<span>2.5 GPA Colleges: Browse Schools That Accept a 2.5 GPA</span>

2.5 GPA Colleges: Browse Schools That Accept a 2.5 GPA

A Grade Point Average (GPA) is a number that summarizes academic performance by averaging each of your classes’ final grades throughout your high school career. 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.

Is a 2.5 GPA Good?

“Good” is always relative and largely depends on your ambitions post-high school. The average GPA for graduating high school students is a 3.0, which 2.5 falls below. A 2.5 means that you received a C-average for academic performance, equally out to a percentile between 73% and 76%. 

If you’re interested in continuing your education at college, you’ll certainly find colleges that will accept you — however, you may find it more difficult, and you won’t have a competitive chance at more prestigious institutions.  

What Colleges Can I Apply to with a 2.5 GPA?

We’ve assembled a list of the colleges that might accept students with a 2.5 GPA below. While a 2.5 GPA doesn’t guarantee admission to these schools, they’ve shown in the past that they admit students with a GPA in the 2.5-2.6 range.

If you’re a freshman or sophomore, you have plenty of time to improve your GPA to apply for more competitive institutions. You’re already in a college-eligible GPA range, but if you want to be a competitive candidate, aiming for 3.0 is the goal. Look at your current grades and start with the class you’re the weakest in. Devote extra study time, find a buddy, or speak with your teacher about areas you can improve. Then, if that’s successful, apply the same concentration to academic strengths and try to bring home as many As as you can.

For juniors, even though it will be harder to improve your GPA, every tenth of a point it increases is worth the effort. As recommended above, try to turn as many Cs into Bs and Bs into As as possible. If a 2.5 GPA can inch up, even to a 2.6 or 2.7, you’ll be eligible to apply to more colleges and universities during your college search.

If you’re a senior with a 2.5 GPA, it’s not possible to significantly raise your GPA by application season, but there are always options. Since your average grade is still considered a B-, there are dozens of college options to choose from, but to stand out, you’ll want a compelling personal essay and to make sure you have a list handy of all of your after-school and weekend activities.



If you want to try to edge up your GPA even a tiny bit, identify colleges with later deadlines, ones into February or March, and do the work to increase a 2.5 GPA. As a different option, consider applying to a 2-year community college. Earning a good GPA over those two years opens up the possibility of transferring to a 4-year college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree.

What Are Colleges Looking At Other Than a 2.5 GPA?

When applying to a college with a 2.5 GPA, colleges will also be looking at the whole package. They’ll be interested to see solid standardized testing scores, and participation outside of class, such as in clubs or sports. You’ll want to show off: 

SAT Scores / ACT Scores

Extracurricular/After-school activities

Your Sports

Application Essays

Volunteer Work / Community Service

Jobs / Internships / Special Projects 

 

Tips for College Search and Planning with a 2.5 GPA

    Highlight Strengths in Your Applications

    • Highlight Strengths: Emphasize any strong subjects, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or other areas where you excel.
    • Explain Your GPA: Use your personal statement or essay to explain your GPA, if there were extenuating circumstances, and, more importantly, to showcase your passion, resilience, and readiness for college.

    Improve Your Academic Profile

    • Summer Courses: Consider taking community college courses over the summer to boost your academic credentials and demonstrate your ability to handle college-level work.

    Maximize Extracurriculars 

    • Leadership and Involvement: Active participation in extracurricular activities, especially in leadership roles, can significantly strengthen your application.

    Apply to a Range of Schools

    Meet with a College Counselor

    • Professional Guidance: A college counselor can provide personalized advice and help you navigate the college application process, including selecting schools that fit your profile well. 

    Explore All Potential Options

    • Community Colleges: These institutions often have open admissions policies, meaning they accept all students who apply, making them a great option for students with lower GPAs.

      State Universities: Some state universities have more flexible admission criteria and may offer provisional or conditional admission programs.
    • Trade Schools: A trade school, or a vocational or technical school, provides hands-on training for trades and skilled occupations. Trade schools typically offer a variety of programs that can prepare you for careers in fields such as construction, automotive repair, welding, cosmetology, culinary arts, and more.
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    Fresno City College is a two-year community college with an open admissions policy. The college is based in Fresno, California, and confers associate degrees and certificates. FCC provides the option for 25 month-programs that come with guaranteed...

