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When it comes to narrowing your list of colleges to apply to, there are so many things to balance. Does the school have the degree you want to earn? Does it fit your budget? What are the GPA requirements? We’ve put together a list of colleges that accept different levels of high school GPAs.
COLLEGE GPA REQUIREMENTS
At times during the process of applying to college, keeping track of the admissions checklists to all of your favorite schools, including the different GPA requirements, can seem like too much to handle.
However, there’s no need to worry. We’ve broken down each GPA level and found some partner schools that accept students at different GPA levels. In fact, there are plenty of options available at each level, which are:
- 2.0 GPA
- 2.5 GPA
- 3.0 GPA
- 3.5 GPA
And, double check all of the requirements with the school because some schools offer conditional acceptance to students who don’t meet full time requirements.
WHAT COLLEGE CAN I GET INTO WITH A 2.0 GPA?
You may not have performed as well as you would’ve liked in high school, but there are still many colleges that may be interested in you. Plus, many of these schools offer online programs, which allow you even more flexibility while pursuing your degree.
Check out the list of schools below that accept a 2.0 GPA to learn about their admissions requirements and some of the popular programs available at each.
1
SOUTH UNIVERSITY
GPA REQUIREMENTS: 2.5
At South University, their goal is to provide educational opportunities. Their end to end degree programs are designed to prepare you for professional and personal success.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRAD PROGRAMS
- High school diploma (or equivalent)
- 2.0 GPA
- SAT score of 900 (ACT score of 19)
- Complete university-administered placement test
The specific undergradadmissions requirements are slightly different for on-campus and online programs. For instance, online students only need to meet the SAT score (or ACT score) if they do not meet the minimum GPA requirements.
POPULAR UNDERGRAD PROGRAMS
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- BS – Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Healthcare Management
- BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology
University of Arizona Global Campus
- Accredited University offering Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees
- Affordable tuition, 5-6 week courses, and various payment options
- 80+ online programs
2
AMERICAN INTERCONTINENTAL UNIVERSITY
GPA REQUIREMENTS: 2.0
At American Intercontinental University, they understand the demands and challenges you face on a daily basis, which is why they’re always available to support you. Their programs offer 24/7 access to coursework online and through their app, so you can learn in ways that fit your life.
BASIC ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRAD PROGRAMS
There are no GPA requirements listed for applicants looking to earn an undergraduate degree. Instead, AIU looks for applicants who show proficiency in English and math and require students to submit official transcripts or GED certificate.
POPULAR UNDERGRAD PROGRAMS
- Bachelor of Accounting
- BS of Information Technology in Software Analysis and Development
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Human Resource Management
- BS – Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Project Management
3
AMERICAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
GPA REQUIREMENTS: NONE LISTED
American National University is designed to teach adult learners a foundation to pursue their career goals through quality programs in career-focused disciplines.
COMMON ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRAD PROGRAMS
While there are no GPA requirements listed, American National University asks that potential students contact the admissions department for guidance through the easy-to-complete process.
This process includes acquainting yourself to the campus or online platforms and completing the FAFSA to see what type of financial aid package you qualify for.
AVAILABLE UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
- Associate of Science (AS) in Paralegal Studies
- Associate of Science (AS) in Pharmacy Technician
- AS – Associate of Science in Network Support
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Medical and Health Services Management
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
4
University of Arizona Global Campus
GPA REQUIREMENTS: 3.11
At UAGC, they understand the unique challenges facing adult learners. As a result, they have tailored their online learning platforms, both on desktops and on mobile, to make it as easy as possible.
This includes a virtual classroom to interact and discuss assignments with your fellow students and a student portal that offers notifications and University alerts, as well as tracking the progress of your financial aid.
Admissions Info
Conditional acceptance to UAGC requires:
- High school diploma (or equivalent)
- Official transcripts
- Computer with minimum technological requirements
UAGC normally requires students to be 22 or older or have previous college credits. However, there are exemptions available for younger students.
In addition, after conditional acceptance, UAGC has different stages to reach full acceptance, which includes completing the Student Success Orientation.
AVAILABLE UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Applied Behavioral Science
- BA – Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Health Care Administration
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Operations Management and Analysis
- BA – Bachelor of Arts in Sports and Recreational Management
WHAT COLLEGE CAN I GET INTO WITH A 2.5 GPA?
If you earned a 2.5 high school GPA, you meet the requirements of even more colleges and universities. Many schools in this range offer a combination of online and on-campus programs to offer you more choices.
Check out the list of sponsored programs below for colleges that accept applicants with a 2.5 GPA.
5
COLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
GPA REQUIREMENTS: 2.8
As the premier interdenominational Christian college in Colorado, CCU emphasizes the development of Christian character, compassion, and social character while advocating and teaching investigative study and the proper methods of scientific research and technological innovation.
REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRAD PROGRAMS
- ACT score of 19 or SAT score of 1060
- Letter of recommendation showing spirituality
- Essay
However, CCU still considers applications that don’t meet these requirements through a committee review process that may include an interview.
AVAILABLE UNDERGRAD PROGRAMS
- BS – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- BA – Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education with Licensure
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Elementary Education with Licensure
- BS – Bachelor of Science in Health Care Admin
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology
Southern New Hampshire University
- Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access.
