Is a 2.8 GPA Good? Best Colleges That Accept a 2.8 GPA

College applications can be stressful for any high school student, especially ones who might have a lower GPA score. A 2.8 GPA is considered slightly below average and can make the application process more difficult than it would be for a student with a higher GPA.

Community colleges are a great option for first-year college students — and many offer bachelor's degrees. However, community colleges don't always offer the same variety as four-year institutions. Still, many undergraduates choose to become transfer students after bolstering their GPAs and academic records.

For students who want to jump right into a four-year institution, there are many colleges that accept low GPAs. Explore some of them listed below, as well as helpful tips to boost your GPA and FAQs about college admissions with a low GPA.

What Is a 2.8 GPA?

A GPA (grade point average) allows high schools and colleges to assign a numerical value to students' academic performance. GPAs are measured on a scale of one to four, with one being the lowest possible grade (F) and a four being the highest possible grade (A+).

A 2.8 GPA equals a B- and is just below the national average of 3.11. Many high school students, especially those in their senior year, should pay close attention to their GPA, as colleges may have admissions requirements that specify the high school GPA they want their applicants to have.

There are many colleges for B students that have quality programs both in-person and online. Below, we've ranked some of the best colleges that accept a 2.8 GPA.

Colleges That Accept a 2.8 GPA

These colleges accept a 2.8 GPA, which is equivalent to a B- letter grade. Some are traditional four-year, in-person universities, while others offer online bachelor's degrees.

1. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University offers over 100 bachelor's degrees ranging from agricultural science to numerous world languages. There are many niche degrees, such as zoology and textile engineering, as well as broader subjects like computer science and business administration.

Students with a 2.5 GPA or above are encouraged to apply. Test score submission is optional for students with a 2.8 GPA or above.

Average GPA accepted: 2.5

Acceptance rate: 42%

In-state tuition: $8,986 per academic year

Out-of-state tuition: $33,034 per academic year

2. New England College

New England College is located in New Hampshire and offers various bachelor's degrees, including accounting, education, and nursing. Many programs are offered online or with low residency requirements.

While tuition at New England College is steep, many students receive both need-based and merit-based scholarships. Students also have access to mentors, peer success coaches, and academic assistance to help them achieve their academic goals.

Average GPA accepted: not required for application

Acceptance rate: 96%

In-state tuition: $41,584 per academic year

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

3. Texas A&M International University

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) allows students to study at a world-renowned university without having to leave their home state. There are over 50 fully online bachelor's degrees offered, including communication, marketing, and public health.

TAMIU's Academic Center for Excellence offers free tutoring services, academic advising, and peer-led supplemental instruction. This ensures that students have the necessary resources to complete their coursework and earn their degrees, no matter where they study.

Average GPA accepted: 2.0

Acceptance rate: 62%

In-state tuition: $9,448 per academic year

Out-of-state tuition: $23,882 per academic year

4. University of Alaska Anchorage

University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) has many bachelor's degree options, including anthropology, engineering, and psychology. It also offers a variety of associate degrees, such as air traffic control, early childhood development, and nursing.

UAA provides academic advising and career counseling. Students can also join academic support groups and clubs.

Average GPA accepted: 2.5

Acceptance rate: 65%

In-state tuition: $6,960 per academic year

Out-of-state tuition: $21,360 per academic year

5. Central State University

Central State University, located in Ohio, offers online and in-person bachelor's degrees, including accounting, education, social work, and more. There are several minors with which to supplement your degree, such as Africana studies, creative writing, and pre-law.

Central State University students have access to academic coaching, supplemental instruction, and a robust career pathways network after graduation.

Average GPA accepted: 2.2

Acceptance rate: 89%

In-state tuition: $2,931 per semester

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

6. Clayton State University

Clayton State University, located in Georgia, emphasizes experiential higher education and takes a holistic, hands-on approach to coursework. Undergraduate degrees include biology, information technology, music, and more.

While Clayton State University does require SAT/ACT score submission, the requirements are quite lenient. A passing test score also lowers a student's necessary GPA requirement.

Average GPA accepted: 2.0 with a passing test score, 3.0 without one

Acceptance rate: 56%

In-state tuition: $5,220 per academic year

Out-of-state tuition: $19,410 per academic year

7. University of Arizona Global Campus

The University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) affords students the chance to study at a well-known institution from anywhere in the world. Bachelor's degree offerings include education, business, healthcare, and more.

