US Colleges That Accept Low GPA from Potential Students

Approximately three-quarters of learners who apply to college view it as a “decisive moment,” according to the 2023 College Admission Process Survey conducted by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) [1]. Applying to college can be a stressful experience for all students, but it can be particularly challenging if you have a low GPA. 

However, your GPA is only a small portion of your application, and your personal essay, recommendations, and experiences are sometimes even more important to show who you are as a learner. Read on to learn more about easy colleges to get into and those with low GPA requirements, as well as some tips on how to apply. 

Read more: How to Improve a Low GPA: Strategies and Study Habits

What do colleges consider a low GPA?

Colleges typically consider a low GPA to be below 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. According to the US Department of Education, the national average high school student’s GPA is 3.11, according to the most recent data available[2]. Therefore, any GPA less than 3.0 is below average. Some high schools calculate weighted GPAs, in which the difficulty of your classes factors into your GPA, rather than each class counting equally. In this case, some colleges may also consider what kinds of classes you were taking instead of looking at your grades in a vacuum.

6 top colleges that accept a low GPA

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

1. Franklin Pierce University

Acceptance rate: 89 percent [3]

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 typically 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: 88 percent [5]

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: 96 percent [6]

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: 89 percent [7]

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) [8].  While Norfolk State does not have rolling admissions, they have a deadline of May 31st for all undergraduate students. 

5. Virginia State University

Acceptance rate: 96 percent [9]

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 test scores, which can help your chances of earning a scholarship.

The majority of students have a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 [9]. 

6. William Paterson University of New Jersey

Acceptance rate: 92 percent [10]

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 their programs is test-optional. You may choose to apply through the Common App or William Paterson’s application portal. 

Tips for raising your GPA

If you want to consider raising your GPA to expand your chances of getting into more universities, here are some tips that may help.

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1. Refocus your attention on schoolwork.

If you are having trouble keeping your GPA up, you may want to consider setting aside any extracurriculars to refocus your attention on your academics. While this may not instantly raise your GPA, spending more time on your studies can certainly help you improve your grades and, with time, your GPA.

Read more: 11 Good Study Habits to Develop

2. Drop advanced placement (AP) or honors courses.

Another way to raise your GPA is to drop higher-level courses if you’re struggling. The more challenging a course is, the more help and support you may need to maintain high grades. If you take lower-level courses and drop the AP or honors courses, you may have an easier time earning A’s and B’s, which will reflect better in your overall GPA

3. Start meeting with a tutor.

If you are unable to keep your grades up, you may benefit from tutoring. Meeting with a tutor a few times a week can help you go over material to work on and discover ways to improve in class. 

4. Complete assignments on time.

Late or missed work can lower your grades, even if you understand the material. Start writing assignments down in a planner and make a concentrated effort to turn in your work on time to avoid losing points.

Read more: What Is Time Management? 6 Strategies to Better Manage Your Time

5. Speak with a teacher or guidance counselor.

Consider attending office hours with your teacher or talking with your guidance counselor about your grades and the best way to improve. Your teachers and counselors want you to succeed and will suggest opportunities to help.

How to boost your acceptance chances with a low GPA

If you want to go in a different direction and focus on boosting your chances of acceptance with the GPA you already have, consider following some of these tips.

Read more: How to Improve Your GPA after Graduation

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. 

Read more: SAT vs. ACT: Which Entrance Exam Is Better for You?

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. 

Getting started with Coursera

On Coursera, you can explore courses to help with the college admissions process. For example, Applying to College 101, offered through the University of Pennsylvania, will help you learn how to budget for school, research different options, and prepare your application materials. With Ivy League expert advice, you can better prepare for applying to college and emerge a more empowered and competitive applicant.