10 Great Universities That Don’t Require GPA Scores (2023)

How do you get into college if your GPA is lower than what most schools require? Fortunately, many colleges do not have minimum grade point average (GPA) requirements. You’ll be able to get into your dream college this way, though you’ll have to meet some additional requirements.

If you’re looking for colleges that don’t require GPA scores, this list of relevant options will be of help to you. On our list, you’ll also find online colleges that don’t require GPA scores. Regardless of your high school GPA, you can be confident in finding an excellent college.

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What Is GPA and Why Is It Normally Required?

GPA is a grading system that shows your average scores in your courses in high school or college. The GPA is a standard way of indicating a school student’s academic accomplishments.

A GPA is normally required by colleges to learn if prospective students have the minimum requirements to enroll in a program at the college.

A high GPA typically indicates high academic achievements, while a low GPA indicates otherwise. Admissions committees examine your school transcript to determine whether your GPA meets their minimum requirements. A good college GPA also helps students get into postgraduate programs.

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Is It Easy to Find Universities That Don’t Require GPA Scores?

Yes, it’s easy to find universities that don’t require GPA scores. As the education system continues to evolve, particularly in terms of accessibility and equity, many universities no longer require applicants to submit their GPA scores as part of the admissions process.

How to Get Into a College That Doesn’t Require GPA Scores

You can get into a college that doesn’t require GPA scores by following other requirements it has. The absence of a minimum GPA requirement at a college does not imply automatic admission. Many schools that do not require a minimum GPA score, including community colleges, have other requirements. Below are the application requirements that admissions offices of such schools may require:

  • Minimum SAT or ACT
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Official transcript

Which Schools Do Not Require GPA Scores for College Admissions?

School US News National Rankings 2022 Other Admissions Requirements
Regis University 227 Application form, academic transcripts, recommendation letter, personal statement
Colorado Technical University 299 – 391 Proof of high school graduation
Grand Canyon University 299 – 391 Test scores, high school graduation
American InterContinental University 79 Completed application, high school graduation
Liberty University Online Unranked Academic transcripts
Purdue University Global Unranked Entrance exam, proof of high school graduation, tuition costs
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Unranked Academic transcripts, essay, other documentation
Southern New Hampshire University Unranked Application form, transcript, Electronic Attestation Form
Strayer University Unranked Academic transcript, high school diploma
University of Arizona Global Campus Unranked High school diploma, computer with Internet connection

Best Colleges That Don’t Require GPA Scores

10 Great Universities That Don’t Require GPA Scores (1)

A bachelor’s degree will go a long way in helping you achieve your career goals. If your GPA doesn’t meet the minimum GPA score requirement of most universities, you can explore the options below.

Regis University

Regis University is a Christ-affiliated institution that offers undergraduate admissions without minimum GPA requirements. In addition, while students are free to submit standardized test scores, the Catholic university doesn’t base its admission decision on that. The application process includes submitting recommendation letters, a personal statement, and academic transcripts.

Colorado Technical University

With degree programs in accounting, criminal justice, business administration, nursing, management, and others, Colorado Technical University is a top academic destination for many. The university has no minimum GPA requirements and doesn’t require any standardized test scores. However, prospective students have to show proof of high school graduation.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University is a Christain university. Although it has a minimum GPA requirement, the school allows students without standardized test scores to apply. The university has a 73 percent acceptance rate, meaning most students who apply for a program get a place in the university.

Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global ranks 53rd in Regional Universities Midwest. The university’s no-minimum GPA score policy makes it a great choice for students with low GPAs. Admission requirements include paying the tuition cost and fees, evidence of high school graduation, and passing the entrance exam.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota ranks 34th in Regional Universities Midwest and 3rd in Best Value Schools. There are undergraduate programs at the university for first-year students, transfer students, and international students. In addition to not requiring a minimum GPA, the university does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores.

