The best colleges that accept 1.0 GPA give students equal access to a level of education as their peers with higher scores.
A grade point average is often considered one of the most significant factors when students apply to post-secondary institutions.
The lower the GPA, the harder it will be to get admitted, especially if you are applying to a competitive program in your desired area of study.
Fortunately, several schools guarantee that students with lower GPAs are still able to apply with ease.
This guide will review 10 top-ranked colleges perfect for students with 1.0 GPAs. Each of these schools meets the following criteria:
- An average annual cost of no more than $38,000
- A median starting salary no lower than $40,000
- Accredited programs by recognized bodies
10 Best Colleges That Accept 1.0 GPA
1. Sacramento City College
2 Year; Sacramento, CA
Average Annual Cost: $5,785
Even with a lower GPA, Sacramento City College is an excellent option for high school graduates looking for good-quality programs.
This school does not have a minimum GPA requirement that students must maintain before applying, making it the perfect solution for all students.
It is one of the many in the state that offers professional certificates and degrees for you to explore.
Sacramento City College is the perfect college to start at when you are looking to earn a two-year degree and then transfer to a four-year program.
Many transfer students move on to California State University, the University of California, and other California-based colleges.
The campus is home to 18,829 students across numerous genders, ethnicities, and ages.
As mentioned, there is an assortment of education and training opportunities for students to sign up for at Sacramento City College.
You can opt to work towards an associate’s degree or earn a certificate in several different specialties.
Students can also take general education, basic skills education, and continuing education courses to help with their employability.
One of the best things you are bound to find most useful when you study at Sacramento City College is its degree planner.
Using this tool, you can map out the next two to four years of your life, deciding which avenues of study you want to journey down.
The tool then helps you pick the most efficient learning pathway to get your degree and enter your dream career in considerably less time.
Another unique aspect of Sacramento City College’s programs is that they have “Meta Majors.”
These are for students who need more time to pick a specific major. They allow you to explore different certificates and degrees in several fields.
You will be able to explore different fundamentals in arts and communication, people and society, business and industry, science, math, engineering, and health professions.
2. Louisiana Delta Community College
2 Year; Monroe, LA
Average Annual Cost: $9,739
Louisiana Delta Community College is another brilliant choice for students with a 1.0 GPA because it has an open-admission process.
As such, students will not be required to submit their GPA or any standardized test scores upon application, although it can help with your acceptance.
Fortunately, Louisiana Delta Community College tends to accept most applicants because it is a career-focused school for work-ready students.
Students will find numerous pathways, including working towards an associate’s degree or getting a technical certification in their desired career.
You can even complete high school equivalency testing, helping you get all the requirements to be trained and certified in your industry.
Fortunately, there are eight different campuses students can attend and even more online programs to explore.
One of the most significant benefits of studying at Louisiana Delta Community College is that its programs help students diversify their skills for the workforce.
You will get in-class and hands-on instructions to give you real-world experience in the industry of your choosing.
Also, the school’s curriculum is highly adaptable and refined to meet the needs of all types of learners.
A dozen degree programs are available for you to explore, from registered nursing to computer science.
Each specialty falls within a specific school of learning, which includes:
- School of Liberal Arts
- School of Nursing and Allied Health
- School of Natural Sciences and Math
- School of Industrial Technology
- School of Business and Technology
Several examples of the online degree programs you will find at Louisiana Delta Community College are:
- Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
- Mortgage Documents Specialist
- Bank Teller
- Social Science
- Applied Sciences
- Teaching, Grades 1-5
3. Angelo State University
4 Year; San Angelo, TX
Average Annual Cost: $13,184
At Angelo State University, test scores are optional when submitting your application.
It is also important to note that the school isn’t likely to consider your GPA, as it looks at your high school transcripts as a whole.
Hence, you must ensure your class rank and diploma type are included in your transcript.
At Angelo State University, students will become a part of a vibrant learning community among peers and faculty members.
There are six schools that students can find unique specialties within, which include:
- Norris-Vincent College of Business
- College of Science and Engineering
- College of Graduate Studies and Research
- College of Education
- College of Arts and Humanities
- Archer College of Health and Human Services
Angelo State University is home to nearly 50 undergraduate and 28 graduate degrees, opening the door to numerous learning opportunities for students.
