10 Law Schools That Accept a 2.8 GPA

Applying to law school with a 2.8 GPA can still feel intimidating, especially when many schools report median GPAs above 3.0. However, some law schools that accept a low GPA may consider applicants with strong LSAT scores, leadership experience, upward academic trends, or compelling personal statements through holistic admissions reviews.

Compared to students with lower GPAs, applicants researching law schools that accept a 2.8 GPA may have access to a broader range of ABA-accredited programs. Below, we’ll go over what your admissions chances may look like with a 2.8 GPA, which schools may be more flexible, and how you can strengthen your law school application.

Can You Get Into Law School With a 2.8 GPA?

It may be possible to get into law school with a 2.8 GPA, especially if you apply strategically and perform well on the LSAT. While a 2.8 GPA is still below the median at many law schools, some programs use holistic admissions processes that review applicants based on more than grades alone.

Applicants with a 2.8 GPA may improve their chances by demonstrating strengths in other areas, including:

• LSAT performance
• work experience
• leadership roles
• military service
• recommendation letters
• personal statements
• graduate coursework
• upward grade trends

Some schools are especially open to splitter applicants, meaning students with lower GPAs but stronger LSAT scores. A competitive LSAT score may help demonstrate analytical reasoning and academic readiness for law school coursework.

Students with a 2.8 GPA may also have more options than applicants with lower undergraduate GPAs, particularly at regional law schools with broader admissions ranges. Applying broadly and researching schools carefully can help you find programs that align with your academic background and career goals.

Law Schools That Accept a 2.8 GPA

All of the schools below are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), which is important for students planning to take the bar exam after graduation. While admissions can still be competitive with a 2.8 GPA, these schools may consider applicants with strong LSAT scores, professional experience, upward grade trends, or other strengths through holistic admissions reviews.

1. Drake University Law School

Drake University Law School is located in Des Moines, Iowa, and Drake University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and considered one of the top schools in the Des Moines area. The law school offers a practical legal education focused on experiential learning, advocacy training, and professional development opportunities throughout the Midwest legal market.

The school follows a holistic admissions process that reviews LSAT scores, leadership experience, work history, and recommendation letters alongside GPA. Students with a 2.8 GPA may find Drake University Law School more accessible than many highly selective regional law schools, especially when paired with a strong LSAT score.

2. Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Mitchell Hamline School of Law is located in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is known for flexible JD pathways designed for working adults, part-time students, and nontraditional learners. The school’s hybrid and part-time options may appeal to students who want a more accessible, easier law degree program while balancing other responsibilities.

The school is institutionally accredited by the HLC. Mitchell Hamline School of Law uses a holistic admissions process that considers LSAT scores, professional background, personal statements, and academic trends in addition to GPA.

3. Roger Williams University School of Law

Roger Williams University School of Law offers a legal education focused on experiential learning, advocacy training, and regional networking opportunities throughout New England. The school uses a holistic admissions review process that considers LSAT scores, leadership experience, recommendation letters, and personal achievements alongside GPA.

The school is located in Bristol, Rhode Island, and Roger Williams University is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Students with a 2.8 GPA may find the school more accessible than many highly selective Northeast law programs, particularly when paired with strong application materials.

4. Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School

Southern Illinois University is institutionally accredited by the HLC. Simmons Law School follows a holistic admissions process that reviews LSAT performance, work experience, leadership background, and personal statements alongside undergraduate GPA.

The school is located in Carbondale, Illinois, and has historically reported lower median admissions statistics than many ABA-accredited law schools. Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School may appeal to students looking for a public law school with smaller class sizes and a more accessible admissions profile.

5. St. Mary’s University School of Law

St. Mary’s University School of Law is located in San Antonio, Texas, and St. Mary’s University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The law school emphasizes advocacy, experiential learning, and practical legal training through clinics, externships, and professional development opportunities.

The school uses a holistic admissions process that may consider LSAT scores, work experience, recommendation letters, and leadership background alongside GPA. Students with a 2.8 GPA may find the school more accessible than many highly selective Texas law schools.