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    Fresno City College is the 2nd oldest community College. Fresno City is a great place to get your general education and transfer AA for those planning to attend a CSU or UC. It is also very economical to do two years at Fresno city as appose to all...

    ” – Miguel from Fresno, CA

    Lincoln College is a private institution in Illinois, which serves as both a 2-year and 4-year establishment. Lincoln has two separate campuses, both of which maintain their own catalog of academic programs from approximately 20 fields of study...

    “…

    Students will learn a lot here because there are smaller classes and teachers can help students one on one during or after class. Also there are many tutors in the library that can be signed up for.

    ” – Jasmine from Romeoville, IL

    With campus a short walk from the Boston Public Garden, Fisher College is a 4-year private school in Boston. Fisher confers undergraduate degrees in over 20 academic majors and 15 minors, as well as graduate degrees. Additionally, Fisher is home to a...

    “…

    I am an international student at Fisher college and all of my teachers that i had by far were great. I am majoring in business and this is a really good place to consider in boston if you want to get an associates degree first. Small school size and...

    ” – Dmitry

    Pensacola State College is a public community college and member of the Florida College System. The school offers associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as a number of professional certificates. Students earning an associate’s degree from...

    “…

    This is a great college to go to if you are from this area and want to stay home. It's not as expensive as most colleges and the teachers are really nice, and the class times work around your schedule. They have a big selection of degrees and classes...

    ” – Kimberly from Pace, FL

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    Polk State College is a public 4-year college based in Winter Haven, Florida. Polk State College is committed to diversity and has partnerships with the National Council on Black American Affairs and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and...

    “…

    This college has wonderful teachers who are willing to help each student and they really care about you.

    ” – Faith from Bartow, FL

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    Hinds Community College is the fourth largest institution of higher learning in Mississippi. It is a public 2-year community college maintaining five campuses and six academic locations, the main campus located in Raymond, MS. Hinds Community College...

    “…

    Hinds offers alot of great programs, and the instructors they have are very experienced in the fields. The information builds off of each lesson learned, so they make it easier to remember.

    ” – Ja'Teria from Jackson, MS

    Founded in 1866, Kentucky State University is a public institution situated in Frankfort, KY. The school offers a liberal arts education and is also a land-grant institution. Popular majors at KSU include human development, nursing, and criminal...

    “…

    Kentucky State University is a well-rounded school overall. They challenge you academically and give many academic opportunities. They also make you feel at home.

    Originally founded in 1900 as a training school for African American teachers, Coppin State University is a 4-year public school and an Historically Black College and University in Baltimore. Coppin State hosts colleges of Arts & Sciences, Education...

    “…

    This is and excellent HBCU, and the nursing program is the !!!TRUTH!!! im am treated like an individual and not a number......

    ” – Quinton from Baltimore, MD

    Founded by a Union army soldier in 1865, Shaw University is an Historically Black College and University in the North Carolina Research Triangle and the first HBCU in the south. Shaw confers bachelor’s degrees in over 20 academic majors and is the...

    “…

    The University has a great campus and is very secure. All staff members of Shaw University are very friendly and are always willing to help if needed.

    ” – E'Neysia from Charlotte, NC

    SUNY Morrisville is located in Central New York, on 150 acres in a town of the same name. Morrisville offers more than 75 degree programs, both bachelor's and associate's, in agriculture, technology, business, social sciences, and liberal arts...

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    I think that it is a wonderful college. It offers many different degrees and programs. They also have professors that really understand the students and are very helpful as well.

    ” – Cheyanne from Earlville, NY

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    Founded in 1868, Bloomfield College is a private liberal arts school based in Bloomfield, New Jersey, affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Bloomfield offers several programs for students, including an Honors Program, the McNair Scholarship...

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    Bloomfield College has taught me many things thus far both inside and outside the classroom.

    ” – Ashley from Camden, NJ

    Voorhees College is a private, historically black institution located in Denmark, South Carolina. The school offers degree options that can be completed entirely in evening courses for students with scheduling limitations. Voorhees’ campus features...

    “…

    The classroom settings are very small so you can ask for help anytime. There are various opportunities to be taken advantage of. There are also many different programs on campus that help expand your cultural enrichment.

