Is a 2.1 GPA Good? Best Colleges That Accept a 2.1 GPA
The best colleges that accept a 2.1 GPA offer various online degree programs in sought-after fields, such as education, business, healthcare, and more.
Finding the right college with a 2.1 high school grade point average can be tricky. Many colleges have strict admissions requirements preventing low-GPA students from applying.
However, there are a variety of well-regarded colleges that accept low GPAs for students who have lower GPAs in high school. Many universities also offer student services such as tutoring, career counseling, and academic support to help students bolster their GPAs.
Keep reading to learn more about the best colleges that accept a 2.1 GPA, as well as strategies to improve your GPA and a list of FAQs about the college admissions process.
What Is a 2.1 GPA?
A grade point average (GPA) is a way for academic institutions to quantify a student's academic performance. Unweighted GPAs are on a scale of one to four; one is equivalent to an F, and a four is equivalent to an A+. Weighted GPAs factor in the difficulty of courses and can go above a four.
High school GPAs are important for college admissions. Many universities have GPA requirements that can prevent students with low GPAs from applying.
A 2.1 GPA equals a C letter grade and is considered a lower GPA. However, there are many institutions, including community colleges and state universities, that accept a 2.1 GPA.
Below is a list of four-year colleges for C students that offer online and in-person degree options.
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Southern New Hampshire University
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University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
Colleges That Accept a 2.1 GPA
These four-year colleges and universities accept a 2.1 GPA. Some have no GPA requirements, while others have a lower-than-average requirement that allows students with a 2.1 GPA to apply.
1. Liberty University Online
Liberty University Online offers a variety of degree options in many fields of study. Popular bachelor's degrees include aviation, nursing, and education.
The library and academic success center offer numerous student services, including research development, tutoring, writing assistance, and supplemental instruction. This high level of student support makes Liberty University Online programs easier students with low high school GPAs.
Average GPA accepted: 2.0
Acceptance rate: 99%
In-state tuition: $390 per credit
Out-of-state tuition: same as in-state tuition
2. Talladega College
Talladega College is a historically Black college (HBCU) located in Talladega, AL. It offers a variety of degree programs and Division Two athletic teams. Bachelor's degree programs include English, chemistry, social work, and more.
Talladega College helps students with career readiness, leadership development, and academic success through its Student Success Center.
Average GPA accepted: 2.0
Acceptance rate: 100%
In-state tuition: $505 per credit
Out-of-state tuition: same as in-state tuition
3. Virginia University of Lynchburg
Virginia University of Lynchburg offers many bachelor's degree options, including sports management, religious studies, sociology, and more.
The admissions department considers a student's GPA, test scores, overall academic performance, character and personality traits, and social and physical well-being. This allows high school students to present themselves holistically rather than only being considered based on their GPA and test scores.
Average GPA accepted: 2.0
Acceptance rate: 100%
In-state tuition: $352 per credit
Out-of-state tuition: same as in-state tuition
4. Miami University
Miami University, while not having a set GPA requirement, is a rigorous university that takes great care when reviewing college applications. The admissions office looks for students who challenge themselves academically and in extracurricular activities.
However, for admitted students, Miami University offers several support services, including academic counseling, tutoring, a class devoted to student success strategies, and online workshops.
Average GPA accepted: not required
Acceptance rate: 80%
In-state tuition: $283 per credit hour
Out-of-state tuition: same as in-state tuition
5. Alabama State University
Alabama State University (ASU) is another HBCU offering robust programs, including accounting, dance, education, and more. ASU offers student support services, including tutoring and academic/career advising.
The admissions process is fairly simple, although ASU does require SAT/ACT scores. ASU also accepts transfer students and those with a general education diploma (GED).
Average GPA accepted: 2.0
Acceptance rate: 97%
In-state tuition: $8,328 per academic year
Out-of-state tuition: $16,656 per academic year
6. Voorhees University
Voorhees University, located in South Carolina, has a friendly application process for prospective students, only requiring transcripts or a GED and its application form.
Various degrees are offered, including biology, sports management, sociology, and more. Additionally, the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) offers student services such as online tutoring, academic enhancement workshops on topics such as study habits and time management, and supplemental instruction offered by peer mentors and decorated faculty.
Average GPA accepted: 2.0
Acceptance rate: 100%
In-state tuition: $11,630 per academic year
Out-of-state tuition: same as in-state tuition
7. National University
National University is one of the nation's leading online universities, with over 150 online bachelor's degrees. Some of the most notable programs include bachelor's degrees in business administration, cybersecurity, and early childhood education.