Online Colleges That Don’t Require GPA Scores

Finding solid online degree programs is often a huge win for those with demanding schedules. It becomes even more beneficial when students with low GPAs discover online colleges that do not require minimum GPA scores. Below is a list of some of them.

American InterContinental University

American InterContinental University is part of the American InterContinental University System. The college has several degree programs, and students with low high school GPAs can apply to them. To apply for an undergraduate program, prospects need to speak with an admissions officer, complete the online application, and submit proof of high school education.

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Liberty University Online

Liberty University Online allows you to earn a bachelor’s degree from the comfort of your home. The university has over 700 online degree programs, making the options almost inexhaustible. If you need assistance with your tuition, the university offers a financial aid option.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University has different online programs for undergraduate students. Fortunately, there are no minimum GPA requirements. Students can apply for a variety of programs regardless of their GPA score. Students must submit an application, transcripts, and an Electronic Attestation Form.

Strayer University

Strayer University provides accredited online programs and does not require a minimum GPA score for admission. However, incoming students will be required to submit proof of high school graduation. Programs available include accounting, information technology, criminal justice, business administration, and applied science in management.

University of Arizona Global Campus

University of Arizona ranks 99th among for Best Global Universities. Its online school offers tons of courses without GPA requirements. Candidates will be required to have a high school diploma, English proficiency, and access to a computer with an Internet connection.

Should You Still Submit GPA Score Even if It Is Not Required?

No, you should not submit your GPA score if it’s not required. As an exception, if you have an exceptionally high GPA, submitting these records could increase your likelihood of admission. In this case, it would be best to submit your GPA score.

Submit GPA if

  • Your GPA is high and it can help you gain admission
  • It’s your only way of proving a high school education

Don’t Submit GPA if

  • Your GPA is low
  • You can prove a high school education in a different way

Should I Attend a College That Doesn’t Require GPA Scores?

Yes, you should attend a college that doesn’t require GPA scores if you have a very low GPA that does not meet the application requirements of most colleges. Regardless of your high school grades, you can still pursue a college education.

Colleges That Don’t Require GPA Score FAQ

Why are GPA Scores necessary for admission into college?

GPA scores are necessary for admission into college because it’s one of the most effective ways to assess students’ academic performance. Most colleges require them to admit students into their undergraduate or graduate degree programs.

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What is a low GPA?

A low GPA is anything below 2.0. A 2.0 to 2.5 GPA is considered average, while a 3.0 or higher is considered high. Additionally, anything below a 2.0 is not a passing grade.

Will my college look at my GPA?

Yes, your college will look at your GPA if you’ve applied to a college that requires GPA score submission for admission into the school. Your college will also keep track of your GPA throughout your undergraduate or graduate program.

What are the top colleges that don’t require GPA scores?

Some of the top colleges that don’t require GPA scores include Colorado Technical University, Regis University, Purdue University Global, and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

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FAQs

10 Great Universities That Don’t Require GPA Scores? ›

Unofficially, 2.0 is the lowest GPA accepted into a standard college, so while there's a chance that college admission is possible, it's not likely at more than a few institutions.

What colleges don't require a good GPA? ›

Best Colleges that Accept Low GPA Requirements
  • Albany State University. ...
  • American InterContinental University. ...
  • Arkansas State University. ...
  • Arkansas Tech University. ...
  • Capella University. ...
  • Colorado Technical University. ...
  • East Coast Polytechnic Institute University. ...
  • Fort Hays State University.
Feb 5, 2023

What is the lowest GPA a university will accept? ›

Unofficially, 2.0 is the lowest GPA accepted into a standard college, so while there's a chance that college admission is possible, it's not likely at more than a few institutions.

Can you get into a good university with a low GPA? ›

It is possible to get into college with a low GPA, but it will be more difficult to be admitted because your application may not even be considered if you don't meet minimum AI thresholds.

Can I get a masters with a 2.3 GPA? ›

There is no universal minimum GPA for grad school. The minimum, when one is specified for admissions requirements, can vary by school and program. At many schools, admissions requirements for masters programs may specify a 3.0 GPA minimum, but some schools may accept applicants with lower GPAs.

