Is a 1.3 GPA Good? Colleges That Accept a 1.3 GPA
Students with a 1.3 GPA can gain admission to college by picking schools that have no minimum GPA requirements or allow learners with lower GPAs to apply.
Are you interested in attending college but worry that you won't be admitted because you have a 1.3 GPA? You might be surprised to learn that, with the right research, you can find colleges that accept low GPAs. If you're ready to pursue a degree, keep reading. Below, we'll highlight colleges that accept a 1.3 GPA nationwide.
What Is a 1.3 GPA?
A 1.3 grade point average (GPA) is considered a low GPA on most grading scales. While schools may differ in their interpretation of grades, in many cases, this GPA equates to the letter grade D+. Most consider this a reflection of a weak semester or cumulative academic performance.
While applying to colleges with a 1.3 GPA isn't ideal, it doesn't equal automatic rejection. Many schools recognize that high school students with lower grades can perform well in college and achieve a good GPA if given the chance. For this reason, some schools eliminate minimum GPA requirements and instead look at factors like community service and test scores when reviewing applications.
<h2 id="section---SchoolsThatAcceptA1.3GPA">Schools That Accept a 1.3 GPA</h2><p>Are you searching for the best colleges that accept a 1.3 GPA? Several top schools allow students with lower grade point averages to apply. Review the list of colleges below to learn more.
</p><h3 id="section---1.MorganStateUniversity">1. Morgan State University</h3><p>Students attending Morgan State University on campus can choose from various bachelor's degree programs in chemistry, cloud computing, fine arts, health education, social work, and beyond. Several online programs are also available from the College of Interdisciplinary & Continuing Studies (CICS).
</p><p>Instead of following strict admissions guidelines, Morgan State reviews applications through a holistic process. The school considers factors like academic performance in high school, weighted GPA, unweighted GPA, test scores, leadership, and unique talents.
</p><p><b>Average GPA:</b> N/A
</p><p><b>Acceptance rate:</b> 83%
</p><p><b>In-state tuition:</b> $265 per credit (CISC online); $5,815 annually (on-campus)
</p><p><b>Out-of-state tuition:</b> $265 per credit (CISC online); $16,925 annually (on-campus)
</p><h3 id="section---2.LincolnUniversity">2. Lincoln University</h3><p>Lincoln University in Missouri offers a unique admission requirement for first-year students with lower GPAs. Applicants with a grade point average below 2.0 must attend the school's free three-week residential Summer Bridge Program to complete the enrollment process. When applying, students must also submit official high school transcripts. ACT/SAT scores are optional.
</p><p>Once admitted, learners choose from bachelor's degree programs in multiple fields. Areas of study include psychology, wellness, education, chemistry, and criminal justice.
</p><p><b>Average GPA:</b> 2.71
</p><p><b>Acceptance rate:</b> 100%
</p><p><b>In-state tuition:</b> $269 per credit
</p><p><b>Out-of-state tuition:</b> $545 per credit
</p><h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfArkansasAtLittleRock">3. University of Arkansas at Little Rock</h3><p>University of Arkansas at Little Rock applicants can bypass the school's minimum GPA requirement if they meet one of its admission standards. According to Option #2, students qualify if they have a high school diploma and achieve minimum ACT, SAT, or ACCUPLACER scores. Applicants over age 24 with a high school GPA under 2.0 are also eligible.
</p><p>Once admitted, students can choose from many on-campus and online programs. Areas of study include accounting, applied science, nursing, and social work.
</p><p><b>Average GPA:</b> 3.47 (median)
</p><p><b>Acceptance rate:</b> 58%
</p><p><b>In-state tuition:</b> $292 per credit (online); $10,185.26 annually (on-campus)
</p><p><b>Out-of-state tuition:</b> $292 per credit (online); $22,869.70 annually (on-campus)
</p><h3 id="section---4.EmpireStateUniversity">4. Empire State University</h3><p>Attending Empire State University online is an affordable option for college students residing in New York or other states. Learners can choose from over 120 online programs in a range of subject areas.
</p><p>To attend Empire State online, applicants must submit an official high school transcript and meet all program-specific requirements. The school doesn't disclose minimum GPA or standardized test score requirements for online undergraduate applicants.