    ” – Karessa from Long Beach, CA

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    Founded in 1898, Miles College is a private liberal arts institution in the greater Birmingham area and an Historically Black College and University. A member of the United Negro College Fund, Miles confers undergraduate degrees in six academic...

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    To be a private HBCU, the price is very reasonable.

    ” – Darielle from Vance, AL

    Founded in 1865, Virginia Union University is a private, historically black institution of higher education in Richmond, VA. VUU is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA and the National Baptist Convention. The school offers a theology...

    “…

    Virginia Union University is a very small school. That's a plus when in the classroom because you work close with your professors. You get more out of your learning my classroom.

    ” – Cherrelle from Englewood, NJ

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    Founded in 1879, Florida Memorial University is an HBCU affiliated with the Baptist Church. It is a member of the United Negro College Fund and offer pre-college youth programs focused on the academic future of surrounding community members. A...

    “…

    fmu is a great university i really enjoy the things i achieved since i been here

    ” – Latifah from Tampa, FL

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    Owens Community College is a public, 2-year institution with campus locations in Toledo and Findlay, Ohio. Owens offers over 100 academic programs, including a number of Dual Admission Express Programs, which guarantee admission to regional colleges...

    “…

    At Owens the teachers really strive for you to be at your best. They help as much as they can, and because they've usually worked in the field they're teaching, you can learn many things from them. I'm in my second year here and feel like I've...

    ” – Dana from Rossford, OH

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    Suffolk County Community College is a 2-year institution in Selden, New York, that grants associate degrees and certifications. The college offers credit for students with life experiences. Programs offered include culinary arts and food service...

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    Most of the classrooms are small which is a big plus because that way you can have more one-on-one time with the professors. Not only that, but there is a lot of extra help provided around the campus.

    ” – Julia from NY

    Originally founded as a minister training school in 1879, Livingstone College is a Christian institution in central North Carolina and an Historically Black College and University. Affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church...

    “…

    Not only educationally but attending Livingstone College has taught me a lot about college and life in general.

    ” – Nichelle from Charlotte, NC

    Lane College is a private, historically black institution established in Jackson, Tennessee. Along with its traditional class offerings, the college also offers the Lane Evening Adult Program to allow working adult learners the ability to earn a...

    “…

    College itself is what you make it!! The small class room setting is really a huge plus!!

    ” – Jelisa from LA Vergne, TN

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    Saint Augustine's University was founded by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina in 1867. It is one of only two HBCUs affiliated with the Episcopal church. SAU offers a liberal arts education, Greek Life, Peer Mentorship, and a Royal Court...

    “…

    It's hard to fail at this school. Their program Freshman Experience, keeps you in constant contact with advisors, professors, and tutors. You even have to check in with them.

    ” – Chelsea from Afghanistan

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    The University of Advancing Technology is a private, 4-year institution established in Tempe, Arizona. UAT offers 20 undergraduate programs, as well as four master’s degree programs in Cyber Security, Game Production, Software Engineering, and...

    “…

    I've taken some of the most interesting classes here. The teachers are great and they are more than willing to help you. Also the class sizes are smaller so you don't get lost in the crowd.

    ” – Devon from Tempe, AZ

    Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the University of South Carolina Upstate is a public university in northwest South Carolina. USC Upstate features colleges of Education, Social Sciences, Business, Nursing, and Science offering...

    “…

    Academically, I have learned so much this semester. All of my courses were fairly hard, and I anticipated the challenge. I believe a firm education is based resisting the urge to take easy courses.

    ” – Detria from Florence, SC

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    Founded in 1867, Johnson C Smith University is a private HBCU and research institution. JCSU is located in Charlotte, North Carolina and associated with the Presbyterian Church. JCSU is a member of the United Negro College Fund and home to Biddle...

    “…

    At Johnson C. Smith University I will learn a lot about the field I'm going to major in which is Health Education. I will also learn more about the history of my school. How? Who? What? Where? All the need to know bases.Time management. I will learn...

    ” – Lanee

    From its downtown Chicago location, East-West University is a 4-year institution in the heart of the midwest’s largest city featuring courses in seven academic departments as well as a liberal arts program conferring associate degrees. The university...

