USA Universities that Accept Low GPA for Masters in 2024

Undoubtedly, higher education programs in the USA are unmatched. Their degrees are prestigious and widely recognized, so many students choose US universities for master's after completing undergrad courses.

But the problem arises when some students acquire a low GPA and can't find USA universities that accept low GPA for masters. That said, today UniSearch experts have uncovered some of the best universities in the USA that welcome international students with low grades through this content. Find out some best USA Universities that Accept Low GPA for Masters in 2024.

What is a Low GPA for a Master's Degree in the USA?

Universities in the USA follow the 4-point grading system, and according to this GPA system, the highest GPA is 4.0, and the lowest one is 1.0. If your GPA in the bachelor's program remains between 1.0 and 3.0, your GPA will be considered a low one. In contrast, A GPA of above 2.7 and 3.0 is a high GPA. Below, we have shared a table containing a list of high and low GPAs based on the 4.0 grading system.

USA Universities that Accept a Low GPA 2.0 or above for Masters

Yes, some universities in the USA grant admission to students for master's programs even if they acquire a low GPA of 2.5 in their bachelor's course. Below, we have described everything about these educational institutes. 

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private academy with a large campus covering around 338 acres. It is home to many international students who enroll in several undergraduate and postgraduate courses this uni offers.

SNHU provides students with a variety of options to complete their degrees. For example, at this university, learners can register for traditional day courses or choose evening and weekend schedules. Not only this, but they can also register for online programs to study from the comfort of their home. 

In summary, Southern New Hampshire University is a well-known educational institute featuring everything you need to excel at your studies and accomplish your goals with tremendous success.   

Minimum GPA

Students must submit an attestation declaring they have received a baccalaureate degree with a GPA of 2.0 on a scale of 4.0 from an accredited university to get into a master's program.

2. Strayer University 

Strayer University is a private educational institute housing over 50,000 students, among whom more than 30,000 are international students. They take various degree programs and acquire knowledge in their fields while exploring the 64 beautiful campuses this university owns.

These campuses are located throughout 15 US states, which means you get to explore some stunning places in the USA if you enroll in any degree program at this uni. Now let's discuss how this university prepares you for a bright future.

Strayer University specializes in delivering high-quality education through its numerous undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Plus, it helps students by giving them the place they need to achieve their goals. With careful observation and thorough guidance, this university assists its students in getting them what they truly desire.

GPA Requirement

International students achieving a low GPA of 2.50 in a bachelor's degree program can get admission to Strayer University.

3. Benedict College

Located in Columbia, South Carolina, Benedict College is a historically black private college. It offers several sought-after programs in Cyber Security, STEM, Mass Communication, Engineering, Computer Science, Education, and more.

The reason for highlighting these aforementioned study programs, among others, is that this college has earned fame worldwide for teaching these courses and making students experts in these fields of study. 

So, if you possess an interest in these courses and want to elevate your academic career, Benedict College can surely be of help. By registering for a master's program at this university, you will acquire the knowledge you are searching for and prepare yourself to enjoy a better future.

Minimum GPA

Undergraduate students with a GPA under 3.2 can register for a master's program at this uni. Still, they must submit MAT or GRE results to strengthen their admission application. 

4. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private yet non-profit baptist educational institute. It is one of the largest Christian universities in the United States, accommodating more than 15000 students in its residential program and 80000 in online courses. 

Liberty University operates 15 colleges and offers more than 700 courses at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. This university understands students require freedom and flexibility to excel at their studies. Thus, it enables learners to tailor their study programs to match their field of interest. 

In summary, Liberty boasts state-of-the-art technology, a stunning campus, and highly skilled faculty to aid you in giving your academic career a new height. 

GPA Requirement

To qualify for a master's program at this uni, you must obtain a low GPA of 2.5 in your bachelor's program. However, depending on the study course, the GPA requirement will differ. 

Universities that accept 2.7 GPA for Masters in the USA

You have glanced at some universities that welcome students with a GPA of 2.5. If your grade is a bit higher than 2.5, you can explore the universities listed below and select one to continue your master's course.

1. Our Lady of the Lake University

Our Lady of the Lake University is a private academy accommodating thousands of international students and guiding them to reach their academic goals. This university provides bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs across its main campus, stretching over 52 acres. 

Alongside this, Our Lady of the Lake University allows students to benefit from a safe learning atmosphere while developing ethics and spiritual values. Consequently, these students get what they need to take on leadership and become true leaders of tomorrow. Overall, this uni features all the modern amenities and is committed to delivering the first-rate education you want to build a lucrative academic and professional career.

GPA Requirement

To apply for a master's program at this university, you must earn a bachelor's degree with a low GPA of 2.75 from a reputed or recognized educational institute. 

2. Capella University

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Capella University is a private and online educational institute. This university oversees 52 degree programs and over 1900 online courses.

It houses over 38,000 students from all 50 US states and 61 countries and lets them focus on their studies in a soothing environment. In summary, this private university will support you in every possible way to help you advance your academic career and land a high-paying job to secure a bright future. 

Minimum GPA

Capella University recommends students achieve at least a GPA of 2.8 in their bachelor's program to get into master's degrees. Another notable fact regarding admission is that students don't need to submit their GRE & GMAT scores as they do in other universities' programs in the USA.

