Choosing the best colleges that accept low GPA scores is one of the best options for students. You will be able to acquire a well-rounded education in several fantastic programs, allowing you to open the door to many different careers.
In this guide, we will review 10 top institutions that accept low GPAs from their students. Instead of letting your GPA scores get you down, these programs help foster learning among all students equally. Each of these schools meets the following criteria:
- An average annual cost of no more than $24,000
- A median starting salary no lower than $35,000
- Accredited programs by recognized bodies
10 Best Colleges That Accept Low GPA
1. Savannah State University
4 Year; Savannah, GA
Average Annual Cost: $10,157
Savannah State University accepts a minimum GPA of 2.0. These figures are determined when totaling the grades available on official transcripts. It is also important to note that this school does not consider accelerated courses when determining students’ GPAs.
There are approximately 3,700 students currently enrolled at Savannah State University, making it a small community. With over 30 baccalaureate majors and degrees, as well as five graduate programs, there are plenty of learning pathways for students.
The school is known for its impressive list of scholarships, with over 90% of students receiving one during their studies.
If you are interested in student life, you will be glad to know that Savannah State University is home to over 75 organizations and clubs. The school also has fraternities, sororities, and intramural sports, making it ideal for athletic-minded students. You will also find several sports teams, from golf to football.
2. Langston University
4 Year; Langston, OK
Average Annual Cost: $12,384
Langston University is an excellent option for students with a 2.0 GPA, as this school sets that as their requirement. As an added benefit, it does not consider ACT scores for application.
With a lower GPA requirement, students can explore numerous program options such as applied sciences, health, and agriculture. What’s more, it has three different campus locations, so there are multiple learning pathways students can consider.
Langston University was founded in 1897 and has diversified to three campuses in Tulsa, Langston, and Oklahoma City. Students can explore numerous programs, such as urban education, goat research, physical therapy, and chemistry.
Plenty of upper division and graduate courses are also perfect for students with associate’s or other undergraduate degrees.
Campus life at Langston University is what you would expect from a traditional college with all the best amenities. Students will have dining halls, athletic teams, and a packed bookstore filled with must-haves for their courses. The school also has a newspaper and campus radio station, ideal for journalism students.
Overall, Langston University is one of the best options for students seeking a good school/life balance. It also strongly focuses on recreation and wellness as well as health and counseling.
3. Purdue University
4 Year; West Lafayette, IN
Average Annual Cost: $13,377
Purdue University has a far more unique approach to considering students than GPAs. This is one of the few universities that does not have a minimum GPA requirement. Instead, each student is reviewed holistically.
The school takes various factors into account when determining eligibility, such as:
- Overall academic grades
- Quality of high school coursework
- Grades related to their specific major
- Any significant grade fluctuations
If you want to increase your chances of being accepted at Purdue University, they recommend submitting an essay along with your application. It can also be helpful to submit your test scores if you are proud of how they represent your capabilities.
You will find numerous learning opportunities at Purdue University regardless of your desired major. The school has different campus options across the state as well as online programs perfect for international students.
The flagship campus in West Lafayette is home to some of the world’s top awards from The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education. It is also ranked in the top five public universities in the United States.
There are over 200 undergraduate programs and 80+ graduate programs available for students. Not to mention, you can also specialize in professional degrees in both veterinary medicine and pharmacy. At the other campuses, you will find additional programs for study, such as pathways to help boost cultural and economic advancement.
4. Grace Christian University
2-4 Year; Wyoming, MI
Average Annual Cost: $13,795
The GPA requirements at Grace Christian University are slightly higher than other schools on this list, requiring students to have a 2.5 GPA or higher. That said, if you do not meet this requirement, you could apply for provisional admission, allowing for lower GPA scores.
One of the largest benefits of applying to Grace Christian University is that they give you an admissions counselor to help you through the entire process.
One of the fundamental tenets of this school is to ensure all students have the tools they need for their future careers. You will be able to study courses specializing in professional areas while fulfilling God’s purpose for you.
Not only does this school help shape young minds, but there are also professional development courses available for currently-employed adults.
Grace Christian University has been operating for over 80 years, helping students pick the right learning pathways for their interests and goals. With a collection of on-campus and online degrees, you can study at your own pace and in the most comfortable format.