National University offers reduced tuition due to its entirely online format, along with ample scholarships and student discounts for military and veteran learners. It also boasts open enrollment, meaning that any student who applies and meets the admission requirements will be accepted.
Average GPA accepted: 2.0
Acceptance rate: 100%
In-state tuition: $370 per credit
Out-of-state tuition: same as in-state tuition
8. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers various online bachelor's degrees, including computer science, history, nursing, and more.
There are robust student services, including tutoring, career services, and academic organizations for students to join and connect with their peers. International students are welcome to apply, thanks to UMGC's worldwide network.
Average GPA accepted: 2.0
Acceptance rate: 100%
In-state tuition: $324 per credit
Out-of-state tuition: $499 per credit
9. American Public University
American Public University (APU) is designed for students looking for a traditional four-year program in a virtual setting. Coursework meets the standard credentials that employers are looking for while still being offered online and in a flexible format.
There are many bachelor's degree options, including niche subjects like esports, fire science management, and homeland security. There are also more popular degrees like business administration, communication, and history.
Average GPA accepted: not required
Acceptance rate: 100%
In-state tuition: $350 per credit
Out-of-state tuition: same as in-state tuition
How We Rank Schools
We have a rigorous selection process for ranking schools. All of the schools on this list meet the following criteria:
- Accreditation: All schools featured on Learn.org are regionally or nationally accredited and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- GPA requirement: The aforementioned schools all accept students with a 2.1 GPA. Some have no GPA requirement, while others require at least a 2.0.
- Acceptance rates: The majority of schools on this list have a high acceptance rate. For example, National University and Talladega College both have open enrollment. Others, like Miami University, have a low acceptance rate but factor in extracurricular activities and overall grades, which can make it accessible to students with a lower GPA.
2.1 GPAs and College Admissions
A 2.1 GPA is below the national average, which is approximately 3.11. That can make college admissions more difficult, especially at schools that require GPA submission.
However, supplementing your application with ACT/SAT scores, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation can help you get into your school of choice. Many universities consider other learning experiences and extracurricular activities, including athletics, clubs, and community service, when making an admission decision.
Students who don't have those supplementary experiences can consider colleges that accept everyone. These institutions have open enrollment, allowing students with a low GPA to continue their academic journey.
If you're worried about getting into school with a 2.1 GPA, there are ways to improve your GPA.
How Can You Improve an Average GPA?
The best way to improve your GPA is to build study habits and utilize resources that your school offers. It can take a lot of hard work, but it could help your college application process.
Good study habits include the following:
- setting aside a designated time and space to study
- creating a schedule and organization system to track your assignments
- reaching out to your peers and teachers for help when needed
Many high schools and colleges offer study groups and tutoring opportunities for students. There are also online collaborative study resources that can help you learn vocabulary, practice language and writing skills, and improve your math literacy.
Visiting your school or local public library can also help you reach academic success. Libraries and librarians are designed to further your academic skills, and many offer research development assistance, tutoring, and more.
FAQs About Colleges Accepting Students With Low GPAs
Navigating college applications with a low GPA can be tricky. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the college admissions process with a low GPA.
Can I Get Into College With a 2.1 GPA?
Yes, you absolutely can get into college with a 2.1 GPA. While having a lower GPA can make the college admissions process more difficult, many schools accept students with a 2.1 GPA.
Admissions committees are steadily transitioning away from academic-heavy requirements and now factor in extracurricular activities such as volunteer work, community service, clubs, athletics, work experience, and more when considering a student's application.
Which Top Universities in the U.S. Would Accept a Low GPA?
Not many of the top universities in the U.S. will accept a low GPA. Some more notable schools with lower GPA requirements include the University of Virginia Lynchburg, Alabama State University, and Miami University.
The top universities in the USA require high scores on standardized testing and GPAs well above the national average. They also have additional admissions requirements such as personal statements, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. Altogether, a student may have everything it takes for admission except for a high GPA, but that may be enough to prevent their admission.
What Is the Lowest GPA a College Will Accept?
The lowest GPA a college will accept is around 1.5. Many colleges and universities no longer have a minimum GPA requirement, which can improve a student's chances of admission if they have a lower GPA. These open admissions policies can be helpful for students who struggled academically in high school but are ready to work towards an associate or bachelor's degree.
Discover Online Degree Programs
Finding colleges that accept a 2.1 GPA can be tricky, but many online degree programs have either a low GPA requirement or no requirement at all. Many of the universities listed above offer online courses or completely online degrees, but there are many more out there, some even offer online master's degrees or doctoral programs.
Discover other high-quality online degree programs featured on Learn.org that are attainable, affordable, and accessible.
