10 Law Schools That Accept a 2.0 GPA

Getting into law school with a low GPA can feel overwhelming, especially when many programs report median GPAs well above 3.0. Still, some law schools that accept low GPA students may consider applicants with weaker academic records if they also show strong LSAT scores, professional experience, upward grade trends, or compelling personal statements.

While getting into one of the law schools that accept a 2.0 is not easy, it may still be possible through schools that use holistic admissions reviews. Below, we’ll go over what a 2.0 GPA means for law school admissions, which programs may be more flexible, and how you can strengthen your application before applying.

Can You Get Into Law School With a 2.0 GPA?

Getting into law school with a 2.0 GPA may be possible, but your options will likely be more limited than applicants with stronger academic records. Most ABA-accredited law schools report median undergraduate GPAs between about 3.3 and 3.9, meaning a 2.0 GPA falls well below the average range for admitted students. Because of that, applicants with lower GPAs often need to strengthen other parts of their application.

A high LSAT score can help offset a lower GPA at some schools, especially those known for holistic admissions or splitter-friendly policies. Law schools may also consider factors like:

• work experience
• military service
• graduate coursework
• community involvement
• recommendation letters
• personal statements
• addenda explaining past academic struggles

Some schools place more emphasis on LSAT scores because those scores factor heavily into law school rankings and bar passage predictions. That does not mean GPA stops mattering, but it can give applicants with a 2.0 another pathway to demonstrate academic potential. Students who have a low GPA but a higher-than-average LSAT score are often referred to as “splitters.”

You should also keep expectations realistic. Admission with a 2.0 GPA is competitive, even at more flexible schools. Applying broadly, improving your LSAT score, and targeting schools with lower GPA medians can improve your chances of acceptance.

Law Schools That Accept a 2.0 GPA

All of the schools below are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), which is important because ABA accreditation is required to sit for the bar exam in most states. While these schools may still be competitive, they are known for holistic admissions processes, broader GPA ranges, or flexibility for applicants with strong LSAT scores and nontraditional backgrounds.

1. Appalachian School of Law

Appalachian School of Law is located in Grundy, Virginia, and the school is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The law school uses a holistic admissions process that reviews LSAT scores, recommendation letters, work history, and personal background alongside GPA, which may help applicants with weaker undergraduate academic records remain competitive.

The school has historically reported lower median admissions statistics than many ABA-accredited law schools, making it a possible option for splitter applicants. Appalachian School of Law also emphasizes practical legal training through clinics, externships, and community-focused learning opportunities in a smaller campus environment.

2. Charleston School of Law

Charleston School of Law is located in Charleston, South Carolina, and offers a legal education centered on experiential learning, professional development, and access to regional legal networks. Students with lower GPAs may still be considered if they demonstrate potential through LSAT scores, leadership experience, or strong application materials.

The school is institutionally accredited by the SACSCOC. Charleston School of Law follows a holistic admissions review process rather than relying entirely on GPA cutoffs, which may make it a realistic option for some students searching for law schools that accept a 2.0 GPA.

3. Mitchell Hamline School of Law—

Mitchell Hamline School of Law offers flexible legal education pathways that may appeal to working adults and nontraditional students. The school is known for its blended and part-time JD options, and admissions staff review applications holistically by considering LSAT scores, professional experience, academic trends, and personal statements alongside GPA.

Hamline University is one of the best universities in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Mitchell Hamline School of Law may be a practical option for applicants with lower GPAs who want flexible scheduling and a school that considers more than undergraduate grades alone during the admissions process.

4. North Carolina Central University School of Law—

North Carolina Central University School of Law is institutionally accredited by the SACSCOC. The law school follows a holistic admissions process that considers LSAT performance, leadership experience, community involvement, recommendation letters, and personal statements in addition to GPA.

The school is located in Durham, North Carolina, and has a long history of expanding access to legal education through its public-service mission. While admission with a 2.0 GPA would still be highly competitive, applicants with strong LSAT scores or compelling backgrounds may find the school more accessible than many highly selective law programs, as it’s considered one of the easier law schools to get into.

5. Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School

Southern Illinois University (SIU) Simmons Law School is located in Carbondale, Illinois, and SIU is institutionally accredited by the HLC. The law school has historically reported lower median admissions statistics than many ABA-accredited law schools and may consider applicants with lower GPAs through a holistic admissions process.

The school places value on factors beyond undergraduate grades, including LSAT scores, work experience, leadership, and personal background. Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School may especially appeal to students looking for a public law school with a regional focus and smaller class sizes.