</p><p><b>Average GPA:</b> N/A
</p><p><b>Acceptance rate:</b> 100%
</p><p><b>In-state tuition:</b> $295 per credit
</p><p><b>Out-of-state tuition:</b> $353 per credit (online-only rate)
</p><h3 id="section---5.UniversityOfCentralMissouri">5. University of Central Missouri</h3><p>Undergraduate programs at the University of Central Missouri are available for students seeking online or on-campus coursework. Learners can pursue online degrees in nursing, big data, and public relations. On-campus students can choose from degrees in health studies, English, graphic design, and finance.
</p><p>While UCM looks for applicants with at least a 2.0 GPA, all students are encouraged to apply. The school considers other factors when reviewing applications, including personal statements, test scores, service, and leadership skills.
</p><p><b>Average GPA:</b> 3.5
</p><p><b>Acceptance rate:</b> 69%
</p><p><b>In-state tuition:</b> $297 per credit (online/hybrid and on-campus)
</p><p><b>Out-of-state tuition:</b> $297 per credit (online/hybrid); $594.00 (on-campus)
</p><h3 id="section---6.SamfordUniversity">6. Samford University</h3><p>Samford University offers on-campus degree programs for students interested in computer science, English, graphic design, nursing, and more. The school also offers online programs with flexible schedules and low tuition.
</p><p>The school doesn't require a minimum GPA or SAT/ACT score. Instead, its admission committee looks at college applications from a holistic perspective, considering moral character, leadership, and academic preparation. Since Samford is a selective college, students are encouraged to showcase all of their strengths when applying.
</p><p><b>Average GPA:</b> 3.48-4.1 (middle 50%)
</p><p><b>Acceptance rate:</b> 82%
</p><p><b>In-state tuition:</b> $382 per credit (online); $40,760 annually (on-campus)
</p><p><b>Out-of-state tuition:</b> $382 per credit (online); $40,760 annually (on-campus)
</p><h3 id="section---7.UniversityOfToledo">7. University of Toledo</h3><p>The University of Toledo provides more than one way for adult students with a lower overall GPA to gain admission. Applicants with a GPA lower than 2.0 will be admitted to the Exploratory Studies Program in University College if they meet minimum ACT or SAT scores. Adult learners ages 25 and older have no minimum GPA or test score requirements.
</p><p>Admitted students who want to study subjects such as chemistry, management, studio art, and social work can find on-campus bachelor's programs. Online degrees are available in marketing, liberal studies, nursing, and beyond.
</p><p><b>Average GPA:</b> 3.6
</p><p><b>Acceptance rate:</b> 95%
</p><p><b>In-state tuition:</b> $12,558 annually (on-campus and online)
</p><p><b>Out-of-state tuition:</b> $21,918 annually (on-campus and online)
</p><h3 id="section---8.LibertyUniversity">8. Liberty University</h3><p>Liberty University is well-known for its large selection of online degrees, but the school also delivers residential programs for students who want to attend in person. Admitted students can study sport management, public health, music, divinity, nursing, and more.
</p><p>There is no set minimum GPA or test score for acceptance at Liberty. The school's admissions officers review applications on a case-by-case basis. Documents to submit include high school transcripts and an admission essay.
</p><p><b>Average GPA:</b> 3.5 (resident)
</p><p><b>Acceptance rate:</b> 99%
</p><p><b>In-state tuition:</b> $24,650 annually (residential)
</p><p><b>Out-of-state tuition:</b> $24,650 annually (residential)
</p><h3 id="section---9.BaylorUniversity">9. Baylor University</h3><p>Baylor University takes pride in its rigorous academic environment. However, despite its reputation as a top university, the school doesn't require a minimum GPA. SAT/ACT scores are also optional, but applicants are encouraged submit them to stand out from the pack.
</p><p>Accepted students at Baylor can pursue bachelor's degrees in subjects that include art history, data science, English, finance, and statistics. To help learners excel, Baylor provides mentoring, tutoring, library access, and other support services.