It is also a relatively small school, featuring an average classroom size of 19:1 students-to-faculty-member ratio.
Although it is not as small as a private campus, students will still have a more personal learning experience to help them develop their skills.
Outside the classroom, there are even more activities that students can participate in to make new friends.
Angelo State University is home to over 100 student organizations and 29 clubs, sports teams, and intramural teams.
For the more talented athletes, the school is home to 15 NCAA Division II athletic teams, and they are Lone Star Conference members.
4. Purdue University
4 Year; West Lafayette, IN
Average Annual Cost: $13,377
Purdue University is one of the many schools you would assume would put GPA scores above all else.
However, there isn’t a single specific factor that decides whether students are accepted into Purdue University’s programs.
In fact, during the admissions process, the school considers many factors to ensure it accepts only the best students.
Of course, grades are an essential thing to consider, but it is primarily your overall coursework related to your specific major.
For example, if you are applying for engineering, the school will care more about your science and math grades than your history and English grades.
This approach helps guarantee every student is considered equally, as is their personal experience and background.
Certainly, there isn’t a shortage of learning opportunities at Purdue University.
Its programs are some of the best in the nation, preparing students to enter a highly competitive job market.
As with most universities, this school has an assortment of schools of thought, each containing dozens of fantastic majors and minors.
A few examples of the colleges and schools at Purdue University are:
- College of Education
- Exploratory Studies
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- Krannert School of Management
- College of Engineering
- College of Science
- Purdue Polytechnic Institute
Purdue University is ranked as the eighth-best public university in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, 2020.
It also has over 200 undergraduate majors, making one of the nation’s most comprehensive lists of course options.
Along with in-person studies on-campus, students can also enroll in a number of online programs and hybrid degree options, combining distance and on-campus learning.
Student life is another notable factor to consider when applying to Purdue University.
It is known to have several fantastic student organizations and activities, helping you make new friends with similar interests.
You might also enjoy the school’s thriving Greek life if you have always been interested in joining a fraternity or a sorority.
5. Colorado Technical University
4 Year; Colorado Springs, CO
Average Annual Cost: $17,203
Colorado Technical University is another post-secondary school that features open enrollment for students with lower-than-expected GPAs.
You won’t have to submit your test scores upon application, nor do you have to disclose your GPA requirements.
Instead, you will only have to provide proof of high school graduation or equivalency.
One of the most considerable benefits of applying to Colorado Technical University is that its application process is straightforward.
Not only that, but students also often hear back from the school within 24 hours of applying.
The programs are some of the best in the state if you are looking for a school designed to help you become career-ready before you know it.
It is important to note that many accolades have been attributed to this school and its programs.
For example, U.S. News ranked it as the best online bachelor’s program for military and non-military students in 2022.
That said, you are guaranteed to find a competitive list of programs you can enroll in.
Colorado Technical University offers many degree options, including undergraduate, associate, bachelor’s, graduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Students can start their studies and finish their graduate specialties and research within the same facility.
There is also an extensive number of areas of study for students to explore, including:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Healthcare
- Nursing
- Project Management
- Security Studies
- Information Technology
Since Colorado Technical University is an online university, there is nothing to say about campus life.
Rather, you will be able to earn your degree on your own time at your own pace, which is one of the most significant benefits of online learning.
There is also the option to earn your online degree considerably faster by participating in CTU Fast Track.
Taking this route can help you save up to 30 percent on tuition and time costs.
6. Claremont McKenna College
4 Year; Claremont, CA
Average Annual Cost: $21,993
Claremont McKenna College has a unique review process for selecting students to become a part of its student body.
Instead of a traditional acceptance process, it takes a more holistic view that looks at a student as a whole person rather than just transcripts.
It will take your personal and educational experience, as well as your background, into consideration.
When you apply at Claremont McKenna College, you will be required to submit a basic application and a recommendation from a teacher and a counselor.
The school will also ask you to send in your high school transcripts, although SAT and ACT scores are not required.
It is possible to schedule virtual interviews with the admissions staff rather than having to visit in person.
Claremont McKenna College is home to one of the most competitive liberal arts programs in the United States.
It has been offering college-level courses since 1946, helping students develop themselves to become stronger leaders and competitive job seekers upon graduation.