What major requires the lowest GPA? ›

Science majors tend to have lower GPAs on average, with chemistry being the major with the lowest average GPA. Meanwhile, education majors earn the highest GPAs on average.

What is the lowest GPA to get into Harvard? ›

You should also have a 4.18 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Harvard, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.

What's the lowest GPA UCLA accepts? ›

At a minimum, you must earn a 3.0 GPA or better (3.4 for nonresidents) in all college preparatory courses. No grades can be lower than a C.

What is the lowest GPA accepted to UCLA? ›

UCLA requires a minimum 3.0 GPA

It is not enough to simply fill out a UCLA application. Because UCLA is part of the rigorous UC system, the UCLA GPA requirements are dictated by the whole UC system. In order to get into any UC school, students must earn at least a 3.0 GPA and may not have any grades below a “C”.

What is the lowest grade Harvard accepts? ›

After being admitted with a 3.0 or higher grade-point average (GPA), you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to be considered in good academic standing. If your GPA falls below 2.0, you are in poor academic standing.

How to get into Ivy with low GPA? ›

None of the Ivy League schools have a minimum GPA requirement for applications, which means anyone can apply regardless of their GPA.

Can you go to college with a 1.9 GPA? ›

With a GPA that's below a 2.0, you may have trouble getting into college. There are only a couple schools where a 1.9 GPA gives you a good chance of acceptance. 0.38% of schools have an average GPA below a 1.9. You can apply to colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted.

What to do if your GPA is too low for college? ›

Top Tips on How to Get into College with a Low GPA
  1. Explain the Circumstances Behind Your Low GPA. ...
  2. Improve Your SAT/ACT Scores. ...
  3. Write an Exemplary Essay. ...
  4. Get Strong Recommendation Letters. ...
  5. Showcase Your Non-academic Skills and Talents. ...
  6. Consider an Online College. ...
  7. Join a Community College.
Jan 19, 2023

What is the lowest GPA you can graduate with in high school? ›

A 2.0 GPA meets high school graduation requirements but most colleges—and some trade schools—expect a high school GPA of at least 3.0 (B) or better.

Can I get a masters with a bad GPA? ›

With that many applicants competing for spots, students may be concerned about how well they fare against the competition if they don't have high grade point averages (GPAs). However, a low GPA does not have to keep students from getting into graduate schools.

What is the lowest GPA Yale will accept? ›

What is the minimum GPA required for admission? We do not set a minimum GPA, nor do we attempt to re-weight GPA's to any standard other than what a school provides. An applicant's complete secondary school transcript (not just the GPA or class rank, if they are provided) is evaluated during the admissions process.

What is the highest GPA ever? ›

Normally, you would expect the highest score to be the 'perfect' 4.0 score, however, there are several things that a student can do to receive an even higher score. For example, one student actually managed to get a 10.03 GPA score. He did this by taking 17 advanced classes at his school, which awarded him many points.

What GPA is all low B's? ›

To convert your GPA to a 4.0 scale:
Letter GradePercent Grade4.0 Scale
B+87-893.3
B83-863.0
B-80-822.7
C+77-792.3
8 more rows

What is the lowest GPA Columbia will accept? ›

Is there a minimum test score, class rank or GPA required for admission to Columbia? No. Columbia is test-optional and does not have a "cut-off" GPA or test score for applicants.

What is the lowest GPA Stanford will accept? ›

There is no minimum GPA or test score, nor is there any specific number of AP or honors courses you must have on your transcript in order to have your application reviewed or be admitted to Stanford.

What is the GPA for Yale? ›

Average GPA: 4.14

The average GPA at Yale is 4.14. This makes Yale Extremely Competitive for GPAs. (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

What GPA is required for NYU? ›

The recommended GPA requirements to get into NYU are between 3.5 and 4.0. You will need a very high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top half of your class in order to get into NYU. If your GPA is lower than suggested at the time you apply, you may have to perform above average on your standardized tests.