Uniquely, this school also has a list of online graduate degree programs students can enroll in. Several examples of the popular courses at Grace Christian University include:
- Global Communication
- Criminal Justice
- Pastoral Ministry
- Christian Counseling
- Youth Ministry
- Business
- Biblical Studies
- Psychology
- Leadership & Ministry
This school is an excellent option if you are a student who loves to get involved in sports. Grace Christian University has many athletic opportunities, including soccer, bowling, basketball, baseball, and volleyball.
5. Capella University
4 Year; Minneapolis, MN
Average Annual Cost: $16,545
Capella University is a great choice for you if you have good high school grades but poor ACT and SAT scores. Their minimum GPA allowance is 2.8, and they do not require proof of standardized testing scores.
Depending on the program you choose, you could be required to submit additional items, including:
- Essays and writing samples
- Letters of recommendation
- Faculty reviews
Like most post-secondary institutions, Capella University is dedicated to helping students become well-rounded professionals. By revolutionizing their curriculum, students can build fundamental hands-on skills that will help them in their future careers.
You will also find that your learning pathway will help you develop into a more well-rounded person outside of work. It is a great option for young learners and adults looking to boost their resumes and acquire new skills for growing fields.
When studying at Capella University, you can explore several bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. The school is also home to a collection of specialist and certificate programs, helping diversify your employable skills.
One of the most notable features of Capella University’s curriculum is how it challenges students. You will participate in engaging lessons that actively test your skills while offering new experiences. You will become a leader in your field by graduation, making you a competitive hire.
Currently, there are over 46 degree programs, 110 specializations, and 2,010 courses offered at Capella University. A few examples of these programs include:
- Business
- Healthcare Administration
- Counseling
- Education
- Psychology
- Social Work and Human Services
- Public Health
- Nursing
6. Florida Memorial University
4 Year; Miami Gardens, FL
Average Annual Cost: $19,173
Florida Memorial University is an excellent option for students with low GPAs, but they also reward top-academic students. At a minimum, students are required to have a 2.4 GPA before application. However, you receive automatic admission if you rank in the top 20% of your high school graduating class.
As a top-ranking institution in Florida, this school prefers students with experience in social science, English, mathematics, and foreign languages. That said, these are not requirements but could considerably assist you during the application process.
With some of the most competitive programs in the state, such as aviation, putting your best foot forward is essential. At Florida Memorial University, students will gather hands-on learning experiences to help fuel their futures.
The school is also home to some of the most innovative technology in the state, offering real-world experience for numerous degree fields.
With the added benefit of inter-collegiate athletics, there is nothing you will be missing out on with your enrollment. In fact, Florida Memorial University feels like a small community compared to larger schools in the state. They currently have over 28 undergraduate programs and three master’s programs.
Students can explore a long list of majors to help hone their academic, public service, and leadership skills simultaneously. Many of their programs are accredited by top-ranking institutions, including:
- Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
- Aviation Accreditation Board International
- Council on Social Work Education
- National Association of Schools and Music
- Associations of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs
When enrolled, students can become a part of several different departments, including:
- School of Education
- School of Business
- School of Arts and Sciences
- Center for Teaching and Learning
- Cybersecurity Center
7. Bloomfield College
4 Year; Bloomfield, NJ
Average Annual Cost: $19,236
As a prospective first-year student at Bloomfield College, you will be glad to know they accept applications throughout the year. Starting in fall, students can submit their transcripts for consideration, as well as in spring and summer.
Like many other schools on this list, Bloomfield College accepts a minimum GPA of 2.0 for students. There are additional documents you will need to submit along with proof of your GPA, including:
- High school transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation (from teachers or counselors)
- An essay and/or personal statement
You can choose to submit SAT or ACT scores, though this is optional. If you want the best chance of admission, submitting standardized test scores is always a fantastic idea. This point is especially true, as this school has some highly competitive programs.
Bloomfield College’s curriculum is designed to uplift students, allowing them to write their own future stories. They believe a college’s success depends on how successful its students and graduates are.
Therefore, you can guarantee your learning pathways will help prepare you for profitable careers in your area of study.
Bloomfield College is one of the best diverse liberal arts colleges in the United States. Not only is it a Predominantly Black Institution, but it is also a Hispanic Serving Institution and a Minority Serving Institution.
As you can imagine, this helps ensure every student has access to equal learning opportunities to enter their dream careers.
