10 Best Colleges That Accept 2.5 GPA in 2025
High school students with lower GPAs still have many college opportunities. We explore top schools for students with a 2.5 GPA, detailing admissions criteria, acceptance rates, and more.
Earning a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) doesn't have to set back your college plans. There are plenty of quality universities that accept a 2.5 GPA. These schools offer a valuable education to prepare students for the workforce and may include student success services, including tutoring, writing help, and more.
Keep reading to learn about the top colleges that accept a 2.5 GPA. We'll discuss acceptance rates, admissions criteria, and other unique features of colleges for C students.
Best Colleges That Accept a 2.5 GPA
If you're looking for colleges that accept a lower GPA, you're in luck. We found colleges that accept a 2.5 GPA and offer a comprehensive learning experience. Whether you're looking for an in-person or online program, many opportunities are available across the U.S. In this list, we explore universities that accept a 2.5 GPA and have high acceptance rates.
1. Liberty University
Liberty University is a private Christian institution in Virginia that offers in-person and fully online degree paths. The GPA requirements are modest � students need only a 2.0 to enroll in a bachelor's degree program on campus and a 2.5 for an online program.
The school boasts a 99% acceptance rate and a low tuition rate of $390 per credit hour. Students also benefit from the support services, including online writing help and academic advising.
2. Montana State University
At Montana State University in Bozeman, students only need a 2.5 GPA for acceptance. The school also doesn't require SAT or ACT test scores to be considered for admissions, and according to the U.S. Department of Education, it has a 73% acceptance rate.
For resident undergraduates, tuition is $8,460 per academic year; non-residents pay $33,288. Most undergraduate programs are in-person, except for a single bachelor's completion program in liberal studies; however, close to a dozen master's degrees are available online.
3. Southern University at New Orleans
Southern University at New Orleans is one of many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). It requires a minimum GPA of 2.0. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the school offers various undergraduate degree programs on campus and online.
About 97% of applicants are admitted into the school, according to the U.S. Department of Education Scorecard. Tuition for online undergraduates is $375 per credit hour and around $334 for full-time, on-campus students.
4. Alabama State University
Alabama State University is a four-year HBCU institution with a 97% acceptance rate. It offers undergraduate programs at its Montgomery campus, as well as an online bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
To apply, students need a minimum 2.0 GPA � however, the admissions team looks at more than just academics. They consider applicants who are ready to challenge themselves and give back to the community. Tuition for in-state students is $11,068 per semester, while out-of-state students pay $19,936.
5. National Louis University
Based in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private non-profit institution with a 93% acceptance rate. To enter an undergraduate program as a first-time student, applicants only need to meet a 2.0 GPA requirement for general admissions; however, the nursing program requires students to hold a 2.5 GPA.
Undergraduate tuition for students at this school is $11,880 for the year.
6. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers over 50 degree programs on campus. To apply for one of the undergraduate programs, students must submit SAT or ACT scores and high school transcripts showing a minimum 2.0 GPA.
For undergraduate residents, tuition costs $244.76 per credit hour. Out-of-state residents pay more at a rate of $497.14 per credit hour.
7. Florida College
Florida College is a Christian liberal arts school that offers many undergraduate degrees at its campus near Tampa. The application process is simple and only takes about 20 minutes to complete.
High school students must have completed the necessary coursework, including English, mathematics, and natural sciences. Applicants must also have at least a 2.25 GPA. Tuition is $10,163 for one semester; however, students may apply for various financial aid opportunities, including institutional scholarships, to reduce these costs.
8. Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville State University in North Carolina offers undergraduate programs in person and online. To apply, students need a high school GPA of at least 2.5. If applicants hold a GPA between 2.5 and 2.8, ACT and SAT scores should be submitted along with the rest of the application materials.
Accredited by the SACSCOC, the school offers a rigorous academic experience, while still providing enough support services to ensure student success, such as career help and tutoring. Tuition is affordable � in-state residents studying on campus pay $41.67 per credit hour, while non-residents pay $208.34.
9. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers both on-campus learning and fully online programs. The school promotes an open admissions process and doesn't require a minimum GPA, which makes this an easy school to get into � the acceptance rate is 96%. Tuition costs $330 per credit hour for online students, while on-campus students pay $540.
10. Idaho State University
Idaho State University is a public four-year school with a 100% acceptance rate. It's advised that students hold at least a 2.5 GPA; however, admissions officers may overlook this requirement if applicants show potential through ACT or SAT scores, extracurricular activities, or other application materials.
How We Rank Schools
To compile this list, we ranked the top 4-year colleges that accept a 2.5 GPA based on several criteria, including:
- Accreditation: All schools on this list are accredited by a recognized organization, such as the SACSCOC.
- GPA Requirement: We only selected schools that accept a 2.5 GPA.
- Acceptance Rates: We chose schools with high acceptance rates to ensure students have the best chance of gaining admittance.
FAQs About Colleges and Universities That Accept a 2.5 GPA
If you're searching for a college that will accept a 2.5 GPA and still have some questions, keep reading. We'll cover commonly asked questions about colleges for B and C students below.
Can You Get Into College With a 2.5 GPA?
Yes, many colleges accept students with a 2.5 GPA. Many students find success in their college applications by targeting colleges that accept an average GPA, as these institutions often consider a broader range of factors in their admissions decisions, such as:
- personal statements
- references
- essays
- test scores
Students may also apply to colleges that accept anyone. These types of schools typically admit anyone with a high school diploma or GED regardless of GPA status.
Is a 2.25 GPA Good?
No, a 2.25 GPA is not generally not good as it's considered a C average. Most competitive college admissions teams look for students with at least a 3.0; however, it's not impossible to get into a good college with this GPA.
For instance, some colleges may accept students with as low as 2.4 GPA or even a 2.2 GPA, especially if they demonstrate strong potential in other areas. Talk with a school's enrollment team to determine your chances of admission.
Is a 2.5 GPA Good in College?
No, having a 2.5 GPA in college is not considered especially good. Typically, to transfer into a four-year school, applicants need at least a 3.0 in college courses. However, many colleges, such as the ones listed above, accept students with a 2.5 GPA.
What Colleges Can You Get Into With a 2.6 GPA?
Students with a 2.6 can get into many different types of colleges, including public, private, Christian, or online options. All the schools listed above may be a good fit for those with a 2.6 GPA.
Explore High-Quality Colleges and Universities
If you want to pursue higher education, explore the colleges with a 2.5 GPA requirement featured here on Learn.org. Contact the admissions team for questions about the application and financial aid.