- Popular Online Programs include Business Administration, Psychology, Information Technology, Human Services…
6
FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY
GPA REQUIREMENTS: 2.0
Offering undergrad and graduate programs specifically designed for the world of entertainment, media, arts, and technology, Full Sail University’s creative approach provides an immersive and fast-paced learning experience.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRAD PROGRAMS
- High school diploma (or equivalent)
- Government issued photo identification
- Interview
- Completed application and $75 application fee
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Animation
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Game Design
- BS – Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Sports Marketing and Media
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Music Production
7
PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL
GPA REQUIREMENTS: 2.0
Dedicated to adult learners who need flexibility to fit their busy lives, Purdue University Global offers an innovative approach to teaching and curriculum to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRAD PROGRAMS
Applying to Purdue University Global is different than some schools and is more of a guided process rather than applying and waiting to hear back.
The first step is to contact an Admissions Adviser who can explain the process and guide you through each step. Usually, this includes an interview so your adviser can better understand your goals and find programs to help you achieve them.
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- BSBA – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Human Resources
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice
- BS – Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology
WHAT COLLEGE CAN I GET INTO WITH A 3.0 GPA?
If you earned a 3.0 GPA in high school, you are right at the average for all high school students, you’re GPA is competitive for colleges and universities that have stricter admissions requirements.
Discover the partner schools listed below that accept a 3.0 GPA.
8
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY – GLOBAL CAMPUS
GPA REQUIREMENTS: 3.20
The mission of Colorado State University – Global Campus is to provide career-focused and academically authoritative programs designed for working adults that are aligned with the fast changing markets and industry practices.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRADPROGRAMS
Recently, Colorado State University – Global Campus decided to grant provisional acceptance to first time freshman directly from high school if they meet:
- SAT score above 1000 (or ACT score above 20)
- Less than 13 transferable college credits
However, CSU-Global grants full acceptance to students who have more than 12 transferable credits and a college GPA of at least 2.30.
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Healthcare Administration and Management
- BS – Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Informational Technology
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Organizational Leadership
9
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ONLINE
COLLEGE GPA REQUIREMENTS: 3.25
As a liberal arts institution with 17 colleges and schools, Liberty University offers a world-class education with a solid Christian foundation to offer students the values, knowledge, and skills you may need to succeed in life.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRAD PROGRAMS
Some of the factors Liberty uses to determine acceptance are:
- Cumulative high school GPA
- Consistency and trends of grades
- SAT or ACT scores
- Essay submission
POPULAR PROGRAMS
- BS Bachelor of Science in Political Science
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology
- BS – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Administration
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Early Childhood Education in Interdisciplinary Studies
Sponsored Schools
AVERAGE COLLEGE GPA BY MAJOR
There can be big differences between the average GPA of different majors for a number of factors, which include the difficulty of classes and the level of interpretation of right and wrong on tests and quizzes.
For instance, STEM majors on average tend to have lower GPAs than liberal arts and humanities majors. Many believe that one of the main reasons for this is that STEM courses rely on tests and quizzes where students are either right or wrong.
On the other hand, humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts courses are usually writing intensive, which leaves answers up to interpretation and levels of ‘rightness’.
The average GPA of some college majors are:
- Chemistry: 2.78
- Math: 2.90
- Engineering: 2.90
- Economics: 2.95
- Psychology: 2.98
- Biology: 3.02
- Business: 3.11
- Religion: 3.22
- Music: 3.30
- English: 3.33
- Language: 3.34
- Education: 3.36
As a result, usually these programs look for applicants that, based upon their high school GPA, can meet the rigors and challenges of the specific program. As a result, at some schools, applicants to STEM programs have to meet stricter requirements.
WHAT IS CONSIDERED A GOOD GPA?
The average high school GPA is 3.0, though for college bound students it’s likely a bit higher. Therefore, if your GPA is 3.1 or higher, you should be in good shape and have plenty of options when applying to colleges.
However, that doesn’t mean there’s no hope if you have a GPA less than 3.0. In fact, there are many colleges that accept low GPA.
GPA TO LETTER GRADES
Calculating your GPA can get tricky when it comes to translating letter grades into a number. Luckily, using the chart below, it’s not that difficult.
- A: 4.0
- A-: 3.7
- B+: 3.3
- B: 3.0
- B-: 2.7
- C+: 2.3
- C: 2.0
- C-: 1.7
- D+: 1.3
- D: 1.0
- D-: 0.7
- F: 0.0
Some schools score an A+ as a 4.3 GPA. However, usually these types of GPAs are only for the high school to use to determine class rank. When applying to colleges, most schools will translate that 4.3 into a 4.0 to keep your GPA on the 4.0 scale.
HOW TO CALCULATE GRADE POINT AVERAGE?
In order to calculate your GPA, do the following math:
- Add all converted decimal grades together
- Count the number of classes you’ve taken
- Divide your sum by the number of classes
- This is your GPA
For example, if you took seven courses your freshman year and earned:
- A
- B+
- A
- B-
- C+
- B
- C
Translate those grades into the numbers using the chart above:
- A = 4.0
- B = 3.3
- A = 4.0
- B- = 2.7
- C+ = 2.3
- B = 3.0
- C = 2.0
Add those numbers together:
- 21.3
Divide that number by the number of classes (7):
- GPA = 3.04