3. New England College

New England College is a private academy in Henniker. It is home to over 4000 students enrolled in diverse academic programs. Speaking of degree courses, New England College offers courses in myriad disciplines, including Accounting, Art and Design, Business, Gender Studies, Humanities, Healthcare, and more.

Apart from providing degrees, this college allows students to join 50 varied student organizations containing many fraternities and sororities, fostering friendship among students to benefit from a like-minded community.

All said New England College is an ideal educational institute that can help you gain the required knowledge in your field of study through a master's program and let you be who you want to be. 

GPA Requirement

Students must achieve a GPA of at least 2.75 on a scale of 4.0 to enroll in a master's program at this university. 

4. Chicago State University 

Chicago State University is the most affordable public educational institute in Chicago. It has a large campus with an urban setting, which sits within 162 acres of area. Thus you get a large campus to venture into.

CSU utilizes a semester-based academic calendar and supervises more than 70 degree and certificate programs. That means you will have the opportunity to choose your favorite course from diverse study programs. 

Another significant fact about this university is that it features a student-faculty ratio of 10:1, and it operates 84% of its classes with approximately 20 students. Hence, students benefit from one-to-one tutoring and master their skills in their preferred field of study. 

Minimum GPA

Applicants with a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the bachelor's program are eligible to apply for a master's degree at this university. 

5. Regis University

Meet another private educational institute on this list of USA universities that accept low GPA for masters is Regis University. It was established by the Society of Jesus in 1877. This uni runs over 120 degree courses through 5 colleges. 

This private academy offers students diverse courses in a variety of subjects, such as business, liberal arts, technology, and so on. Like Chicago State University, it also has a 10:1 student-faculty ratio to aid students in concentrating on their studies appropriately with the required guidance from the faculty.

Overall, Regis assists learners in challenging their minds, seeing themselves and discovering what they believe, and preparing themselves to create a positive impact on the world. 

Minimum GPA

Although Regis University grants students with a GPA of 2.90 in the bachelor's program easy admission to the master's program, learners having a below GPA than the mentioned one can also register for a master's degree. But in that case, they must answer supplementary questions in an autobiographical essay. 

6. Walden University

Walden University is a private online educational institute aiming to provide the highest quality education through many study programs. This uni runs over 100 degree programs and has more than 600 faculty who mentor students worldwide and help them acquire the sheer knowledge they require.

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Walden for its innovative approach to teaching and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence. This academy enables students to choose different ways of learning according to their preferences.

More specifically, it offers course-based learning and tempo learning, allowing learners to study instructor-led and scheduled-based courses or enjoy a flexible learning experience by setting their own pace to receive a degree.   

Overall, Walden University gives students the flexibility they need to focus on their studies from the comfort of their homes and develop a successful academic career to lead a better life. 

Minimum GPA

To fulfill admission requirements for a master's program at this university, you must have an official transcript of a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) from a US school or other recognized academic institute. 

How Can I Get into a Master's Program with a Low GPA in the USA?

A low GPA can't ruin your dream of studying at a university in the USA. If you somehow obtain a low GPA in your bachelor's program, you can still get admission at a US educational institute to complete your master's degree. But to get accepted readily, you must follow the steps mentioned below. 

Give a Proper Explanation for Your Low Grade - you can describe the reason for achieving a low GPA through a personal statement. Or, you can also write a separate letter elaborating on this matter. 

Highlight Subjects with Good Scores - Though you have a low GPA, you might obtain good scores in some subjects in your bachelor's program. Thus, highlighting those subjects can be beneficial when getting admission approval. 

Achieve Good Score in GRE/GMAT/LSAT/MCAT- obtaining a good score in GRE/GMAT/LSAT/MCAT can strengthen your admission application for a master's program.

Gather Professional Experience - If you can acquire professional experience in the relevant field of study, you will have a high chance of getting admission approval. 

Register for Additional Courses - By taking additional courses and acquiring short certificates, you can easily convince the admission committee that you have developed valuable skills and enhanced your profile. It will help you get easy admission approval. 

Document Needed for Admission Application

Which documents you will need vary from course to course and university to university that you choose. Most universities require the following standard documents for a master's program.

• A filled application form

• A personal statement

• Academic Transcripts

• A copy of your bachelor's degree

• English language test scores

• GMAT/GRE/LSAT/MCAT test scores

• References if required

• CV/resume

• A copy of the passport

• Portfolio (for some courses)

• Research proposal (for PG research courses)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Considered a Low GPA for a Master's Course?

If your GPA remains under 3.0, it will be considered a low GPA. However, you can still get into a master's program with such a GPA since numerous universities in the USA accept students with low GPAs.

What is the Minimum GPA for Masters?

The minimum GPA requirement varies from course to course and from university to university you choose. On average, some educational institutes will accept a low GPA of 2.5, while others require you to have at least a GPA of 3.0 to enroll in a master's program. 

Is It Possible to Get into a Master’s Program with a GPA of 2.0?

Indeed you can register for a master's course at a university in the USA even if you have a low GPA of 2.0 in your bachelor's program. In this content, we have listed Southern New Hampshire University, which accepts students with low grades.

Our Concluding Thoughts

Although some US universities will indeed want students to achieve a high GPA to get admission approval for a master's, you can see several other USA universities accept low GPA for masters. 

All these educational institutes shared in this blog post welcome international students with low grades and teach them the skills required to experience a successful academic career. We hope you will pick one from the list and continue your journey of studying a master's program at a uni in the USA.