    “…

    East-West University is a college where you can get all that you need. Although it's a small place, you see different races and cultures in one place. It's packed with majors that are on the market and thriving.

    ” – Shirley from Chicago, IL

    Wiley College is a private HBCU and liberal arts college. It is associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Liberal arts and humanities, nonprofit and public management, and police and criminal justice are the top fields of study. It is a member...

    “…

    Wiley College is the place to be. This is the opportunity to learn about your history while becoming apart of history! Everyone can succeed at Wiley College!

    ” – JASMINE from Dallas, TX

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    Founded in 1890, Post University is a for-profit college in western Connecticut. Post confers bachelor’s degrees in 19 fields of study and is home to six associate degree-granting programs. To accommodate working students, 10 degree programs are...

    Founded by the Felician Sisters, Villa Maria College is a 4-year Catholic school in Buffalo. Villa Maria confers bachelor’s degrees in 12 academic majors and is also home to eight associate-degree granting programs. To provide a real-world learning...

    Founded in 1866, Edward Waters College is a private, liberal arts HBCU affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church and is the oldest private university in Florida. Edward Waters is home to the Schell-Sweet Community Resource Center, which...

    “…

    Edward Waters College is special school. The class are small we learn a lot about black history. The teacher really listing the questions students asks.

    ” – Mariolinda from Orlando, FL

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    Fayetteville Technical Community College is a public, 2-year institution located in the state of North Carolina. Along with its main campus, the college also maintains two additional campuses in Spring Lake and Fort Bragg. FTCC is committed to...

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    McHenry County College is a 2-year community college serving the northwest suburbs in the Chicagoland area. MCC confers degrees in 20 academic departments as well as numerous career and technical program certificates. For students who need academic...

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    Horry-Georgetown Technical College is a public, 2-year institution established in Conway, South Carolina, with satellite locations in Georgetown and Myrtle Beach. HGTC offers over 65 degree, certificate, and diploma programs, as well as 11 fully...

    “…

    The best school that offers great oppurtunities for students, a wonderful community of faculty who care about the students and an inexpensive way to take core college classes and earn an Associates.

    ” – Sophia from Myrtle Beach, SC

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    Niagara County Community College is a 2-year community college in western New York State and part of the State University of New York system. NCCC confers associate degrees in over 60 academic fields of study. Additionally, the college makes 10...

    “…

    Great place to start a degree program, and get the general education requirements out of the way.
    It is very economical to attend and the instruction is high quality.
    There are also plenty of majors to choose from.

    ” – Samantha from Lockport, NY

    Located next to LaGuardia Airport,Vaughn College is a school of aeronautics and aviation in New York City. Vaughn confers bachelor’s degrees in 14 aviation and engineering-related fields and is the only college in New York State to offer a degree in...

    “…

    Most Defeinitely because it specifies in my interest, Aeronautical Engineering.

    ” – Devyn from Baltimore, MD

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    South Suburban College is a 2-year community college with two campuses offering classes in 16 academic departments. SSC recognizes outstanding students with admission to its Honors Program as well as naming them to its Dean’s List and as Presidential...

    “…

    i have learn a lot from this college. I have learn how to a be successful college student. Not only that, but I've learn something I have never had a chance to learn in high school an that's studying.

    ” – Shaunte' from Phoenix, IL

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    Southern University at New Orleans is a public and historically black university, and it’s the only institution in the state to offer a degree in museum studies. SUNO is a participant in the Upward Bound Program, which is funded by the US Department...

    “…

    I never thought I had a chance of attending a 4 year college, nevertheless wanting to stay. Southern University at New Orleans is a school of chance and a school where everyone succeeds and all faculty see to it that you do. There's no failure at...

    ” – Paulitha from New Orleans, LA

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    Paul Quinn College is a private and historically black liberal arts institution. It was founded by African Methodist Episcopal Church preachers in 1872 and maintains close ties to the church today. It is a federally funded work college and a minority...

    Established in 1893, Western New Mexico University is a public institution based in Silver City, NM, a short drive from Tucson, Albuquerque, and El Paso. WNMU is an Hispanic-Serving Institution, as well as a member of the American Association of...

    “…

    REALLY GOOD SCHOOL!!Every one is nice and willing to help. The professors are great and willing to help u out when needed.