What GPA is required for MIT? ›

GPA. There is no minimum required GPA, but competitive applicants generally have a GPA of 3.5 or above, and mostly A's in mathematics and science courses. Testing must be completed by the October test date for spring (February) entry and by the March test date for fall (September) entry.

What is the lowest GPA to get into Berkeley? ›

The minimum GPA requirement for UC Berkeley applicants is 3.0, but to be truly competitive, students should aim for a GPA of at least 3.89 (unweighted) or 4.25 (weighted) for the best chances of gaining admission.

What GPA is required for Stanford? ›

GPA Requirements

Stanford University does not have a strict minimum GPA requirement for undergraduate admissions. However, admitted students typically have very high GPAs, ranging from 3.8 to 4.0, with an average GPA of 3.9. The university also recommends students take 5 classes in each of their semesters.

Does UCLA look at freshman grades? ›

UCs do look at courses you take in freshman year and the rigor/grades in context of your overall schedule/grade trend (so you should provide an explanation if there are anomalies in your schedule or grades); but freshman grades are NOT included in the GPA calculation used for admission evaluation.

Will UCLA accept a 2.7 GPA? ›

California applicants must earn at least a 3.0 GPA and nonresidents must earn a minimum 3.4 GPA in all A-G or college-preparatory courses to meet this requirement.

What is the GPA for Princeton? ›

The average GPA at Princeton is 3.9. This makes Princeton Extremely Competitive for GPAs. (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. With a GPA of 3.9, Princeton requires you to be at the top of your class.

What is the lowest GPA to get into Cornell? ›

Selection decisions (both on-campus and at the national level) are based on the following criteria: Academic record: Students should have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and should have excellent analytic and communication skills.

What GPA is required for Princeton? ›

The average high school GPA of admitted students at Princeton University is approximately 4.0, indicating that the majority of successful applicants earned mostly A grades in high school. In fact, 60% of admitted students had a GPA of at least 4.0.

What is the easiest Ivy academically? ›

Cornell University

Cornell is the easiest and youngest Ivy League school. It was established in 1865 and is situated in Ithaca, New York. Out of 49,114 candidates, Cornell accepted 5,330, for an admission percentage of around 10.9%.

Can I get into Harvard with 2 B's? ›

Does Harvard Accept B Students? Yes, just like I mentioned above, it's completely possible to get admitted into Harvard University with B grades.

Will one C ruin my chances of Ivy League? ›

While receiving a “C” will impact your GPA, it will certainly not ruin it. That “C” won't ruin your chances of getting into college either.

What will an F do to a 3.0 GPA? ›

The failing grade will NOT calculate in your GPA, but it will still show on your transcript.

Is it hard to boost GPA? ›

It can be difficult to improve your GPA quickly, especially if you're in the latter half of high school already. With your previous grades working against you, you'll have to put in even more effort to overcome lower averages.

Can I bring up my GPA in one semester? ›

It is absolutely possible to raise your GPA, it will just require a plan, hard work, and determination to stay the course.

Why is my GPA so low? ›

Poor study habits are a common reason for a low GPA. Many students never learn how to study effectively, as it's not something many high schools teach. Therefore, it's worth taking some time to learn how to study.

Is a 2.0 GPA bad for a sophomore? ›

Sophomore: Now you are in your second year of high school which means you're halfway to college applications. With a 2.0 GPA, things are getting risky but you still have a chance to raise your GPA. Having a 2.0 GPA means you're still below average and this can greatly hinder your application into college.

Is a 1.3 GPA bad? ›

A 1.3 GPA is equivalent to 67-69% or D+ letter grade. The national average GPA is 3.0 which means a 1.3 GPA is far below average and will not work in your favor.

What is a failing college GPA? ›

Depending on your college's GPA scale, that can mean anything below a 1.0 or 0.7 GPA counts as a failed class. If you fail a class, you'll get a 0 on your transcript — and that can bring down your GPA.