6. Southern University Law Center—

Southern University Law Center is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and is one of the more affordable public law schools on this list. The school has a mission centered on expanding access to legal education and may consider applicants with lower GPAs through a holistic admissions review process that also weighs LSAT scores, leadership, work experience, and community involvement.

Southern University and A&M College is institutionally accredited by the SACSCOC. It’s a historically Black university (HBCU), and one of the fastest-growing HBCUs in the country. Southern University Law Center may be a strong option for students looking for law schools that accept low GPA students while also offering the benefits of a public university environment.

7. St. Mary’s University School of Law

St. Mary’s University School of Law offers a legal education focused on advocacy, practical training, and professional development. Applicants with lower undergraduate GPAs may still be considered if they present strong LSAT scores, compelling personal statements, or professional accomplishments that strengthen their overall application.

The school is located in San Antonio, Texas, and St. Mary’s University is institutionally accredited by the SACSCOC. St. Mary’s University School of Law has historically maintained a more accessible admissions profile than many Texas law schools, which may make it worth considering for splitter applicants.

8. Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law—

Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law is institutionally accredited by the SACSCOC. The law school uses a holistic admissions process that reviews LSAT scores, academic trends, leadership experience, recommendation letters, and personal background alongside GPA.

The school is located in Houston, Texas, and is known for its focus on public service and access to legal education. While applicants with a 2.0 GPA still face competitive admissions odds, strong LSAT performance and a compelling application may help students remain competitive at schools like Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

9. University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law—

University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law is located in Washington, D.C., and the University of the District of Columbia is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The law school is known for its public-interest mission and holistic admissions process, which may help applicants with lower GPAs remain competitive when paired with strong LSAT scores, work experience, or community involvement.

The school places a strong emphasis on practical training, clinical education, and serving underrepresented communities. Students looking for law schools that accept low GPA students may find the school’s access-oriented approach appealing, especially if they have strengths in other parts of their application. The University of the District of Columbia is also one of the best colleges in Washington, D.C.

10. Western Michigan University Cooley Law School—

Western Michigan University Cooley Law School is located in Lansing, Michigan, and has historically been known for broader admissions flexibility than many ABA-accredited law schools. The school may consider applicants with lower GPAs through a holistic review process that also weighs LSAT scores, professional experience, recommendation letters, and personal statements.

Western Michigan University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). While applicants with a 2.0 GPA still face a competitive admissions process, Cooley Law School has historically reported wider GPA ranges than many law schools, making it one of the more commonly discussed options for splitter applicants.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. We also focus on:

• Accreditation: We prioritize schools and universities that hold institutional accreditation from recognized accrediting agencies. All law schools included on this list are also approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
• Admissions requirements: We review admissions policies, holistic review practices, LSAT expectations, and application requirements to identify schools that may consider applicants with lower undergraduate GPAs.
• Online availability: We consider whether schools offer flexible scheduling options, hybrid coursework, part-time programs, or online learning opportunities that may help working students complete their degrees.
• Student outcomes: We review factors such as bar passage information, academic support services, experiential learning opportunities, and career preparation resources available to law students.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Average GPA Do You Need for Law School?

The average GPA you need for law school depends heavily on the type of school you apply to. Many highly selective law schools report median undergraduate GPAs between about 3.7 and 3.9, while regional or access-focused programs may admit students with GPAs closer to the 2.5 to 3.2 range. Applicants with a 2.0 GPA are typically well below the median at most ABA-accredited law schools, which can make admission more competitive.

Still, GPA is only one part of the admissions process. Some schools place significant weight on LSAT scores, especially when reviewing splitter applicants with low GPAs and strong test performance. Law schools may also review:

• personal statements
• recommendation letters
• work experience
• military service
• leadership activities
• graduate coursework
• upward academic trends

A strong LSAT score can sometimes help offset a lower GPA because it may demonstrate academic readiness for law school coursework. Applicants with a 2.0 GPA often improve their chances by applying broadly, targeting schools with holistic admissions policies, and explaining any academic challenges through an addendum.

Can You Get Financial Aid With a 2.0 GPA?

Students with lower GPAs may still qualify for financial aid, including federal aid, institutional grants, and some scholarships for students with a 2.0 GPA. Most law schools participate in federal financial aid programs, meaning eligible students can typically submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal student loans and some need-based assistance.

