Is a 1.8 GPA Good? Best Colleges That Accept a 1.8 GPA

Finding the right university can be difficult for students who struggle academically in high school. Many four-year colleges have high GPA requirements, but not all students want to attend a community college, which may have more forgiving admissions requirements.

Below is a list of the best colleges with low GPA requirements, ranging from online programs to in-person state universities. All have low minimum GPA requirements, or none at all, for incoming students.

What Is a 1.8 GPA?

A GPA (grade point average) is a way for schools to determine a student's academic performance. Most GPAs are on a one-to-four scale, with one being the lowest and four being the highest.

GPAs translate to letter grades, with a one being an F and a four being an A+. A 1.8 GPA translates to a C-.

Many colleges have admission requirements that include a GPA requirement of at least a 2.5 on high school transcripts. However, many schools are GPA-optional; instead they look at standardized test scores, high school transcripts, and extracurricular activities.

Keep reading to learn more about some of the best four-year institutions for students with a lower GPA.

Schools That Accept a 1.8 GPA

Below is a list of colleges that accept a 1.8 GPA. These institutions have lenient admissions requirements and are designed to help students build their academic skills.

1. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University offers online, in-person, and hybrid courses in over 60 fields of study. Its Center for Academic Vision and Excellence (CAVE) is a platform for students to access peer tutoring, supplemental instruction, and study groups.

The CAVE is located on Saint Leo University's Florida campus, but online tutoring options are also available for remote learners.

Average GPA accepted: not required

Acceptance rate: 80%

In-state tuition: $14,315 per semester on campus, $425 per credit online

Out-of-state tuition: same as in-state tuition

2. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University is a private university offering in-person programs at its Denver and Colorado Springs campuses, as well as a variety of 100% online degrees. Programs range from associate degrees to PhD programs in many STEM disciplines, including accounting, business, and healthcare.

Colorado Technical University has no high school GPA requirement, nor does it require SAT or ACT scores. This makes it a friendly university for high school students who struggled academically but are ready to pursue higher education.

Average GPA accepted: not required

Acceptance rate: 100%

In-state tuition: $340 per credit hour

Out-of-state tuition: same as in-state tuition

3. Utica University

Utica University offers numerous degree programs online and in person at its main campus, as well as its learning centers in Syracuse and Latham, New York. There are a variety of majors and minors for students to diversify their studies.

Utica University offers peer tutoring, study groups, and library resources for both in-person and online students. These student support offerings help students build study habits and academic discipline so they can succeed.

Average GPA accepted: not required

Acceptance rate: 80.9%

In-state tuition: $27,380 per academic year in-person; between $300 and $500 per credit online

Out-of-state tuition: same as in-state tuition

4. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (SMUMN) has lenient admissions requirements, including a writing sample, high school transcripts, and the application form. Undergrad majors include computer science, elementary education, philosophy, and more.

SMUNM is committed to helping its students with professional development and looking beyond their academics, with a variety of internship opportunities and career services. Coursework is designed to include hands-on learning and real-world applications to help students determine their future careers.

Average GPA accepted: not required

Acceptance rate: 96.8%

In-state tuition: $22,980 per semester

Out-of-state tuition: same as in-state

5. Columbia College

Columbia College is a test-optional, free-application private institution located in South Carolina. It offers a variety of degrees, both in-person and online, in niche areas of study such as dance, studio art, and cybersecurity.

There are robust support services for students, including an academic advisor, a staff advisor, and a peer mentor. Students will also have access to career preparation services such as mock interviews, career counseling, resume help, and more.

Average GPA accepted: not required

Acceptance rate: 98.1%

In-state tuition: $427 per credit for online programs, $22,484 per year for in-person programs

Out-of-state tuition: same as in-state tuition

6. Franklin University

Franklin University offers various degrees ranging from associate degrees to PhDs. It also offers a robust selection of online degree programs in expanding fields like accounting, business, and nursing.

Franklin University is built for working adults, allowing students who join the workforce right after their senior year of high school to still work towards earning their degree. It boasts flexible start dates, evening support, and varying course lengths to fit school into your life.

Average GPA accepted: not required

Acceptance rate: 100%

In-state tuition: $398 per credit hour

Out-of-state tuition: same as in-state tuition

7. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is known for its robust online programs, but it also offers a variety of in-person degree programs in fields such as accounting, English, psychology, and more.

SNHU's application is completely free, and they look for students who are well-rounded with a variety of interests both academic and extracurricular. This makes the application friendly to students with a lower GPA, who can share their strengths and passions with the admissions department.

