Is a 2.89 GPA bad in college?

Asked by: Alexandro Russel  |  Last update: October 5, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (68 votes)

A 2.9 GPA is considered above-average in several degree programs. To be more specific, the national average for GPA is roughly 3.0. Therefore 2.9 places you below the national average. With a 2.9, you'll have difficulty getting into any prestigious university.

Is a 2.89 GPA good in college?

To elaborate, the national average for GPA is around a 3.0, so a 2.8 puts you below average nationally. Keep in mind the 3.0 national average represents all students, not just students applying to college, so the average GPA of students admitted to colleges is higher than the national average.

Can you get into college with a 2.89 GPA?

Because a 2.8 GPA is so close to the 3.0 benchmark, many schools accept submissions from students with a GPA in this range.

Can I get a job with a 2.8 college GPA?

The rule is that most employer will not even look at your application if your GPA is not at least a 3.0. That being said if you are in engineering then a 2.8 GPA can still get you a job. This might mean you might need to look harder and settle for a less desirable and lower paying job.

Can I get into Harvard with a 2.9 GPA?

A: While it is possible for students with a 2.9 GPA to be accepted, the chances are low due to Harvard's high standards and competition. GPA is just one aspect of the application, and Harvard looks at the overall profile, including extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations, and more.

Is A 2.9 GPA Really That Bad? College Admissions and Financial Aid as well as for College Students

18 related questions found

Is 2.9 an OK GPA?

A 2.9 GPA is a grade point average that falls between a B- and a C+ on the 4.0 grading scale commonly used in the United States. It represents a slightly below-average academic performance, indicating that the student has maintained mostly C+ grades, with some grades falling below or above that range.

Should I put my 2.8 GPA on my resume?

Bottom line: A high GPA is remarkable and should be emphasized on your resume. An average GPA isn't necessarily bad, it's just not particularly noteworthy. Since your resume is all about summarizing your most noteworthy accomplishments, leave out that 2.7 and focus on your other qualifications.

Will colleges accept me with a 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 college accepts a 2.8 GPA?

What colleges can I get into with a 2.8 GPA? You can apply to many institutions, including Texas Southern University, Northeastern Illinois University, and Grambling State University, which accept students with an average GPA of 2.8.

What does a 2.89 GPA mean?

A 2.9 GPA signifies a 'B-' average, reflecting that you've been slightly below the average of a 'B' grade across your courses.

Is a 2.5 GPA OK in college?

Is A 2.5 GPA Good Percentage? Now that you know what a 2.5 GPA is, let's understand whether it is a good grade. Well, the answer is no! The national average GPA is roughly 3.0, and a 2.5 GPA places you below it.

Can I get a Masters with a 2.8 GPA?

You can get into many graduate schools with a 2.8 GPA. While there may be many schools with higher GPA requirements, you should check with the admissions requirements of any school to see where you'll fit. However, just checking admissions requirements doesn't mean that school is a perfect fit for you.

Does a 2.99 GPA round up?

If you earn a 2.99 cumulative GPA, whether it rounds up to meet the First Year Requirements would depend on the specific rounding policies of the institution. Some may round a 2.99 GPA up to a 3.0, while others may require the GPA to be exactly 3.0 or higher without rounding.

What is considered a good college GPA?

In general, a 3.0 GPA or higher is widely accepted by college advisors, internship programs, and potential employers. Anything above a 3.5 is often considered outstanding and may lead to honors designations at graduation and special distinctions/designations on your actual diploma.

How to get your GPA up?

How to raise your GPA
  1. Avoid classes you don't need.
  2. Meet with a tutor.
  3. Speak with your instructors.
  4. Set goals for yourself.
  5. Turn in assignments on time.
  6. Join a study group.
  7. Study topics as you go.
  8. Improve note-taking skills.

Is a 2.8 GPA good in university?

A 2.8 GPA is considered below average when compared to the average GPAs of admitted students at many colleges and universities. However, it's important to remember that GPA is just one aspect of your application, and it varies depending on where you're planning to apply.

Can I get into Harvard with a 2.5 GPA?

The GPA requirements for Harvard University are between 3.9 to 4.1. You will need an incredibly high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top of their class in order to get into Harvard University.

Can I get into college with a 2.9 GPA?

A 2.9 GPA will limit you in where you can realistically apply to college, but you'll still have plenty of viable options. At this point, you may have already begun the college application process or at least have a list of schools where you plan on applying.

Is no GPA on resume a red flag?

Not necessarily – you should only include your GPA on your resume if you're a recent graduate and it's higher than 3.5/4.0. If you have some experience under your belt, exclude it unless the job posting specifically requests it.

Is 2.8 GPA good for a job?

More than half of employers reject applicants who don't have a 3.0 GPA or higher on their college transcripts.

Can I get a job with a 3.2 GPA?

In short, while a 3.2 GPA may not be an obstacle for many opportunities, striving to improve your grades and bolstering other areas of your resume will enhance your overall prospects.

What is the lowest acceptable GPA?

The lowest GPA you can technically get is 0.0, but that's usually for unweighted GPAs. In most cases, a 1.0 is considered the lowest GPA, indicating a D average. It's worth noting that some colleges have GPA cutoffs for admissions, typically falling between 2.0 and 2.5.

What's the hardest college to get into?

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.

Can I get into Harvard law with a 2.8 GPA?

A high GPA is 3.99 and the median is 3.92. There's no lowest GPA but you probably won't get into Harvard with a 2.5 GPA. Your GPA still needs to be somewhat competitive with the median GPA. That said, you can get into Harvard Law School even if your GPA is 3.82 or lower.