Afraid your 2.0 GPA will keep you out of grad school? Don’t worry just yet. Finding grad schools that accept 2.0 GPA isn’t impossible. In fact, we’ve put together a list of potential graduate schools that accept 2.0 GPA from eligible students or don’t list a GPA requirement at all.
List of 7 Graduate Schools That Accept 2.0 GPA
These sponsored graduate schools below are home to programs that may accept students with a 2.0 GPA. Be aware that GPA requirements often vary from program to program at the same school. And, it’s important to be aware of other admissions requirements besides GPA.
Note: All listed GPAs are on a 4.0 scale, and generally must be earned from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
written by Shannon Fandler
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1
Northcentral University
Northcentral University is a regionally accredited online university, serving students worldwide from the master’s level through the doctoral degree level in the fields of Business, Education, Psychology, and Marriage and Family Therapy.
The university attracts students from more than 41 countries and offers more than 200 program specializations across 37 degree programs.
Graduate Programs:
- PhD in Technology and Innovation Management – IT Project Management
- Masters of Arts (MA) in Psychology – General Psychology
- MS in Technology and Innovation Management – Cybersecurity
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership – Human Resources Management
2
Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University has been offering career-focused education since 1965. In 1995, they introduced online learning as a way of offering flexibility to busy, working students. Today, CTU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in areas like business, nursing, health sciences, computer science, and more. Study online or on one of two Colorado campuses: Aurora and Colorado Springs.
For graduate admissions, CTU accepts a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, in addition to other criteria. This applies to both doctoral and master’s programs. However, check with your program of interest for more specific information on admissions requirements.
Graduate Programs That May Accept a 2.0 GPA:
- Master of Science in Information Technology
- Doctor of Management in Homeland Security
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited university founded in 1932. They currently serve 3,000 on-campus students and over 90,000 online students, in both undergraduate and graduate-level programs.
Among other requirements, graduate students must apply with a GPA of at least 2.75 for full acceptance or a GPA of 2.0 for provisional acceptance (unless the program specifies otherwise). However, that requirement might be superseded if a student applies with a post-bachelor’s degree. Check with your specific program of interest for more information.
Graduate Programs That May Accept a 2.0 GPA:
4
Liberty University
Liberty University is a private, Christian research university serving the needs of both undergraduate and graduate-level learners. A pioneer in distance education since 1985, they offer online graduate degree programs in addition to traditional programs on campus in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Liberty University offers select online graduate programs that accept eligible students with a GPA of at least 2.0. However, every graduate program may have slightly different admissions requirements. Check with your program of interest to learn more.
Graduate Programs That May Accept a 2.0 GPA:
- Master of Arts in Global Studies
- Master of Arts in Religion
- Master of Arts in Divinity
- Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
5
Benedictine University
An inclusive academic community dedicated to becoming a leader in Catholic higher education, Benedictine University seeks to provide a transformative educational experience.
The school’s mission is to enhance the Catholic and Benedictine mission through all facets of the institution. And their motto is, “That in all things God may be glorified.” This dedication to service and scholarship and truth and justice resonates through all their programs.
Graduate Programs That May Accept a 2.0 GPA:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Dual MBA – MPH
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Values-Driven Leadership
6
Purdue University Global
Purdue University Globalserves 30,000 students and is an adult-serving public university that focuses on convenient online degrees in career-oriented fields of study.
Purdue University Global offers online master’s degrees that can be earned in about two years or longer, depending on the flexible scheduling you choose.. Or, you can take one course per term and earn your degree on your schedule.
Graduate Programs:
- M.S. Accounting
- M.S. Homeland Security
- M.S. Health Education
- Master of Public Administration
- M.S. Psychology
7
Widener University
Widener University is a private institution of higher education based in the metropolitan Philadelphia area. Offering programs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, Widener is committed to academic excellence, career preparation, and civic engagement
When it comes to admissions criteria, each graduate program at Widener is different. Some programs, like the Master of Education in Human Sexuality Studies program, take a more holistic approach to admissions and don’t list a GPA requirement at all. Others, like the MBA program, ask for a minimum GPA of 2.7 but may examine a composite score that factors in both GPA and GMAT score, for those whose GPA is less than 2.7. Check with your program of interest to learn more.
Graduate Programs That May Accept a 2.0 GPA:
- Master of Education in Human Sexuality Studies
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
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How to Get into Grad School with a 2.0 GPA (Potentially!)
A low undergraduate GPA might have any number of causes: health issues, family problems, not being quite ready for college. Now that you’re thinking about grad school, you no doubt wish you had performed better as an undergrad. And since there’s no way to turn back the clock, here are a few tips for finding and applying to potential graduate schools who see you as more than just a number on a four-point scale.
- Understand why your GPA is low. You may be asked about your low grades during an admissions interview or expected to explain them in a graduate application essay. Even if you’re not explicitly asked, don’t let your 2.0 GPA be the elephant in the room. Knowing and reflecting on where you went wrong, and coming up with a plan to do better next time, may be the sign of maturity your prospective graduate program is looking for.
- Boost other areas of your application. Some graduate programs may take more of a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they may not reject a student for a lower-than-average GPA without considering elements of the application such as work history, letters of recommendation, and test scores like the GRE or GMAT. That doesn’t mean your grades don’t matter. However, schools that value a more complex picture of student success may not be so quick to eliminate you based on your 2.0 GPA.
- Prove you’re up for the challenge of graduate work. If you don’t believe your bachelor’s degree transcript reflects your true abilities, it may be possible to seek a fresh start with post-graduate work. Pursuing a post-baccalaureate program, or even some challenging courses in your field that are not part of a degree program, may help you prove to a prospective graduate school that you are capable of performing at the level they require.
- Search for online graduate schools that accept 2.0 GPA. Studying online may allow you to pursue your degree from a grad school on the other side of the country. By casting a wider net rather than limiting your search to graduate institutions with campuses near you, you just might boost your chance of finding a higher education partner that’s the perfect fit.
Search Grad Schools That Accept 2.0 GPA
Explore our sponsored listings for graduate schools that may accept a 2.0 GPA. Or, fill out the form above to be matched with graduate schools and programs that may be the ideal fit for you. If your GPA is a wee bit higher, you could find Grad Schools that Accept 2.7 or 2.8 GPA's as well.