Can you fix a bad GPA in college? ›

The fewer credit hours you have earned, the easier it will be to raise your GPA. If you have a 3.0 GPA and 15 credit hours, by earning straight A's during your next (15 credit) semester, you can bump your GPA to a 3.5.

What GPA is considered failing in college? ›

Undergraduate students need to have a minimum of 2.0 GPA while graduate students need a 3.0 GPA. While most universities use this standard grading system, each institution differs in the way they grade students as shown by varying GPAs.

Can you pass with a 1.5 GPA? ›

An acceptable GPA is frequently defined as one that falls between 2.0 and 3.0. (or C). A 1.5 GPA is sufficient to warrant academic warnings or probation in some schools. To pass the course, one must get a 1.0 or D, the lowest possible grade.

What is the average GPA in America? ›

The average high school GPA in the US is 3.0, which also accounts for roughly 35% of students who don't end up applying for college. However, for college applicants, the average GPA is more likely between 3.5 and 4.0.

What are the top 3 graduates called? ›

Generally, the highest honor in college is the valedictorian, followed by the salutatorian. As a group, the highest honor is summa cum laude. The next highest is the magna cum laude, and the third is the cum laude.

What GPA do you need for a Phd? ›

With GPA, it is recommended that students have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and around a 3.5 discipline-specific GPA to remain competitive for Ph. D.

What GPA do you need for Ivy League grad school? ›

Ivy League Grad School GPA Requirements

While each Ivy League school will have its specific requirements, generally, a GPA of 3.5 or above is considered competitive for graduate programs. However, this can vary based on the specific program and department within each school.

Can you get into a PHD program with a low GPA? ›

Most top-ranked graduate programs typically prefer a GPA of 3.5 or better. Exceptions to this rule occur, of course, but many students give up their quest to attend graduate school due to a low (3.0 or less) GPA.

Can you get into college with a 1.5 GPA? ›

Since this GPA is significantly below a 2.0, it will make things very difficult for you in the college application process. 0.19% of schools have an average GPA below a 1.5. You can apply to colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a low chance of getting into with a 1.5 GPA.

What is a 1.0 GPA in college? ›

1.0 GPA is equivalent to 65-66% or D grade.

Is a 1.0 GPA passing? ›

A GPA of 1.0 is generally considered below average or below the standard that most community colleges and universities expect of their students.

Is A 1.5 GPA good? ›

A 1.5 GPA is equivalent to 70% or C- letter grade. The national average GPA is 3.0 which means a 1.5 GPA is definitely below average and will not work in your favor.

Can I get into college with a 1.7 GPA? ›

If you have a 1.7 GPA, your grades in high school have been mostly C-s. With a GPA that's this low, you may have a hard time getting accepted to college. 0.19% of schools have an average GPA below a 1.7. You can apply to colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted.

Is a 5.0 GPA good in high school? ›

Typically, high schools that employ weighted GPAs use a 0–5 scale, with 5.0 being the best score available. Although a GPA above 5.0 is uncommon, schools occasionally design their point systems so that students enrolled in difficult courses might accrue extra points.

What was the highest GPA ever? ›

Normally, you would expect the highest score to be the 'perfect' 4.0 score, however, there are several things that a student can do to receive an even higher score. For example, one student actually managed to get a 10.03 GPA score. He did this by taking 17 advanced classes at his school, which awarded him many points.

Is D considered failing? ›

D - this is still a passing grade, and it's between 59% and 69% F - this is a failing grade.

What is a 0.0 GPA? ›

An F letter grade is equivalent to a 0.0 GPA, or Grade Point Average, on a 4.0 GPA scale, and a percentage grade of 65 or below.

Is a GPA of 2.0 bad? ›

Is a 2.0 GPA good? The answer is No. The national average for a GPA is around 3.0 and a 2.0 GPA puts you below that average. A 2.0 GPA means that you've gotten only C-s and D+s in your high school classes so far.

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