For some reasons best known to you, you didn’t perform well enough while earning your bachelor’s degree. As a result, you may now be searching for how to get into a grad school with a low GPA. Well, you’re lucky, because a good number of schools accept low GPAs.
While some have strict GPA prerequisites, many other schools place emphasis on other parts of the application like professional experience and test scores.
In other words, there are plenty of grad schools that accepts a low GPA.
In this guide, we’ll help you figure out if you have a low GPA, then list some grad schools that accept students with low GPA.
Do You Have a Low GPA?
While there may be no generally accepted minimum GPA requirements for graduate school, anything above a 3.0 shouldn’t be considered as low. Even then, the requirements of some graduate schools can be daunting. Firstly, have you gained enough experience? Also, is your GRE or GMAT scores high enough? Many people have had anxiety about a low GPA even though theirs fell within the national average.
What Is a Low GPA?
A 2.99 GPA or below is normally considered low for graduate school. Furthermore, a 3.0 undergraduate GPA might fall short in getting you into some of the “best” graduate schools in the country, but you should have plenty of options. As mentioned earlier, many grad schools are taking a more comprehensive approach to admissions.
Generally speaking, this means that they may look at you as a complete package and not just your statistics. In some cases, your GRE or GMAT scores may play a vital role during the admissions process. So could your interview and essay, as they are all an golden chances to address your weaknesses. While your GPA may be crucial as it informs schools how you performed as a student, it doesn’t imply your low grades automatically disqualifies you.
List of 21 Grad Schools that Typically Accept Low GPA
If you’re still anxious about getting schools that accept a low GPA, worry no more as we’ve taken time to collate a comprehensive list just for you.
Factually, many of the schools accept students with a 2.5 GPA or lower.
Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global is one of the many parts of the Purdue University System. Purdue focuses on world-class quality adult education online which includes various online master’s programs. Purdue University Global offers 27 Master’s degree programs, within high in-demand courses such as MBA’s, MSN’s, MHA’s, MAT’s and more.
GPA Requirement: 2.5, they may accept students with lower GPA’s based on other factors.
Capella University
Capella University offers competency-based online learning in two modes: FlexPath & GuidedPath. You could step up your game with their flexible yet affordable programs for the skills needed to help you advance in your career. Online degrees available are in, counseling and therapy, education, health admin, IT, nursing, public health, psych, public service, and social work.
GPA Requirement: Varies by the program.
Western Governors University
The Western Governors University offers a competency-based learning and personalized program, with one-on-one faculty support to their students.
GPA Requirement: No Minimum Listed
Liberty University
Liberty University offers a world-class education with a solid Christian foundation. They offer many degrees and programs which focus on teaching values, knowledge, and skills to ensure that you could make a lasting impact on your profession and community.
GPA Requirement: 2.0 (Some programs have higher GPA requirements)
SEE ALSO: Amazing Ideas for What To Do After College
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is Arizona’s topmost private Christian university and continues to lead through innovative education, dynamic programs, and dedicated service to the region and beyond.
GPA Requirement: 2.8 (Maybe admitted with lower GPA, though some programs have higher requirements)
Colorado State University-Global Campus
Colorado State University-Global Campus is patterned to provide academic and career-focused degree programs. These degrees are designed to be professionally relevant and are constantly upgraded to align with the fast-changing market and industry practices.
GPA Requirement: 3.0 for Master’s (Lower GPAs should still apply for Provisional Admission)
Northcentral University
As a regionally accredited higher educational institution, Northcentral University is privileged with teaching students globally through online programs. Their unique one-to-one format is basically designed to help you become a valuable patron in your community.
GPA Requirement: No Minimum GPA Listed
Walden University
With over 57,000 registered students, Walden University is meeting the needs of adult learners for more than 45 years. Their programs take into consideration the current market trends and promote positive social change to ensure you make a difference in your career and community.
GPA Requirement: No Minimum GPA Listed
Strayer University
Strayer University is an accredited institution with a history of a hundred and twenty-five years in quality education. Plus, you could save up to 25% on your masters degree with the Strayer Graduation Fund program.
GPA Requirement: 2.5
Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University has awarded over 109,000 degrees since 1965. Financial aid and funding may be available to qualify graduate students to help offset the tuition and other bills.
GPA Requirement: 2.0
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University began offering degrees in 1932. They offer more than 25 master’s programs and sometimes have financial aid available to qualified students to help reduce the financial burden.
GPA Requirement: 2.0 for provisional acceptance
Benedictine University
Benedictine University was established in 1887 and they offer a 16-degree program for those seeking a master’s degree. Financial aid sometimes is available to qualified students to assist in upsetting the tuition cost.
GPA Requirement: 2.0
Full Sail University
Full Sail University offers both online and campus programs for acquiring a master’s degree. Financial aid is sometimes available to qualified students to assist with the tuition cost.
GPA Requirement: 2.0
California State University Los Angeles
California State University offers 51 cumulative online and campus programs for acquiring a master’s degree. Financial aid also is available to qualified students to assist with the tuition cost.
GPA Requirement: 2.5
Webster University
Webster University offers different options for those who are looking to acquire a master’s degree. Financial aid and scholarships may be available for qualified students.
GPA Requirement: 2.5
Mississippi College
Mississippi College offers various options for prospective students seeking to obtain a master’s degree. There may be scholarships and financial aid available for qualified students.
GPA Requirement: 2.5
Troy University
Troy University is located in Alabama, they typically offer varying options for those who are seeking to obtain a master’s degree.
GPA Requirement: 2.5
National University
National University was established in 1971 and has over 175,000 alumni and offers 52 different options for those who are seeking to acquire a master’s degree.
GPA Requirement: 2.5
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Nebraska Wesleyan University is located in Lincoln, Nebraska and was established in 1887 and it offers seven programs with multiple focuses for those looking to obtain a master’s degree.
GPA Requirement: 2.5
Sonoma State University
Sonoma State University in California was established in 1960 and offers multiple programs for those seeking to obtain a master’s degree. Students may be eligible for scholarships and financial aid to help offset the tuition cost.
GPA Requirement: 2.5
University of Findlay
The University of Findlay located in Ohio has been in existence for 135 years and offers multiple programs for those seeking to obtain a master’s degree.
GPA Requirement: 2.5
In Conclusion
Anything GPA between a 3.3 and 3.7 GPA is considered good and in the range of lots of students. Since this range is typical, you’ll be contending with many students during your application process. But with a lesser GPA, you’d be in more competition, so looking for multiple ways to improve your chances would be the natural way to go. You can check out our WAYS TO GAIN ADMISSION FOR GRAD SCHOOL WITH LOW GPA for more information.