GPA expectations on each college's website.

Why does GPA matter?

While you’re still in school, maintaining a strong GPA is important to ensure you continue to qualify for financial aid and any scholarships you may have earned. Additionally, some majors have GPA requirements, so if you fail to meet them, you could risk your status within your area of study.

When it comes time to pursue employment after graduating, displaying a high GPA on your resume may make you more attractive to employers, while a low GPA can do the opposite (and should typically be left off your application materials).

Additionally, if you decide you want to continue your education by earning a graduate degree, you will likely find that programs expect at least a 3.0 GPA, with more competitive schools requiring a 3.5 or higher.

What is the lowest GPA a college will accept?

The lowest GPA a college will accept varies by school, and some colleges do not have a minimum GPA requirement for admission. For example, Polk State College in Florida will allow you to enroll without a GPA, but you will need to keep a minimum 2.0 GPA on your college coursework [1].

6 colleges that accept a low GPA

The following colleges accept low GPAs from potential students in the US. These colleges offer an excellent starting point when considering your chances of acceptance with a lower GPA. 

1. Franklin Pierce University

Acceptance rate: 93 percent [2]

Franklin Pierce University has multiple locations, with its main campus in Rindge, New Hampshire. You also have the option of the following:

• Lebanon, NH

• Manchester, NH

• Round Rock, Texas

• Goodyear, Arizona

In addition to these in-person undergraduate experiences, Franklin Pierce offers a fully online option for students and graduate programs. Like many colleges, you can apply to Franklin Pierce through the Common App. You will also submit supporting documents like your recommendation letters, transcript, personal essay, and optional SAT or ACT scores.

The university has a rolling admissions policy, which allows you more flexibility in the application process. While the university accepts a below-average GPA, the admissions council still considers your grades and GPA to be an important factor in your application.

2. Methodist College

Acceptance rate: 33 percent [3]

Methodist College is a private four-year college specializing in public health and health care education. Located in Peoria, Illinois, Methodist College partners with Carle Health to provide students with academic programs and clinical and practicum experience. To apply, you will need to submit an application, transcripts, SAT or ACT test scores, and proof of high school graduation (or equivalent).

Additionally, Methodist College requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, although specific programs may require a higher GPA [4].

3. New England College

Acceptance rate: 92 percent [5]

Located in Henniker, New Hampshire, New England College offers another option if you are considering attending a private college. It accepts applications on a rolling basis, which provides additional flexibility. Additionally, the school doesn’t require test scores or an application fee. You can apply to New England College through an online application portal or the Common App.

4. Norfolk State University

Acceptance rate: 62 percent [6]

Located in Norfolk, Virginia, Norfolk State University requires a well-rounded application, which includes test scores (if you wish to qualify for scholarships), high school transcripts, an application fee, and additional materials if requested by the admissions council. You can apply to Norfolk State through their personal application portal or through the Common App. 

The minimum GPA needed for admission to Norfolk State is 2.3 (weighted) [7]. While Norfolk State does not have rolling admissions, it has a priority application deadline of May 31st for all undergraduate students. 

5. Virginia State University

Acceptance rate: 90 percent [8]

This HBCU (historically black colleges and universities) has a history dating back to 1882. Virginia State University, located near Petersburg, Virginia, offers its students various majors and opportunities. If you want to apply to Virginia State, you can apply through their online portal, where the admissions council will work to provide you with a decision as soon as possible. Along with a completed application, as a first-year learner, you will need to submit a high school or GED transcript and official test score reports, if requested.

The majority of students have a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99. 

6. William Paterson University of New Jersey

Acceptance rate: 90 percent [9]

This public university is located in Wayne, New Jersey, and offers wide-ranging undergraduate and graduate degree programs. William Paterson University considers first-year applications on a rolling basis, and admission to a majority of its programs is test-optional. You may choose to apply through the Common App. 

How to improve your college application with a low GPA

There are different ways to raise your GPA, including dropping extracurriculars to focus on schoolwork, speaking with your teachers or guidance counselor, and possibly hiring a tutor. Beyond raising your GPA, there are other ways to boost your college admissions chances. Consider following some of these tips.

1. Strengthen other areas of your application.

Make other areas of your application stand out to balance out your lower grades. By writing a strong personal essay, expanding your work or volunteer experience, and accumulating impressive details, you can strengthen your application. 

2. Boost your involvement within and outside of school.

To help make your application stand out with a lower GPA, look into joining more clubs and activities. Adding extracurriculars and finding new hobbies can show colleges that you are a dedicated and involved person.

3. Prepare for the SAT or ACT.

Another thing that can help offset your low GPA is a high standardized test score. If you are having trouble with course material, this option may prove a little difficult. However, if you prepare with practice tests and work with a tutor, you can work toward achieving a high test score, which can make you eligible for scholarships. 

4. Gather strong recommendations from your teachers.

If you can gather recommendations from teachers who can vouch for your excellence as a learner despite a low GPA, you can demonstrate to schools why you are a strong applicant. Consider talking to teachers you are close with or who have given you higher grades. You want recommendations written by those who are proud of you and understand any challenges you have faced.

5. Explain your low GPA.

Consider including an explanation of why you have a low GPA in your personal statement or in the additional information field available on the Common App. A number of reasons can explain a drop in grades, such as family struggles or illness. Explaining your low GPA to colleges and being transparent can help schools understand you more as a person. 

Build learning confidence with free resources

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• Watch on YouTube: What Do Colleges Look For? Inside Admissions

• Explore education options: What should you earn: A certificate or a degree?

• Read this article: How to Be Successful in College: 9 Tips

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