Are there colleges that accept 2.0 GPA? If your high school grades don’t put you at the top of your class, this might be a question that’s heavy on your mind.
While a GPA score of 2.0 may not qualify you for top-tier universities, it doesn’t have to count you out of college altogether.
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There are schools that accept 2.0 GPA, and by attending them, you can learn new things, develop better study habits, and prepare for a satisfying career.
Colleges That Accept 2.0 GPA
College studies can help you reach your professional goals. but first, you have to get into school.
If you have a grade point average (GPA) around 2.0, that may seem easier said than done. Fortunately, 2.0 GPA colleges do exist. If you know where to look and how to present yourself, you may have a good chance of getting into school and preparing for the future.
First of all, your high school GPA is only one factor that colleges consider when admitting students. In addition, admissions committees may assess:
- Class rank
- An essay or interview in which you explain your academic performance
- The overall difficulty of high school courses taken
- Professional experience and personal achievements
- Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
If you started high school on the wrong foot but turned things around by the end, some colleges may be willing to take a chance on you. The same goes for a GPA that was affected by a challenging season of life. Promising test scores can also help support your cause.
Even if you don’t fall into one of those categories, you can still pursue higher education.
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You could consider enrolling at a community college that takes all high school graduates. That can be a strategic place to start fresh and build a stronger GPA. A strong showing in community college might help you transfer to a 4 year school down the road.
There are many 4 year colleges with flexible admissions policies. Some specifically list 2.0 as the minimum GPA that they’ll accept.
You might be competing with higher-scoring students, but you’ll still have a chance of getting in! If admitted, it might be on a conditional basis. This means the school will keep a close eye on you during the first few semesters. If you can demonstrate that you’re able to succeed in a college setting, you’ll be allowed to stay.
Even better, just like many community colleges, some 4 year colleges offer open admissions. These types of schools take all applicants, regardless of GPA, as long as they’ve passed basic high school courses and earned a diploma.
What Is a 2.0 GPA?
Your grade point average is a measure that indicates what kind of grades you earned in high school. Having a 2.0 GPA means that you had a C average for your high school courses. You may have gotten higher grades in some classes and lower in others, but it all averaged out to about a C.
A 4.0 GPA is equivalent to an A average, and a 3.0 GPA means being a B student. There are a number of universities that accept 3.0 GPA scores from applicants. Across the country, the average high school GPA is 3.0. Having a 2.0, then, puts you below the national average.
These are based on an unweighted GPA scale, but some high schools use weighted GPAs. They may factor plus or minus grades into their calculations, or they may give extra value to challenging AP courses. The grading scale for weighted GPAs usually goes up to 5.0.
If your high school uses a weighted method, your 2.0 may hold a slightly different value.
Is a 2.0 GPA Good in College?
If you have a 2.0 GPA, then your high school scores are below the national average of a 3.0 GPA. While that could make it challenging to get into many colleges, it’s not impossible.
There are universities that accept 2.0 GPA, including community colleges and some 4 year schools. High SAT scores or impressive references may boost your chances of getting in.
One thing to consider is whether you’re ready for college. If high school academics were a struggle for you, you might find college challenging too. Schools with tutoring or remedial classes could help you find success.
On the other hand, your GPA may be low because you started high school on the wrong foot or went through a personal struggle one year. In those situations, you might be more ready for college. If you can explain your circumstances to the admissions committee, it might help you get into school.
Can You Raise Your GPA?
While there are colleges for C students, raising your grades could improve your chances of getting into a good school. To boost your GPA, it’s necessary to commit to putting in the work. It’s a process of slowly bringing up your score one grade at a time.
If you start the process early in high school, you will likely find it easier. As you approach graduation, bringing up your GPA becomes progressively more challenging.
- Freshman. Early on, you still have a lot of time to bring up your scores. If you buckle down for the next few years, you may be able to increase your GPA significantly. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you could use tutoring or other support.
- Sophomore. At this point, you’re not quite halfway through your high school career, so you still have time to make a change, such as bringing your GPA up by a few decimal points.
- Junior. Your GPA isn’t going to change much before you start sending in college applications. You can keep working on your grades, but it can also help to start buckling down on ACT or SAT prep.
- Senior. Students usually start sending in college applications before they get their senior-year report cards, so admissions committees won’t always see the work you put in this year. It’s important to not slack off, but you can also channel your efforts into achieving a high standardized test score.
Even if you don’t manage to raise your GPA by much, there are colleges with 2.0 GPA requirements.
Other College Admissions Considerations
Applying to some colleges requires sending in a whole slew of materials. Admissions requirements can vary, but schools often require:
- High school transcript. Your high school transcript lists your GPA, but it also shows what specific classes you took. If the admissions committee sees that you took a slate of hard classes, that may work in your favor.