You will find that much of the student body is comprised of successful students beyond the classroom.
At Claremont McKenna College, there are over 2,200 classes for students to choose from across numerous colleges and schools. A few examples include:
- Harvey Mudd College
- Pitzer College
- Claremont Graduate University
- Pomona college
- Keck Graduate Institute
- Scripps College
Another massive selling point of this liberal arts college is that it is home to smaller class sizes.
On average, your classes will have a nine-to-one student-to-faculty ratio, allowing you to reap the benefits of a tight-knit learning environment.
After graduating, you will find that Claremont McKenna College will help prepare you for a world of opportunity.
About 90 percent of graduate students move on to complete internships. Half of the student body chooses to study off-campus and get real-world experience.
You will be able to participate in several student groups and communities, as well as NCAA Division II athletic programs and intramural sports.
Whether you are heading into education, medicine, public policy, or law, there are numerous avenues of study available at this school.
7. Grinnell College
4 Year; Grinnell, IA
Average Annual Cost: $25,182
Grinnell College offers several fantastic programs designed to help all students find their dream careers.
It was established in 1846 and is a private, coeducational institution with residential students.
Its curriculum is unique for a liberal arts college, helping foster the creativity and passions of all students across several industries.
It gives students an incredible amount of control over their learning pathway, as there isn’t a core curriculum to be followed.
Instead, students put their learning pathways together, ensuring they study all the most critical facets of their future careers.
During the application process, the school looks at a student’s entire application rather than their GPAs.
You must submit letters of recommendation, and you could be asked to provide an interview or submit portfolios of your work.
One of the best things about Grinnell College is that it aims to make school affordable for every student.
That said, you will automatically be considered for an assortment of scholarships when you apply.
8. Rowan University
4 Year; Glassboro, NJ
Average Annual Cost: $27,158
There are many important factors considered when students apply at Rowan University.
The staff will look at your class ranking, essays, coursework, and recommendations from teachers and counselors.
They will also appreciate examples of motivated leadership throughout your high school career instead of your GPA.
Rowan University is a well-known regional university that has nearly 19,000 students enrolled.
The school offers over 90 bachelor’s and 50 master’s degree programs. Students can also explore two professional programs and nine doctoral degree options.
At this university, you will find an impressive number of accredited engineering, medicine, education, and business programs for students to enjoy.
Life at Rowan University is fantastic for students looking to explore a wide range of opportunities.
There are on-campus events to develop civic responsibility and artistic productions, such as concerts and art shows.
9. George Washington University
4 Year; Washington, DC
Average Annual Cost: $32,563
George Washington University considers many factors before admitting students into the school.
It looks at your GPA, letters of recommendation, essays, extracurriculars, and overall coursework.
That said, even if you have a low GPA but remarkable standing elsewhere, you have a high chance of being accepted.
George Washington University is a large school with over 26,000 graduate and undergraduate students.
It is home to students from over 130 countries and all 50 states in the United States.
With 475+ student organizations, students can join clubs and groups that fall within their interests.
All of the undergraduate and graduate programs are available through several schools of learning, some of which are:
- Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
- School of Business
- School of Engineering and Applied Science
- GW Law
10. Baylor University
4 Year; Waco, TX
Average Annual Cost: $37,309
Baylor University is one of the most competitive programs in the nation. Even so, it doesn’t use GPA scores to evaluate a student’s total capabilities.
It has a more holistic approach to accepting students, reviewing more than their minimum GPA or test score requirements.
There isn’t a minimum GPA for this school, and it has a test-optional policy unless you are applying for a scholarship.
Baylor University is one of the most well-known Christian universities and is home to over 20,000 students.
It takes an interdisciplinary approach to learning, helping students learn all the fundamentals of their chosen careers.
With 126 undergraduate programs, 80 master’s programs, and 47 doctoral programs, you will find many learning opportunities to explore.
Enroll at the Best College Today!
If you are looking for the best colleges that accept 1.0 GPA scores, you are in luck because we know about many options worth considering.
More and more schools now take a holistic approach when processing student applications, so your entire high school career will be considered.
So, start applying to your favorite schools today. You might be surprised that the application process doesn’t require GPA scores!