</p><p><b>Average GPA:</b> N/A
</p><p><b>Acceptance rate:</b> 51%
</p><p><b>In-state tuition:</b> $63,620 annually
</p><p><b>Out-of-state tuition:</b> $63,620 annually
</p><h3 id="section---10.GeorgeWashingtonUniversity">10. George Washington University</h3><p>At George Washington University, multiple programs are available for undergraduate students. Learners can pursue bachelor's degrees in business, applied science, nursing, public affairs, and beyond.
</p><p>GWU, like several schools in this list, follows a holistic application review process. Instead of looking solely at grades and test scores, the school reviews each applicant's GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, high school program difficulty, and other factors.
</p><p><b>Average GPA:</b> N/A
</p><p><b>Acceptance rate:</b> 44%
</p><p><b>In-state tuition:</b> $69,780 annually
</p><p><b>Out-of-state tuition:</b> $69,780 annually
</p><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>Our team closely vetted the schools in this ranking list to make sure each has met the following criteria for providing a quality academic experience:
</p><ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Each school on this list is accredited by a nationally recognized organization, such as the HLC or SACSCOC.
</li><li><b>GPA requirement:</b> Schools above have no minimum GPA requirement or admit students with lower GPAs on a conditional basis.
</li><li><b>Acceptance rates:</b> Many schools on this list have higher acceptance rates, offering more students the chance to attend.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---CollegeAdmissionsWithA1.3GPA">College Admissions With a 1.3 GPA</h2><p>Having a 1.3 GPA doesn't always impact the college admissions process. Some schools have no minimum GPA requirements and instead consider other factors, such as a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities, when deciding whether to admit a student.
</p><p>In other scenarios, a school might prefer a GPA higher than 1.3. But instead of rejecting the application, they offer a bridge program or use other factors like test scores to help learners gain admission.
</p><h2 id="section---StrategiesToImproveALowGPA">Strategies To Improve a Low GPA</h2><p>If you're a freshman, sophomore, or junior in high school and want to increase your GPA before applying to college, consider these strategies for improving your grades:
</p><ul><li><b>Work with a tutor:</b> A tutor can help you understand subjects that give you trouble and provide study tips to help increase your grades.
</li><li><b>Improve your time management:</b> If you have trouble completing assignments on time, consider calendars and reminder apps designed to help students stay on track.
</li><li><b>Get help from your peers:</b> Find classmates and friends who will motivate you to study and hold you accountable if you slack off.
</li><li><b>Connect with your teachers:</b> Let your teachers know your intention to improve your grades. Some may offer extra-credit projects or other tips to excel in their classes.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutCollegesAcceptingStudentsWithBelowAverageGPAs">FAQs About Colleges Accepting Students With Below-Average GPAs</h2><p>Do you want to enroll at a college that accepts students with below-average GPAs? If so, explore the FAQs below before getting started.
</p><h3 id="section---CanIGetIntoCollegeWithA1.3GPA">Can I Get Into College With a 1.3 GPA?</h3><p>Yes, it's possible to get into a college with a 1.3 GPA. The key is finding a school that requires no minimum GPA or allows students to apply if they're grade point average is lower than a 2.0. Keep in mind that you might be required to submit test scores, provide additional documents, or meet other criteria to gain admission.
</p><h3 id="section---CanIGoToCommunityCollegeWithA1.3GPA">Can I Go to Community College With a 1.3 GPA?</h3><p>Community colleges are good options for students looking for <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_that_accept_everyone.html">colleges that accept everyone</a>. Many two-year schools have open admissions or very lenient enrollment policies to help students from most academic backgrounds earn a college degree and start a career in their chosen field.
</p><h3 id="section---HowWillAnFGradeAffectMyGPA">How Will an F Grade Affect My GPA?</h3><p>If you already have a 1.3 GPA, an F in one class could lower it unless you have earned higher grades in other classes. The best way to avoid reducing your GPA is to make sure you work hard on your assignments and give yourself plenty of time to study for tests. You'll also want to seek help from a tutor and talk to your teachers about ways to improve your grades.
</p><h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineDegreePrograms">Explore Online Degree Programs</h2><p>Begin an exciting journey in higher education by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to learn ways they can help you reach your goals.</p>