    ” – Deeandra from Deming, NM

    Founded in 1867, Talladega College is private liberal arts school and the oldest historically black institution in Alabama. It is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Top fields of study...

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    Talldega is a very well-rounded and well respected HBCU. Its historic value makes it a very high name on your school list and the student teacher ratio is awesome.

    ” – Kadeem from Talladega, AL

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    The University of Arkansas at Monticello is a public liberal arts college based in Monticello, AR, and  is administered by the University of Arkansas System. U of A operates two technology colleges at separate locations, in Crossett and McGehee. Most...

    “…

    I previously went to Henderson State University, and attending class, but didn't really learn anything, and had no incentive to, as the professors didn't really care whether or not I succeeded at their establishment. Professors at UAM, however, are...

    ” – Mykel from Rison, AR

    Berkeley College is a for-profit college with three campuses in and around New York City as well as four campuses in New Jersey. Berkeley is home to schools of Business, Professional Studies, and Health Studies conferring 14 bachelor’s degrees. In...

    Founded in 1915, Harcum College is a residential institution offering a variety of associate degree options. Situated in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, 12 miles south of Philadelphia, it was the first college in the state to confer associate degrees and...

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    Richland Community College is a 2-year community college with a main campus and two extension sites in central Illinois. Richland is home to six academic divisions offering degrees and certificates in over 80 fields of study. For environmentally...

    “…

    All of my teacher are very knowledgeable, and they demonstrate that in each class. The ways they teacher makes going to class enjoyable and they are very eager to help all the students learn.

    ” – Jessica from Bethany, IL

    Rust College is a private, historically black institution established in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Classes at Rust College utilize an 8-week, modular structure, with their academic calendar consisting of six modules. The campus showcases a variety...

    “…

    Rust College has a great academic program. The teacher's are marvelous at what they do! On a scale of 1-10 I'll give Rust College a blazing number eight.

    ” – SHANA from milwaukee, WI

    Andrew College is a private, 2-year institution located in Cuthbert, Georgia. Students attending Andrew campus have access to a number of state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Jinks Gymnasium, the ceramics studio, and the Jones Chapel. Andrew...

    “…

    It is a 12:1 student teacher ratio! love it !

    ” – Fernanda from Buford, GA

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    Monroe County Community College is a 2-year college in southeast Michigan. MCCC is home to five academic divisions offering degrees and certificates in over 35 fields of study. For students who wish to earn paid on-the-job experience while studying...

    “…

    As is to be expected with college, I have learned more here in under a year than I did in four years of high school. Over all, I'm thrilled with the school! These classes have been challenging, but nothing too far out of my league and I feel that I...

    ” – Kara

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    Morris College is a private, historically black college located in Sumter, South Carolina. The college is career-focused, and offers a number of programs to prepare students for employment, including their Cooperative Education and Call Me Mister...

    “…

    Very motivating college

    ” – Britney from Kingstree, SC

    Louisburg College is a private, 2-year institution established in the state of North Carolina. The 6-acre campus consists of 20 academic buildings and is the only 2-year residential campus in the region. The college offers 12 different areas of study...

    “…

    I hope I can learn alot from this school.

    ” – Tavian from Durham, NC

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    Pulaski Technical College is a two-year community college affiliated with the University of Arkansas. For students planning to transfer to a four-year school, Pulaski Tech has transfer agreements with several schools, including the University of...

    “…

    They have all kinds of help, tutor online is really helpful

    ” – Juana from Little Rock, AR

    Los Angeles Harbor College is a public, 2-year institution established in Wilmington, California. LAHC academics feature the Harbor Advantage program, which is divided into two years (the Harbor Promise year and the Harbor Success year) and provides...

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    I learned as much as I could depending on how well the teachers and books presented the material. The classroom environment is relaxed so there's no pressure for deadlines and stuff like that.

    ” – LISETTE from San Pedro, CA

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    Chipola College is a public institution established on a rural campus in Marianna, Florida. Chipola awards a variety of associate’s degrees, college credit certificates, workplace development certificates, and industry-related certificates, as well...

    “…

    The new bookstore is awesome! I also love the recent changes in the cafeteria! The Ace Lab is great too!

    ” – April from Chipley, FL