Merit scholarships can be more competitive for applicants with lower GPAs, but strong LSAT scores may help offset weaker undergraduate grades at some schools. Certain law schools award scholarships heavily based on LSAT performance because those scores can impact rankings and bar passage projections.

You may also find financial aid opportunities through:

• state grant programs
• diversity scholarships
• first-generation student scholarships
• employer tuition assistance
• military and veteran benefits
• nonprofit legal organizations

Students should also pay attention to scholarship renewal requirements. Some law school scholarships require maintaining a certain GPA after enrollment, which can affect long-term affordability.

Tips for Getting Into Law School With a 2.0 GPA

Getting into law school with a 2.0 GPA can be difficult, but there are ways to strengthen your application and improve your chances of admission. Applicants with lower GPAs often need to show admissions committees that they are academically prepared for the demands of law school.

One of the most important steps is earning the strongest LSAT score possible. A high LSAT score may help balance a lower GPA and demonstrate critical thinking, reading comprehension, and analytical skills. Some schools are more willing to consider lower GPAs when applicants perform well on the LSAT.

You can also strengthen your application by:

• writing a strong personal statement
• submitting an academic addendum explaining past grades
• gaining professional or leadership experience
• taking additional college or graduate-level coursework
• securing strong recommendation letters
• applying to schools with holistic admissions reviews

Applying strategically also matters. Schools with lower median GPA ranges, smaller class sizes, or missions centered on expanding access to legal education may be more open to considering applicants with nontraditional academic backgrounds.

Finally, keep expectations realistic and apply broadly. Admission with a 2.0 GPA is never guaranteed, even at schools known for flexible admissions. Building a balanced application and targeting schools carefully can improve your chances of finding a program that fits your goals.

FAQs About Law Schools That Accept a 2.0 GPA

Applying to law school with a low GPA can raise a lot of questions about admissions, financial aid, and career opportunities. Below, we’ll go over some of the most common questions students ask when researching law schools that accept a 2.0 GPA.

Can You Get Into Law School With a 2.0 GPA?

Yes, it may be possible to get into law school with a 2.0 GPA, but admission is usually very competitive. Applicants with lower GPAs often need strong LSAT scores, compelling personal statements, professional experience, or other strengths to remain competitive during holistic admissions reviews.

Some law schools place more weight on LSAT scores than others, especially when evaluating splitter applicants. Applying broadly and targeting schools with lower median GPA ranges may improve your chances of acceptance.

What LSAT Score Do You Need With a 2.0 GPA?

There is no universal LSAT score requirement for applicants with a 2.0 GPA because admissions standards vary by school. In many cases, students with lower GPAs may need higher LSAT scores to offset weaker undergraduate academic performance.

A strong LSAT score may help demonstrate analytical reasoning and reading comprehension skills that law schools value. Competitive LSAT scores for splitter applicants often fall above a school’s median LSAT range, though exact expectations depend on the program.

Can You Get Into Law School With a High GPA and Low LSAT?

Some students with strong GPAs and weaker LSAT scores still get accepted to law school. These applicants are often called reverse splitters because their GPA is stronger than their LSAT performance.

Some schools place more emphasis on undergraduate academic consistency, coursework difficulty, or personal achievements than test scores alone. In recent years, a growing number of law schools that don't require the LSAT have also expanded admissions flexibility by accepting GRE scores or offering test-optional pathways in limited situations.

What Can You Do With a JD?

There are many career paths you can do with a JD beyond becoming a practicing attorney. While many graduates pursue careers in litigation, criminal law, corporate law, or public defense, others work in business, compliance, government, education, human resources, or nonprofit leadership.

A Juris Doctor (JD) degree may also help graduates qualify for careers in mediation, consulting, contract management, politics, or legal research. Career outcomes can vary based on bar passage, work experience, internships, and the school you attend.

Are Online or Hybrid Law Schools Easier To Get Into?

Online and hybrid law schools are not necessarily easier to get into, but some programs may offer more flexibility for working adults and nontraditional students. Hybrid programs can sometimes attract applicants with broader academic and professional backgrounds because they are designed for students balancing work, family, or other responsibilities.

Even so, ABA-approved online and hybrid JD programs still maintain admissions standards and academic requirements. Students should carefully review bar passage data, accreditation status, and residency requirements before choosing an online or hybrid law program.

Discover 2.0 Law Schools

Start your journey toward law school, even with a low GPA, by exploring the accessible options highlighted on Learn.org. To find out more about admissions requirements and policies, contact specific law schools individually.