List of Universities Accepting Low GPA for Masters in US

Updated on 22 July, 2024

Akansha SemwalTanya Rai

Akansha, Tanya

List of Universities Accepting Low GPA for Masters in US

Worried your Grade Point Average (GPA) might fail your dream of pursuing a master’s in the US? Don't lose hope. While a strong GPA matters, it's not the only thing needed in admissions. You can look for US universities accepting low GPAs. These universities take a holistic approach, considering GRE/GMAT scores, work experience, research projects, recommendation letters, and personal statements.

Arizona State University, for example, considers applicants with GPAs below 3.0 who show "exceptional promise" elsewhere.

While top schools maintain strict GPA requirements, there are many universities that accept international students with low GPAs in the USA.

GPA Categorization

Before delving deeper into a list of US universities accepting low GPAs for MS courses, here is a categorization list that you may find useful. 

Classification of the Degree Percentage/Grade of Marks  GPA Score
Upper Second-Class Honors (2:1)– Good GPA Grade B or 80-89%  3.0
Lower Second-Class Honors (2:2)–  Low GPA Grade C or 70-79% 2.0
First-Class Honors (1st/First) – Very Good GPA  Grade A or 90% or above 4.0
Third-Class Honors (3rd/Third)–  Very Low GPA Grade D or 60-69% 1.0

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List of Universities that Accept Low GPA - Brief Look

Here are some common universities in the US that accept students with low GPA scores. Therefore, if you are considering a study abroad program even with a low GPA score in the US, considering the below-listed universities can be a good recommendation to opt for.

How to Get into Universities with Low GPA

Here are some of the things that you should keep in mind: 

  • You can talk about the reasons behind the low GPA in your interview or your SOP (Statement of Purpose)/Personal Statement. You may also write a letter separately to the admissions committee at the institution, talking about these reasons as well. 
  • Your SOP may help you overcome your low GPA if it is written well and impresses the admissions committee. 
  • Keep highlighting those areas/subjects where you scored higher. 
  • Focus on other components, including your work/professional experience, experience, internships, leadership and community initiatives, extra-curricular activities, etc. 
  • You can also take up certification and other smaller courses online or even offline,to show the admissions panel that you have the requisite skills. 
  • If you have strong GMAT/GRE scores, your application will always have a higher chance of approval. 
  • Build a solid resume and present it impeccably to the admissions committee, along with a portfolio or research proposal if applicable. 
  • Make sure your academic and official transcripts are in order, along with all other documents. 
  • Get two references or LORs (letters of recommendation) if needed. They may help your application. 
  • Try and score as high as possible on your English language proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL). 

These are some of the pointers that will serve you well while planning for your MS applications in the US.   

Top Universities in the USA

City University of Seattle

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

University of Connecticut

Oregon State University

Adelphi University

Clemson University

National University California

Lewis University

Knoxville University

Georgia Institute of Technology

San Jose State University

University of North Texas

Documents Required (For Getting Admission in USA with Low GPA)

The document requirement for admission to the USA with a low GPA is almost identical to any other university. However, you might have to include additional documents to showcase your low GPA score. 

Here are all the documents needed to get admission to the USA with a low GPA.

  • Passport
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Financial Statement
  • Transcripts
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Marksheet and Pass Certificates
  • Personal Statement
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Proof of Funds
  • Application Confirmation Copy
  • English Language Test Scores

US Universities Accepting 2.0 GPA for Master’s

Here are some universities in the United States that accept 2.0 GPA scores for masters.

Name of University 

GPA Required

Full Sail University Winter Park

2.0

Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design

2.0

National University San Diego

2.0

McHenry County College

2.0

Talladega College

2.0

Southern University of New Orleans

2.0

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Conclusion

Despite a low GPA, pursuing a master's in the US is feasible by targeting universities with holistic admissions criteria. Beyond GPA, factors like test scores, work experience, research, recommendations, and personal statements are crucial. 

With focused preparation, applicants can navigate admissions successfully and achieve their academic goals in the United States.

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FAQs

Is a 2.5 GPA good for an MS in the USA?

Yes, a 2.5 GPA score is good for pursuing an MS in the USA. You can easily find various universities in the USA that accept students with a score of 2.5 GPA for the Master’s program.

Which university accepts a 2.0 GPA in the USA?

Various universities accept a 2.0 GPA score in the USA. These include universities like Full Sail University Winter Park, Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design, and National University San Diego.

Can a high GRE compensate for a low GPA?

Yes, in case your GPA score is not good enough to showcase for a master’s program in the US, a good GRE score can help you compensate for a low GPA. 

How to compensate for a low GPA for MS?

A low GPA score for MS in the United States can be compensated for a good GRE score. An exceptional GRE score can undoubtedly counterbalance a low GPA to a great extent.

What is the lowest GPA to get into a master's program?

In the US, most universities accept students with a GPA score of a minimum of 2.0 in their master’s program. Therefore, 2.0 is considered the lowest score for a master’s program.

Did you find this article helpful?

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.

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