25 Universities in the USA That Accept Low GPA/CGPA for Admission

25 Universities in the USA That Accept Low GPA/CGPA for Admission

Dreaming of studying in the USA but worried about your GPA? Don’t let a low GPA hold you back! Many universities in the United States offer admission to students with lower GPAs, giving them a chance to pursue quality education and build successful careers.

If you have a low GPA (2.0 - 3.0) and still want to study in the USA, this guide is for you. Below is a list of 25 U.S. universities with low GPA requirements for undergraduate and graduate programs. These universities offer flexible admission policies, strong academic programs, and a pathway to achieve your study-abroad dreams.

Why Choose Universities with Low GPA Requirements?

Many students assume that only top-ranked universities with strict admission requirements are worth considering, but that’s not true. Universities with lower GPA requirements offer:

✅ A second chance: If you struggle academically, these universities can help you improve and succeed.

✅ Strong academic programs: Many of these universities are well-respected in specific fields.

✅ Scholarship and funding opportunities: Some of these schools offer financial aid even with a low GPA.

✅ Flexibility in admissions: Some universities accept work experience, personal statements, or entrance exams in place of high GPAs.

Now, let’s explore the best 25 U.S. universities that accept students with low GPA/CGPA.

List of 25 U.S. Universities That Accept Low GPAs

1. Albany State University

Minimum GPA: 2.0

Website: asurams.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: MBA, Nursing (MSN), Social Work (MSW), Public Administration (MPA)

2. Arkansas State University

Minimum GPA: 2.75

Website: astate.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Computer Science, Teaching, Engineering Management

3. California State University Channel Islands

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Website: csuci.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Biotechnology, Mathematics, Education

4. California State University East Bay

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Website: csueastbay.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: MBA, Computer Science, Healthcare Administration

5. California State University Fresno

Minimum GPA: 2.75

Website: fresnostate.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Public Health, Civil Engineering, Physical Therapy

6. California State University Fullerton

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Website: fullerton.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: MBA, Nursing, Information Technology

7. California State University Long Beach

Minimum GPA: 2.7

Website: csulb.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Creative Writing, Public Health, Mechanical Engineering

8. California State University Northridge

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Website: csun.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Social Work, Educational Psychology, MBA

9. California State University San Bernardino

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Website: csusb.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Public Health, Computer Science, Education

10. DePaul University

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Website: depaul.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Data Science, Public Health, Writing and Publishing

11. Fort Hays State University

Minimum GPA: 2.0

Website: fhsu.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: MBA, Liberal Studies, Nursing

12. Grand Canyon University

Minimum GPA: 2.8

Website: gcu.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Psychology, Educational Leadership, Public Health

13. Jackson State University

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Website: jsums.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Sociology, Biology, Urban and Regional Planning

14. Louisiana State University Shreveport

Minimum GPA: 3.29

Website: lsus.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Health Administration, Education, MBA

15. North Carolina State University

Minimum GPA: 2.0

Website: ncsu.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Business, Public Administration, Veterinary Medicine

16. University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Minimum GPA: 3.21

Website: ualr.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Criminal Justice, Social Work, MBA

17. University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Minimum GPA: 3.37

Website: uccs.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Counseling, Engineering, Public Administration

18. University of Louisiana at Monroe

Minimum GPA: 3.43

Website: ulm.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Teaching, Public Administration, Pharmacy

19. University of Maine at Presque Isle

Minimum GPA: 3.0

Website: umpi.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Organizational Leadership, Psychology, MBA

20. University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Minimum GPA: 2.93

Website: umes.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Special Education, Marine Sciences, Pharmacy

21. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Minimum GPA: 3.25

Website: umassd.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Data Science, Public Policy, Mechanical Engineering

22. University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minimum GPA: 3.0

Website: umn.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Biomedical Engineering, Public Policy, Creative Writing

23. University of Maine

Minimum GPA: 2.0

Website: umaine.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Forestry, Oceanography, Social Work

24. University of Mississippi

Minimum GPA: 3.0

Website: olemiss.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Geological Engineering, Southern Studies, MBA

25. University of Missouri

Minimum GPA: 3.38

Website: missouri.edu

Popular Graduate Programs: Journalism, Biological Sciences, Computer Science. 

Final Thoughts

If you have a low GPA but still dream of studying in the U.S., these universities offer an opportunity to achieve your academic and career goals. Research each program carefully, meet the admission requirements, and take advantage of scholarship opportunities.

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