6. Suffolk University Law School

Suffolk University Law School is located in Boston, Massachusetts, and offers strong access to internships, clinics, and networking opportunities throughout the city’s legal market. The school follows a holistic admissions process that reviews LSAT scores, leadership experience, recommendation letters, and personal statements alongside GPA.

Suffolk University is institutionally accredited by the NECHE. Students with a 2.8 GPA and strong application materials may find Suffolk University Law School more accessible than many highly selective Northeast law programs, particularly when paired with competitive LSAT scores. The program here is also one of the fastest online law degree options.

7. University of Dayton School of Law

University of Dayton School of Law offers flexible JD pathways that may appeal to working adults and nontraditional students balancing school with professional or family responsibilities. The school uses a holistic admissions review process that considers LSAT scores, work experience, leadership background, and academic trends in addition to GPA.

The school is one of the best colleges in Dayton, Ohio, and the University of Dayton is institutionally accredited by the HLC. University of Dayton School of Law may be a practical option for students with a 2.8 GPA who are looking for flexible scheduling and a supportive academic environment.

8. University of La Verne College of Law and Public Service

University of La Verne College of Law and Public Service emphasizes practical legal training, public service, and smaller class sizes that may appeal to students seeking a more personalized law school experience. The school follows a holistic admissions process that reviews LSAT scores, recommendation letters, leadership background, and personal achievements alongside GPA.

The school is located in Ontario, California, and the University of La Verne is institutionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Students with a 2.8 GPA may find the school more accessible than many larger California law programs, especially with strong LSAT performance and application materials.

9. University of North Dakota School of Law

University of North Dakota School of Law is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and the University of North Dakota is institutionally accredited by the HLC. The law school offers a public legal education with smaller class sizes, practical training opportunities, and strong regional connections throughout the Upper Midwest.

The school uses a holistic admissions process that considers LSAT scores, work experience, recommendation letters, and leadership background alongside GPA. Students with a 2.8 GPA may find the school more accessible than many larger public law schools, particularly when paired with competitive LSAT scores.

10. University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law

University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law is located in Vermillion, South Dakota, and offers a public legal education focused on practical training, advocacy skills, and regional legal practice opportunities. The school may appeal to students with a 2.8 GPA who also demonstrate strong LSAT performance, leadership experience, or upward academic trends.

The University of South Dakota is institutionally accredited by the HLC. Knudson School of Law combines experiential learning opportunities with smaller class sizes and academic support resources designed to help students prepare for legal careers after graduation.

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 look at the following criteria for law schools:

• 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, median GPA and LSAT ranges, holistic review practices, and application requirements to identify schools that may be more accessible to applicants with lower GPAs.
• Online availability: We consider whether schools offer hybrid JD pathways, flexible scheduling, part-time enrollment options, or online coursework that may support working adults and nontraditional students.
• Student outcomes: We review factors such as bar preparation resources, experiential learning opportunities, academic support services, and career development programs 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 on the schools you apply to and how competitive those programs are. Many top-ranked law schools report median undergraduate GPAs between about 3.7 and 3.9, while regional and access-focused programs may admit students with GPAs closer to the 2.8 to 3.3 range.

A 2.8 GPA is still below the median at many ABA-accredited law schools, but it may be competitive at some programs when paired with a strong LSAT score and a well-rounded application. Many law schools use holistic admissions reviews that consider:

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

Applicants with lower GPAs but stronger LSAT scores are often called splitters. Some schools are known for being more splitter-friendly than others, particularly regional law schools with broader admissions ranges and holistic review processes.

Can You Get Financial Aid With a 2.8 GPA?

Students with a 2.8 GPA may still qualify for financial aid to help pay for a law degree. Most ABA-accredited law schools participate in federal financial aid programs, allowing eligible students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for federal student loans and some need-based assistance.

Students with a 2.8 GPA may also qualify for merit scholarships, especially when paired with strong LSAT scores. Some law schools place significant weight on LSAT performance when awarding scholarships because those scores can affect rankings and bar passage projections.

