Can I apply to a university with a 2.5 GPA?

Asked by: Mr. Anibal Herman  |  Last update: July 27, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (55 votes)

A 2.5 GPA corresponds to a C average, making it a common starting GPA for many colleges and universities, even some more competitive institutions — though acceptance at that level would be a long shot.

Can I get into a university with a 2.5 GPA?

A 2.5 GPA means that you've earned high Cs and low Bs across all of your classes. This GPA is below the 3.0 national average for high school students, and it will most likely make it difficult for you to get into all but the least selective colleges. 1.91% of schools have an average GPA below a 2.5.

Is a 2.5 GPA good in university?

However, a 2.5 GPA is generally considered below average for most colleges and universities, and selective schools typically look for applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

What big colleges accept a 2.5 GPA?

Here are some colleges that have been known to accept applicants with a GPA around 2.5:
  • California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA)
  • California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSU Dominguez Hills)
  • Wichita State University (WSU)
  • Chicago State University (CSU)
  • Western Oregon University (WOU)

What is the lowest GPA a university will accept?

As you'll see below, the average GPA of lower-tier colleges is in the 2.9-3.3 range. However, some colleges will accept a 2.0 GPA or even lower. GPA can also be complicated because of unweighted and weighted GPAs, and how colleges consider the difficulty of your coursework.

Colleges That Accept a 2.5 GPA in 2024: Your Guide to Accessible Higher Education

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What GPA will colleges not accept?

The vast majority of colleges have a minimum GPA requirement for admission. At less selective colleges, a GPA above 2.0 can be sufficient to get in, but top universities will want to see a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Look at Ivy league schools. They have a low acceptance rate with a GPA requirement of at least 3.9.

Can a 2.5 GPA go to Harvard?

While it's certainly possible to get into Harvard with a low GPA, as the numbers bear out, it's improbable. For the Class of 2027, a mere 2.21% of admitted students to Harvard had GPAs below 3.5.

Can I get a scholarship with a 2.5 GPA?

The national average GPA is 3.0, which means that a 2.5 GPA is below average. However, students with low GPAs still have options for funding their education, so do not be discouraged by having a low GPA as many universities and scholarship programs will still assist future college students.

Is a 2.4 GPA good in university?

A 2.4 GPA signals to a college or university that a student has earned average scores within the B- and C+ range. A 2.4 is a hair away from the 2.5 range, which opens up eligibility for a number of colleges, but is still below the competitive benchmark for college applications of 3.0.

Can I get into a UC with a 2.5 GPA?

With a 2.5 GPA, you can gain admission and start working towards an associate degree or certificate. California community colleges also have a strong transfer agreement program with both CSU and UC systems, called the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT).

Is a 2.5 GPA bad for a freshman?

Freshman: As mentioned above, a 2.5 GPA will make it challenging for you to get into the great majority of four-year institutions. However, since you're only a freshman, you should be more concerned with how you can strive to benefit your grades over the following couple of years.

Is a 2.5 GPA failing?

A 2.5 GPA is generally considered to be below average when it comes to college admissions, as the typical minimum GPA for most colleges and universities is around a 3.0. However, don't be too disheartened, as there are still options available to you for improving your chances of getting into a decent college.

Is a 2.6 GPA bad in university?

Is a 2.6 GPA good? A 2.6 GPA indicates that you've been earning mostly B-s in your classes. This is a lower than average GPA, so it will greatly limit your options for college, but you'll still have a small set of schools where you can expect to be accepted. 2.73% of schools have an average GPA below a 2.6.

Can I transfer with a 2.5 GPA?

Sure, there are many colleges that accept transfer students with a GPA around 2.5. Remember, each college sets its own GPA requirements so it's always best to check with the school's admissions office or their website directly.

Will colleges accept 2.5 GPA?

A 2.5 GPA corresponds to a C average, making it a common starting GPA for many colleges and universities, even some more competitive institutions — though acceptance at that level would be a long shot.

What is the lowest GPA for a scholarship?

With the national average GPA being 3.0, students with lower GPAs looking for college scholarships might be frustrated that many scholarships have high minimum GPA requirements. But, fret not! High school, undergraduate, and graduate students with a 2.0 GPA are still eligible for scholarships.

Is 2.76 a good GPA?

Is a 2.7 GPA good? This GPA means that you've earned an average grade of a B- across all of your classes. Since a 2.7 GPA is lower than the national average of 3.0 for high school students, it will limit your options for college. 3.81% of schools have an average GPA below a 2.7.

What is the lowest GPA Yale will accept?

Yale does not set a strict minimum GPA requirement for admission; however, the average GPA of admitted students is typically around 4.0. This reflects the competitive nature of the admissions process, where students are expected to demonstrate strong academic performance.

What is the lowest GPA to get into UCLA?

Grade-Point Average Requirement

California residents are eligible for admission to the University of California with a 3.0 grade-point average; nonresidents are eligible with a 3.4 GPA. Minimum eligibility does not guarantee admission to UCLA.

What is the lowest GPA in the world?

Technically speaking, the lowest GPA you can receive is 0.0, which is a complete fail. You can only score a 0.0 for an unweighted GPA.

What is the lowest GPA Howard will accept?

With a GPA of 3.65, Howard University requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes.

What GPA is required to get into NYU?

The unofficial NYU GPA requirements range between 3.62 and 3.8. In addition, most of the first-year students in the NYU enrollment rank in the top 10% of their schools. Class rank may matter more than the unofficial NYU GPA requirements, so bear this in mind when considering how to get into NYU.

What is the hardest college to get into?

Harvard University

The Harvard acceptance rate is 3%, tied with Caltech for the #1 spot on our list of hardest colleges to get into. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard is a quintessential New England school globally recognized for its rigorous academic programs and influential alumni.