10 Online Colleges That Accept a Low GPA in 2025

Are you searching for online colleges that accept a low grade point average (GPA)? You are not alone; many students have successfully entered high-quality online degree programs despite having a low GPA.

Below, we discuss online colleges with high acceptance rates that offer a quality education. Whether you want to study business or the arts, plenty of online colleges have options to fit your academic path.

Accredited Online Colleges With No GPA Requirements

Having a low GPA should not deter you from pursuing a degree. Keep reading to discover some top universities you can apply to with a low GPA.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

At Southern New Hampshire University, students may pursue a bachelor's or master's degree fully online. The school's commitment to accessible education means that undergrads do not need to meet minimum GPA requirements, ACT or SAT scores, or submit letters of recommendation; however, prospective graduate students must meet the 2.75 GPA requirement.

The admissions process is fast, easy, and free. Students complete a short online application, and then a college admissions counselor guides them through the rest of the process.

2. American Public University

American Public University is a distance learning school that offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs for online learners. High school students with a lower GPA benefit from their open admissions policy.

Students do not need to submit test scores to be considered for admission. Applicants who have a high school diploma or passed the GED test may enroll in undergraduate degree programs throughout the year.

Admissions officers help applicants through the college application and the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) processes. Classes begin every month, so admitted students can start working toward their degrees soon after enrollment.

3. Western Governors University

At Western Governors University, online students may enroll in various undergraduate programs, including business administration, computer science, and more. According to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, the school has a 100% acceptance rate and offers financial aid opportunities to undergraduate students.

While there are no minimum GPA scores, applicants must submit transcripts detailing high school or college coursework. Students can utilize the free transcript service during the application process.

4. Walden University

Walden University provides online undergraduate and graduate degrees for adult learners. For those pursuing an online bachelor's degree, the Walden admissions team accepts various types of transfer credit, including work experience, community service, military experience, and classes from community college.

With a 100% acceptance rate, prospective students may pursue higher education no matter their high school GPA. To apply, students must submit their academic and professional history and transcripts.

5. State University of New York (SUNY), Morrisville

SUNY Morrisville is a public, four-year university, where students may pursue several fully online programs. The admissions process is simple. Students complete an online application and send their high school transcripts.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 91% of undergraduate applicants were accepted into the college during the fall of 2023. There is no general minimum GPA; however, certain programs may have standards. Additionally, SAT and ACT scores may be submitted for the admission committee's review.

6. National Louis University

National Louis University is a four-year, private university with campus locations in Illinois and Florida. Students may pursue online bachelor's and master's degrees in various academic disciplines.

Online applications are free and quick for all degree levels. General undergraduate admissions have very few requirements for acceptance. First-year students need only proof of high school graduation.

7. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers several bachelor's completion programs and graduate degrees online. Prospective students do not need high GPAs or test scores to enroll in undergraduate or graduate programs.

To enter a bachelor's completion program, students need only a 2.0 GPA, while prospective grad school students should have a 2.75. Graduate students also need a personal statement and two references; however, GRE test scores are not required.

8. Liberty University

Liberty University has a campus established in Virginia, but this accredited Christian school has many fully online degree programs for students located out of state. As a liberal arts college, students pursuing an online bachelor's degree receive a well-rounded education.

The application for online undergraduate programs is fast and easy. Students must submit high school transcripts; however, the average GPA requirement across programs is only 2.0. The school also accepts standardized test scores from CLEP or DANTES exams for college credits.

9. University of Maryland Global Campus

At the University of Maryland Global Campus, students may pursue several bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs online. Students can enroll in numerous programs, such as criminal justice, finance, and marketing.

Due to the open admissions policy, anyone with a high school diploma is admitted to undergraduate programs. Admissions counselors are available to help with the application or financial aid process.

10. Bellevue University

Bellevue University offers many online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students seeking a quality academic experience can enroll in one of the programs at this school, regardless of their test scores or GPA.

The school's open admissions policy ensures applicants from diverse backgrounds can receive a top-tier education from an accredited university. According to the US Department of Education College Scorecard, this online school has a 51% graduation rate, with many students moving on to thriving careers.

How We Rank Schools

To compile the schools in this list, we relied on data from the NCES College Navigator and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Here are some of the ranking factors we used:

• Academic Reputation: We chose schools that are accredited and provide a quality online learning experience with expert instructors, rigorous curriculums, and extensive student support resources.
• Affordability: We chose accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA to ensure affordability.
• Learning Format: We chose schools that offer 100% online degree programs.
• Simplified Admissions Requirements: We focused on finding online schools with relaxed admissions requirements, specifically those with no or low GPA requirements.

FAQs About Low GPA Requirement Colleges and Universities

Do you have questions about schools with low GPA requirements? We answer some of the most common questions, below.

Is There a GPA Requirement for Online College?

Some online colleges may require a specific GPA range to ensure students can handle the academic rigor of higher education; however, some schools do not have any GPA requirements. Schools with an open admissions policy generally have no GPA requirements.

Additionally, some online schools may take a more holistic approach to admissions and consider other application materials, besides GPA, when making a decision. These may include extracurricular activities, references, essays, or personal statements. Talk with an admissions counselor to find out if there are strict GPA requirements.

Read More: Do Online Colleges Accept All Applicants?

How Can I Get Into College With a Low High School GPA?

Plenty of online schools accept students with low high school GPAs. Look for online colleges with open enrollment policies or institutions that consider other academic factors, such as test scores, essays, or letters of recommendation.

What Is the Lowest GPA College Will Accept?

Some colleges may not consider GPA at all. Schools with open admissions, such as the University of Maryland Global Campus, only require a high school diploma. Others may accept students with a 2.0 GPA.

What Are the Admissions Requirements for Low-GPA Online Colleges?

The admissions requirements vary by institution and program. Generally, online schools with low GPA requirements only require high school transcripts; however, some may request personal statements, reference letters, or professional histories.

Earn Your Degree at an Accredited College Online

Ready to start earning your degree? Check out the accredited online colleges here on Learn.org. Contact any school that interests you to find out more information.