Additional financial aid opportunities may include:

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

Students should also review scholarship renewal requirements carefully. Some merit scholarships require maintaining a minimum GPA after enrollment, which can affect long-term affordability and academic planning.

Tips for Getting Into Law School With a 2.8 GPA

Students with a 2.8 GPA may have more law school options than applicants with lower undergraduate GPAs, but building a strong application is still important. Many students who get into law school with a low GPA strengthen other parts of their application to remain competitive during admissions reviews.

One of the most important steps is earning a strong LSAT score. A competitive LSAT score may help demonstrate analytical reasoning and academic readiness, especially at schools that place significant weight on test performance.

Applicants can also improve their chances by:

• writing a compelling personal statement
• explaining academic struggles through a GPA addendum
• gaining professional or leadership experience
• taking additional coursework
• securing strong recommendation letters
• applying broadly to schools with holistic admissions reviews

Researching schools carefully can also make a difference. Some regional programs and schools known for flexible admissions policies are often discussed among the easiest law schools to get into for splitter applicants with lower GPAs and stronger LSAT scores.

Finally, apply strategically and keep expectations realistic. While a 2.8 GPA may open more doors than lower GPA ranges, highly selective law schools may still be difficult to access without exceptional LSAT scores or significant professional accomplishments.

FAQs About Law Schools That Accept a 2.8 GPA

Students applying to law school with a 2.8 GPA often have questions about admissions standards, LSAT expectations, and career opportunities after graduation. Below, we’ll go over some of the most common questions students ask when researching law schools that accept a 2.8 GPA.

Can You Get Into Law School With a 2.8 GPA?

Many students with a 2.8 GPA may still qualify for admission at ABA-accredited law schools, especially when paired with strong LSAT scores and a well-rounded application. Some schools use holistic admissions reviews that consider work experience, leadership, recommendation letters, and academic improvement alongside GPA.

Applicants with a 2.8 GPA often have more options than students with lower undergraduate GPAs. Applying strategically and targeting schools with broader admissions ranges may improve your chances of acceptance.

What LSAT Score Do You Need With a 2.8 GPA?

The LSAT score you need with a 2.8 GPA depends on the schools you apply to and how competitive those programs are. In many cases, students with lower GPAs may improve their admissions chances by earning LSAT scores above a school’s median range.

A strong LSAT score may help demonstrate academic readiness and analytical reasoning skills. Schools known for holistic admissions or splitter-friendly policies may place greater emphasis on LSAT performance than GPA alone.

Is the LSAT Required for Law School?

Many ABA-accredited law schools still require the LSAT, but some programs now accept GRE scores or offer limited test-flexible admissions options. A growing number of law schools that don't require the LSAT have expanded admissions pathways for students seeking alternatives to traditional law school entrance exams.

Even at schools that accept GRE scores, strong LSAT performance may still help applicants with lower GPAs remain competitive. Students should review admissions requirements carefully before applying to individual programs.

What Can You Do With a JD?

There are many things you can do with a JD beyond becoming a practicing attorney. While many graduates pursue careers in criminal law, litigation, family law, or corporate law, others work in business, compliance, consulting, education, government, or nonprofit leadership.

A Juris Doctor (JD) degree may also support careers in mediation, contract management, human resources, politics, or legal research. Career outcomes often depend on bar passage, internships, networking opportunities, and professional experience gained during law school.

Are Hybrid Law Programs Worth It?

Hybrid law programs may be worth considering for students who need more flexibility while earning their degrees. These programs combine online coursework with in-person learning experiences, which may help working adults and nontraditional students balance school with other responsibilities.

Many ABA-approved hybrid law programs award the same JD credential as traditional on-campus programs. Students should still review factors such as bar passage rates, academic support services, internship opportunities, and residency requirements before enrolling.

Discover 2.8 Law Schools

Start your path toward law school, regardless of your GPA, by exploring the accessible law programs highlighted on Learn.org. To find out more about admissions requirements and processes, reach out to specific schools directly.