- Letters of reference. You may want to choose people who can highlight your non-academic strengths. Perhaps they can share with the admissions committee that you’re an overcomer, a creative thinker, or a caring community member.
- Resume with work, volunteer, or extracurricular experience. Just as your references may present you as a well-rounded individual who could contribute a lot to a college campus, your resume could work in a similar fashion. It has the potential to show a selection committee that you’re more than just your grades.
- Personal statement or essay. Writing an essay may give you the opportunity to address your GPA shortcomings. You may be able to explain your low grades and how you plan to improve in the future.
- SAT or ACT scores. Your standardized test scores present a different look at your academic abilities. An above-average showing on the ACT or SAT may balance out a low GPA.
It can be helpful to remember that colleges for 2.0 GPA don’t always consider all of these criteria. Each sets its own admissions policies. At schools with open admissions, becoming a student may simply involve filling out a form, paying an application fee, and turning in proof of your high school or GED completion.
At open admissions schools, you may need to take placement tests, but the results won’t necessarily keep you from being admitted. They’ll likely just be used to determine where you should start in your course progression.
Can You Get Into College with a 2.0 GPA?
Having a 2.0 GPA score shouldn’t keep you out of college. Sure, the most selective schools won’t take students whose GPAs veer far from a 4.0. Fortunately, there are many other colleges and universities, and some of them welcome applicants with lower grades.
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For the best chances of admission, you’ll need to work hard to convince selection committees that you have a lot to offer. You can include a persuasive essay that explains your low grades and how you plan to do things differently in college.
You can also try to submit noteworthy ACT or SAT scores and recruit references who will speak highly of you.
What Colleges Accept a 2.0 GPA?
Various 2 year and 4 year schools offer college opportunities to students with low GPAs. You may be admitted to a program with conditional acceptance. This offers you the chance to earn passing grades for a few semesters and prove that the school made the right choice by letting you in.
If you’re serious about staying in school, you might want to take advantage of tutoring or other academic services during that time.
Community colleges usually have open admissions, as do some other schools. Your GPA won’t factor into whether you can take classes there. After establishing yourself as a competent college student, you can choose to transfer elsewhere.
Are There Colleges with No GPA Requirements?
If you have a 2.0 GPA, it’s strategic to look for schools with open admissions policies since they don’t have GPA requirements. Rather, those institutions typically admit all applicants who have finished high school and passed core courses.
Community colleges often fall into that category. Going to community college can be a beneficial way to gain experience, start fresh with a new GPA, and decide whether a 4 year degree program is the right path for you. Community college isn’t your only option, though. There are also some 4 year schools with open admissions.
How Much Does GPA Matter for College?
When you apply to most colleges, the admissions committee will take a look at your GPA. The average high schooler graduates with a 3.0 GPA, and many college applicants have even higher scores. If yours is lower than 3.0, you may have a harder time getting into some schools.
Even still, GPA isn’t the only factor that most colleges consider. In some cases, high SAT or ACT scores can boost your chances of admission.
Colleges also want well-rounded students, so an application that lists volunteer experience, community involvement, professional achievements, or a unique background may help you stand out.
Can You Get a Scholarship with a 2.0 GPA?
Most academic scholarships go to students with high grades, but some scholarship programs are designed specifically for students who graduated lower in their classes. As a student with a GPA between 1.0 and 3.0, you may qualify for one of those awards.
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The tuition help could offer you a second chance to earn an education and graduate with a higher GPA.
There are also nonacademic scholarships that don’t take GPA into account. For instance, some awards are based on family background or demographic characteristics. Athletic abilities, community service, and personal accomplishments could also lead to scholarships.
Best Colleges That Accept a 2.0 GPA for Admission
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format. In addition, the universities accept 2.0 GPA as part of their admissions requirements.
Acceptance to Alabama A&M University is contingent upon students meeting a minimum Composite Predictive Index (CPI) of 18. The CPI is determined by high school GPA and ACT and SAT scores. To meet the minimum CPI score, students must have at least a 2.0 GPA.
Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
To qualify for admission to Albany State University, students must have a 2.0 GPA and SAT scores of 480 in Writing and 440 in Math or ACT of scores 17 in both English and Math.
Albany State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Ideal applicants for Arkansas Tech University will have a minimum ACT score of 19 or SAT score of 1010, as well as a minimum 2.0 cumulative high school GPA or GED score of 580. Students without the minimum ACT or SAT scores may be conditionally admitted if they meet the GPA requirement.
Arkansas Tech University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
To qualify for admission to California State University, California residents must have a 2.5 GPA in their core college preparation courses. California residents with at least a 2.0 GPA may be given conditional consideration. Nonresidents qualify with a 3.0 GPA, and consideration is given to those with at least a 2.47 GPA.