Average GPA accepted: not required

Acceptance rate: 96.4%

In-state tuition: $330 per credit hour

Out-of-state tuition: same as in-state tuition

8. University of Massachusetts Global

The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Global offers many online degree programs, including bachelor's degrees in criminal justice, early childhood education, social work, and more. UMass Global welcomes both domestic and international students.

For students applying with a GPA less than 2.0, a student success strategies course is required, which is designed to help them improve their study habits and ensure academic success.

Average GPA accepted: not required

Acceptance rate: 93%

In-state tuition: $500 per credit

Out-of-state tuition: same as in-state tuition

9. William Paterson University

William Paterson University is a public university in Wayne, NJ, offering online and on-campus degrees with no GPA requirement. Areas of study include niche subjects such as actuarial science, digital music creation, and jazz studies, as well as mainstream degrees like accounting, business, and sociology.

The Career Development Center at William Paterson University helps students with resume building, internships, and career counseling to develop a post-graduation plan. The library also offers individualized research meetings to help students meet their academic goals.

Average GPA accepted: not required

Acceptance rate: 91.5%

In-state tuition: $7,852 per semester

Out-of-state tuition: $12,422 per semester

How We Rank Schools

We have a rigorous selection process for determining the best schools for students with a low GPA. Our criteria include:

• Accreditation: All schools featured on Learn.org have received either regional or national accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• GPA requirement: This list comprises only colleges that accept a 1.8 GPA and allow students with a low high school GPA to apply. The admissions process for these schools typically focuses more on extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores.
• Acceptance rates: We chose schools with high acceptance rates to feature on this list. There are even some colleges that accept everyone and have a 100% acceptance rate.

College Admissions for Students With a 1.8 GPA

College admissions can be challenging for students with a 1.8 GPA. Many institutions set GPA requirements of at least 2.0, potentially barring students with a 1.8 average from applying.

However, many colleges and universities no longer require GPA submission as part of their application process, such as the ones listed above. Many community colleges also do not require GPA submission. Additionally, submitting your ACT or SAT scores can help bolster your application if you have a lower GPA but do well on standardized tests.

Colleges have been shifting away from data-driven application processes and focusing more on students as a whole. Many of them look not only at grades and test scores but also at volunteer work, community service, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.

Having a lower GPA doesn't mean you can't pursue a higher education at an accredited institution. All the schools listed above accept applications from students with a 1.8 GPA.

How Can You Improve a Below-Average GPA?

A 1.8 GPA is below the national average, which is approximately 3.1. However, there are several ways to improve a below-average GPA.

Building study habits is one of the best ways to improve your GPA. Some helpful study habits include:

• creating a structured schedule and a designated space in which to study
• utilizing online resources such as quizzing websites, online tutoring, and study apps
• reaching out to school staff such as teachers, guidance counselors, and librarians for additional help

These study habits can help you improve your GPA before college. Many universities also offer free resources, such as peer tutoring, to help you stay on track academically.

FAQs About Colleges Accepting Students With Low GPAs

Some colleges will not accept students with low GPAs; others may withhold financial aid such as scholarships. These are some of the most frequently asked questions about applying to college with a low GPA:

Is a 1.8 GPA Good in College?

A 1.8 GPA is considered low in college. Many merit-based scholarships have GPA requirements above a 1.8, meaning that having a 1.8 GPA would make you ineligible.

Many universities have GPA requirements throughout undergrad and graduate school, so it's important to build study habits and access academic resources to keep your GPA up.

What Is Considered a Low GPA?

Anything below a 3.0 is considered a low GPA by most universities. However, some have more lenient requirements or open admissions policies, allowing students with low GPAs to apply.

Many colleges are transitioning to a more holistic approach to admissions, now factoring in extracurricular activities such as volunteer work, community service, athletics, or clubs when deciding whether to admit a prospective student.

Should You Address a Low GPA in Your College Application?

A low GPA should only be addressed in your college application if it is a result of a considerable extracurricular strain. For example, if your low GPA is due to illness, injury, or a significant trial in your personal life, that could be addressed in a personal statement.

However, if your low GPA is simply a result of poor academic performance, it may be better to focus more on your positive attributes rather than explaining them.

Discover Accredited Degree Programs

Attending an accredited degree program with a 1.8 GPA is possible if you find the right university. The institutions above all have lenient enrollment requirements and flexible applications, allowing students with a lower high school GPA to apply.

You can find more accredited degree programs that have low GPA requirements here on Learn.org.