As you would expect, there isn’t a shortage of learning opportunities at this school. It has over 50 majors, minors, and certificates that students can explore within seven academic divisions.
You will find undergraduate and graduate degree programs paired with certificate programs for furthering your education. Several examples of the unique areas of study at Bloomfield College include:
- Human Resource Management
- Expanded Media
- Graphic Design
- Game Programming
- Music Technology
- Literature
- Religion
- Sociology
- Pre-Podiatry Studies
When you are entering your final years of study, Bloomfield College offers students plenty of support. You can visit the Career Development Center to work with a counselor to refine your interviewing skills and resume. When you graduate, you will have all the know-how needed to become a competitive hire in your field.
8. National University
4 Year; La Jolla, CA
Average Annual Cost: $20,722
National University is an excellent option for students with a minimum GPA of 2.0. With its flexible academic pathways, you will be able to unlock numerous benefits, allowing you to adapt your classes to work with your schedule.
You can enroll in numerous programs, ensuring you get the theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to excel in your career.
National University has been operating since 1971, serving students who dream of building prestigious careers. There are over 41,000 students currently enrolled in its education network and more than 3,300 employees working across the network.
What makes this school unique is that it takes a student-led holistic approach to education. This ensures every student graduates as a well-rounded professional.
At National University, you can participate in over 75+ career-related degree programs and comprehensive four-week courses. You will find numerous areas of study to explore, including:
- Criminal Justice & Law
- Science & Math
- Social Sciences & Psychology
- Teaching & Education
- Healthcare & Nursing
- Engineering & Technology
- Arts & Humanities
National University is perfect for you if you are interested in post-secondary schooling but are concerned about cost. It has an impressive number of scholarships for students at all levels of schooling, from undergraduate to doctorate students. You can earn various benefits, such as full or partial tuition scholarships and more.
9. Grand Canyon University
4 Year; Phoenix, AZ
Average Annual Cost: $20,585
Grand Canyon University is another school that requires a minimum 2.0 GPA before application. You also won’t need to worry about submitting your SAT or ACT scores unless you believe it will assist your chances of being accepted.
Undoubtedly, this is one of the most adaptable post-secondary institutions you will find, especially as a working professional.
Grand Canyon University offers both online and on-campus classes. With online learning pathways, you can customize your educational calendar to match your personal schedule. It is ideal for employed students, parents, and others who need ample flexibility.
The overall curriculum at this school is also particularly notable. All classes will be designed to ensure every student gets closer to achieving their goals. You can even take advantage of evening classes, making it simpler to diversify your education with a career.
Students at Grand Canyon University can work towards bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees. The school also has an exceptional list of certificates, bridge degrees, and post-master’s degrees.
Students can explore various minors and individual courses or get a head start through the high school dual enrollment branch. A few of the most popular areas of study at this school include:
- Engineering & Technology
- Performing Arts & Digital Arts
- Psychology & Counseling
- Business & Management
- Nursing & Health Care
- Criminal Justice, Government & Public Administration
- Language & Communications
10. Metropolitan College of New York
4 Year; New York, NY
Average Annual Cost: $23,648
The Metropolitan College of New York has slightly higher GPA requirements of 2.5 or higher. Students must submit a personal statement or essay along with their academic transcriptions during application. It is important to include letters of reference with your application during the fall, spring, or summer months.
The Metropolitan College of New York has been offering a distinct list of courses since 1964. With purpose-centered learning, students will gather hands-on experience and textbook knowledge to assist them in several industry careers. The school has two campuses, one in the Bronx and the other in Manhattan.
One of the largest benefits of attending Metropolitan College of New York is its accelerated learning pathway. Students will get twice as much knowledge in less time, allowing them to explore their careers much sooner.
There is also an impressive number of career and job counselors available to help you jumpstart your future career. Regarding academics, students can explore undergraduate, master’s, and certificate programs in one of three schools:
- Audrey Cohen School for Human Services & Education
- School for Business
- School for Public Affairs & Administration
Find the Best School That Accepts Low GPA Today!
Finding the best colleges that accept low GPA scores is easy because there are many institutions across the country you can explore. As long as you maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher, you will have numerous disciplines and degree options to explore, from psychology to engineering.
It is time to begin your learning career today and choose the best program to suit your future goals.