California State University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
As an open enrollment private university, Colorado Technical University has a streamlined admissions process. There is no minimum requirement for standardized test scores or high school GPA. Instead, incoming students need to provide proof of high school graduation or the GED equivalent along with their online application.
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
For incoming freshman under 21 years of age, Fort Hays State University recently changed the minimum GPA requirement to 2.25. They must have a composite ACT score of 21 or a composite SAT score of 1080 as well. Applicants must also have a minimum 2.0 GPA for any previously completed college courses.
Fort Hays State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
To qualify for admission, applicants must complete the minimum preparatory coursework requirements listed on Fresno State University’s website. California residents must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, whereas nonresidents must have a GPA of at least 3.0.
If space allows, the university will consider residents with at least a 2.0 GPA and nonresidents with at least a 2.47 GPA.
Fresno State University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Applicants with fewer than 14 completed college credits may qualify for admission to Lewis-Clark State College if they graduated high school with at least a 2.0 GPA. They must have successfully completed the Admissions Standards Core Courses as required by the Idaho State Board of Education as well.
Students with less than a 2.0 GPA may be considered under certain circumstances.
Lewis-Clark State College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
To qualify for admission into Louisiana State University—Alexandria, students must have a minimum high school GPA of 2.0. They must have completed a TOPS University Diploma or equivalent college preparatory curriculum and required development courses, though one may be completed during their freshmen year.
A minimum 2.0 GPA in core courses or an ACT score of 20 is also required.
Louisiana State University at Alexandria is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
A minimum 2.0 GPA is the standard requirement for admission to National University. Students with a GPA lower than 2.0 are permitted to petition the admissions committee for consideration and may be offered probationary admission.
Students without previous college coursework are required to take the ACCUPLACER to determine their English and Mathematics levels.
National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Applicants for Pacific Oaks College are expected to have a cumulative GPA above 2.0, as well as a minimum 2.0 GPA for any previously completed college coursework.
Students with a GPA that falls below the minimum may be considered if they have completed at least 24 college credits or if they submit the requested supplemental application materials.
Pacific Oaks College is accredited by the WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission.
California residents applying to San Francisco State University are expected to have a high school GPA of 2.5 or higher. Nonresidents must have at least a 3.0 GPA. Students who do not meet the GPA requirements may still be considered depending on various mitigating factors, including space availability in the incoming class.
San Francisco State University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
Students must meet the following qualifications for admission to Santa Ana College: 18 years of age or older, a high school diploma or GED certificate, and a minimum 2.0 GPA. International students also need to demonstrate English proficiency through the TOEFL exam.
Santa Ana College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Southern New Hampshire University has no stated GPA requirement, but students must provide official high school transcripts or GED and a letter of recommendation when applying. Individual programs may have higher GPA requirements or require additional admissions materials.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
A high school diploma or GED is required for admission to Texas A&M International University, though the school places more emphasis on test scores than high school GPA. No minimum GPA is stated for high school coursework, but students must have a 2.0 GPA for any college-level credits they may have.
Texas A&M International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Troy University offers unconditional admission for incoming freshmen who have a high school GPA above 2.0 and minimum ACT scores of 19 or SAT scores of 1030. ACT and SAT scores are not required for adult status students as long as their transcripts reflect a 2.0 GPA.
Troy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Students with at least a 2.0 high school GPA or who possess a GED certificate may qualify for admission to Voorhees College. Applicants must submit their transcripts, including notice of class rank, or GED certificate along with their application and a recommendation from a school counselor.
Voorhees College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Maine encourages all students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to apply. In addition to the application and a personal essay, students need to provide proof of GPA and completed prerequisite courses via their official high school transcripts.
Some degree programs have more rigorous GPA and prerequisite requirements.
The University of Maine is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of North Georgia requires a minimum 2.4 GPA for bachelor’s degree applicants and a minimum 2.0 GPA for associate degree applicants. SAT and ACT requirements also vary depending on degree level. It is important to note that not all students who meet the minimum requirements may be offered admission.
The University of North Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
West Texas A&M University asks applicants to meet the following requirements: graduated from high school in the top 30%, 3.0 cumulative GPA, and ACT score of 21 or SAT score of 1060. Students who fail to meet one or more of the parameters may still be considered.
West Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your College Degree Online
When you’re looking for an accredited school to attend with a 2.0 GPA, you can also look at online program options.
Designed to make higher education accessible, online programs typically cater to people with busy schedules or challenging circumstances. That approach to education often makes them ideal for students with low GPAs.
Online colleges that accept low GPA scores may be flexible, but they still offer quality programs. When you choose an accredited university, you can count on learning new things and honing your skills. You can be proud of the degree that you can earn from an accredited school.
Your degree may be a stepping stone to a successful future. Why not start exploring accredited schools today?
