Is a 1.2 GPA Good? Colleges That Accept a 1.2 GPA

You may wonder whether there are any colleges that accept a 1.2 GPA. While you won't have as many options as someone with a higher GPA, you can still get into some universities and community colleges. We'll show you a few colleges that accept low GPAs.

What Is a 1.2 GPA?

A 1.2 GPA corresponds with a letter grade of D-, which is a low GPA but does not prevent you from enrolling in college. Many universities have an open admissions application process, where they admit almost 100% of applicants.

There are plenty of reputable colleges that accept a 1.2 GPA, especially if you can show an upward trend toward the end of high school. Some universities do not require GPA or standardized test scores at all on their college applications.

Schools That Accept a 1.2 GPA

Below is a list of colleges that will accept students with a lower high school GPA. Many of these 10 universities offer online coursework and degree programs, charge reasonable tuition rates, and don't require you to submit SAT scores or ACT scores.

1. Walden University

Walden University offers the same online degree programs and tuition rates to both in-state and out-of-state students. This Minneapolis-based university offers about 50 bachelor's degree options in rewarding subjects, such as healthcare management, business administration, and several social sciences.

Walden also serves international students from over 115 countries with reliable online curricula taught by highly credentialed faculty.

Average GPA: 3.7

Acceptance rate: 98%

In-state tuition: $12,498

Out-of-state tuition: 12,498

2. Bellevue University

Bellevue University has more than 80 accredited online degree programs at the bachelor's and graduate levels. This online institution prides itself on dedication to military veterans, as well as numerous opportunities to earn degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Among these, students can major in trending fields, including cybersecurity, computer science, and data science.

Average GPA: 3.1

Acceptance rate: 100%

In-state tuition: $8,886

Out-of-state tuition: $8,886

3. Utah Valley State University

Utah Valley State University admits all applicants and allows Utah residents to earn degrees at very affordable tuition rates. If you want to lower your academic expenses even further, you can utilize Utah's ''Scholarship Universe'' network, and apply for one of many resident and non-resident scholarships. Some are merit-based and require a higher GPA, whereas others are more need-based.

Average GPA: 3.4

Acceptance rate: 100%

In-state tuition: $5,818

Out-of-state tuition: $17,800

4. New England College

Located in New Hampshire, New England College admits a large student body from places like New York, Connecticut, and the rest of the region. Although tuition is higher there, you can offset much of it by applying for work-study opportunities, paid internships, federal grants, and low-interest loans. The school offers many online degree programs, including teacher licensure and degrees in emergency preparedness.

Average GPA: 2.8

Acceptance rate: 95%

In-state tuition: $41,584

Out-of-state tuition: $41,584

5. Montana State University Billings

Montana State University Billings does not require any specific GPA or standardized test scores for consideration. Incoming freshmen only have to fill out a college application and enjoy a rather straightforward admissions process. This is also a preferred location in Montana because of its budget-friendly annual tuition of only $6,706 (for in-state residents).

Average GPA: 3.0

Acceptance rate: 100%

In-state tuition: $6,706

Out-of-state tuition: $21,347

6. American Public University

American Public University also accepts all applicants and grants special discounts to military service members. Its online education platform has no shortage of degree options, either.

American Public has degree offerings at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. You can also move into an accelerated degree program after earning good grades during your first semester or two in college.

Average GPA: 3.1

Acceptance rate: 100%

In-state tuition: $8,400

Out-of-state tuition: $8,400

7. Liberty University

Liberty University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and provides several distance-learning options for every degree level. If you can follow Liberty's college application instructions, then you're almost guaranteed admission into one of its programs. This school also gives much lower tuition rates for military veterans and dependents.

Average GPA: 3.5

Acceptance rate: 99%

In-state tuition: $24,650

Out-of-state tuition: $24,650

8. Capella University

Capella University accepts everyone for its bachelor's degree programs. The university holds over half a dozen academic accreditations as an institution and for specific schools and departments, such as nursing. It also specializes in a ''FlexPath'' delivery system, which permits students to complete coursework at their own pace and fully online.

Average GPA: 3.5

Acceptance rate: 100%

In-state tuition: $14,436

Out-of-state tuition: $14,436

9. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus does not publish an average GPA for incoming freshmen and admits 100% of applicants. It's also one of the more affordable programs on this list, especially for in-state residents. Students have a choice of about three dozen college majors, including political science, biotechnology, humanities, accounting, history, and several others.

Average GPA: Not available

Acceptance rate: 100%

In-state tuition: $7,992

Out-of-state tuition: $12,336

10. University of Texas at El Paso

The University of Texas at El Paso admits many highly qualified students, but the admissions process still carries a 100% acceptance rate. You must, however, submit SAT scores and achieve at least a score of 400 on the verbal reading section. Otherwise, you should have no trouble gaining admission to a fairly low-cost university in Texas.

Average GPA: 3.6

Acceptance rate: 100%

In-state tuition: $9,744

Out-of-state tuition: $25,512

How We Rank Schools

Here is how Learn.org ranks universities for this list. These institutions must have valid academic accreditation, lenient GPA and admission requirements, and higher acceptance rates.

• Accreditation: All listed universities receive academic accreditation from a reputable review board, such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
• GPA requirement: These schools have lower unweighted GPA requirements and/or do not include high school GPA as part of the admissions criteria.
• Acceptance rates: We selected universities with acceptance rates of at least 90% or higher.

College Admissions With a 1.2 GPA

The college admissions process for students with lower GPAs can be more challenging. However, it simply requires applicants to have reasonable expectations. You may not gain admission to an Ivy League school, like the University of Pennsylvania, but it's still possible to attend one of the reputable schools on our list.

Don't forget that there are plenty of ways to offset a poor academic record by submitting strong standardized test scores, like the SAT and ACT. College applications also include other qualitative components, such as letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, personal statements, and even work experience.

So, if you tailor your application to highlight those items, you may still have a chance of enrollment in a respectable state college, like California State University.

Strategies To Improve a Low GPA

There are many ways to improve a low GPA such as improving your study habits, hiring a tutor, and devoting more time to academic performance toward the end of high school. Many students turn an early poor performance into a good GPA in their senior year by working harder and seeking help with difficult coursework, especially math and science. Some admissions committees will forgive a low GPA if you demonstrate major improvement in just the last two or three semesters of high school.

FAQs About Colleges Accepting Students With Below-Average GPAs

These are the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) for students with below-average GPAs. Here, we focus on whether you can get into universities or community colleges with a 1.2 GPA.

Will Colleges Accept a 1.2 GPA?

Yes, you can get into college with a 1.2 GPA because there are colleges that accept everyone. Some institutions have an entirely open admissions process or will at least consider mitigating circumstances that may have contributed to lower grades during the first year or two of high school.

Can I Go to Community College With a 1.2 GPA?

Yes, you can attend community college with those grades because most two-year schools will accept everyone. While some community colleges and technical schools are competitive, many of them serve the needs of the local community and don't place as much emphasis on competing for top students.

This grants students the chance to recover from lower grades in high school by attending a two-year college, completing the general education requirements, getting a high GPA, and then going to a top university as a transfer student.

What Is the Lowest GPA a College Will Accept?

There is no minimum GPA requirement at several four-year colleges and community colleges. While some colleges emphasize weighted GPA or unweighted GPA, the schools on our rankings will work with high school students who wish to attend college but didn't earn the best grades for one reason or another.

Explore Online Degree Programs

Now is the time to find convenient and affordable online degree programs so that you can attend college or graduate school conveniently from any location. Learn.org has several resources to help you identify reputable online programs, apply for financial aid, and more.