Student success initiatives include mentorship programs, academic advising, career development planning, and academic clubs.

Average GPA accepted: 2.0

Acceptance rate: 100%

In-state tuition: $460 per credit

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

8. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global (CSUG) offers numerous bachelor's degrees in sought-after fields such as business management, computer science, and organizational leadership. Students can add a specialization to their degree, many of which are technology and engineering-focused.

CSUG offers many of the same student support services as a brick-and-mortar institution, including a writing center, library assistance, career development services, and more.

Average GPA accepted: 2.8

Acceptance rate: 97%

In-state tuition: $375 per credit

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

9. Strayer University

Strayer University offers a handful of high-quality online degree programs in STEM fields such as accounting, business administration, and information technology. Many offer specializations, including public health, hospitality and tourism management, and data analytics.

Classes are semi-accelerated at 11 weeks rather than the traditional 16, allowing students to potentially finish their degrees faster. Robust student services such as tutoring and career coaching make Strayer University friendly for working adults who still want to earn their degrees.

Average GPA accepted: 2.5

Acceptance rate: 100%

In-state tuition: $1,525 per course

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

How We Rank Schools

Learn.org has a specific set of criteria for ranking schools. We look for the following standards to determine the quality of an institution:

• Accreditation: All universities and colleges featured on this list are accredited by either a regional or national accrediting body. This marks them as legitimate and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• GPA requirement: All schools listed above have a GPA requirement that is friendly toward students with a 2.8 GPA. Some, such as New England College, have no GPA requirement for incoming students.
• Acceptance rates: Many institutions listed above have high acceptance rates, and some even offer open enrollment. UAGC and Strayer University both accept 100% of qualifying applicants.

College Admissions Process for 2.8-GPA Students

Applying to college with a 2.8 GPA can be difficult, as many well-known universities have strict requirements for incoming students. Many universities want their students to have a GPA that is at or above the national average, which is 3.11.

However, many admissions officers are moving away from data-driven processes and now prefer to take a holistic look at a prospective student. This means that extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal statements are becoming increasingly important in the admissions process.

Having a well-rounded application can bolster your chances of getting into your dream school, even with a lower GPA. However, there are ways to improve your GPA while still in high school.

Strategies To Improve Slightly Below-Average GPAs

The best way to improve a slightly below-average GPA before the college admissions process is to use various helpful study tools. Some of the best study tools include:

• taking advantage of tutoring resources
• creating or joining a study group
• practicing time management and organizational skills
• utilizing online resources (e.g., study apps, practice tests, and tutorial videos)

These study habits can help students boost their GPAs and their overall academic performance, which can make the college application process less stressful and restrictive.

FAQs About College Applications for Students With Low GPAs

College applications with a low GPA can be tricky, as some schools have set GPA requirements. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about applying to college with a 2.8 GPA.

Is a 2.8 GPA Good?

A 2.8 GPA is slightly below the national average of 3.1. It isn't necessarily bad, but having this GPA means that you may be restricted to what colleges you can apply to.

All of the schools listed above accept students with a 2.8 GPA, but may have some additional requirements such as SAT scores, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities.

What Are the Common GPA Admissions Requirements for Graduate Schools?

Many graduate schools require a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, though some lower the requirement to 2.5 or even 2.0. Online programs are known to be more lenient with their admission requirements.

The universities listed above all offer free study resources such as tutoring, peer mentoring, and academic counseling to help students improve their GPAs and prepare for graduate school applications.

What Is the Lowest GPA a College Will Accept?

The lowest GPA most colleges will accept is 2.0, though some accept students with GPAs as low as 1.5

It's important to remember that your GPA is not everything, and many admissions committees are now taking a holistic approach to their decision-making. Extracurricular activities, community service, personal statements, and letters of recommendation are all ways to bolster your application if you have a low GPA.

Discover Online Bachelor's Degrees

Many high-quality colleges accept a 2.8 GPA. Many institutions are shifting away from data-driven applications and focusing on how well-rounded their prospective students are. Online universities are generally more forgiving with their GPA requirements and are a good option for students with a lower GPA.

Many universities listed above offer online bachelor's degrees for students with a 2.8 GPA or above. Discover more about bachelor's degrees online here on Learn.org.