2.2 GPA Colleges: Browse Schools That Accept a 2.2 GPA
Grade Point Average (GPA) is a cumulative average of your final grades throughout high school. A 2.2 GPA is just above a “C” grade and indicates that your grades average out to a C.
Is a 2.2 GPA Good?
A C demonstrates average performance and a GPA of 2.2 is just a few steps above that. However, a 2.2 GPA is still below the national average high school GPA of 3.0 and it’s also below the competitive benchmark for college admission. With a 2.2 GPA, college options are very limited. A 2.0 GPA is the unofficial lowest GPA for acceptance so it’s conceivable to get into a few schools, but a 2.2 won’t improve the odds too much. Increasing your GPA by even a few tenths will lead to more options.
What Colleges Can I Get Into with a 2.2 GPA?
Only a small number of schools accept students with a GPA of 2.2 and we’ve compiled a list of them below. Your GPA will not automatically qualify you for admission to these colleges and universities but they have historically accepted students with a 2.2-2.3 GPA.
If it’s your freshman or sophomore year, there’s plenty of time to make a comeback. Now is the time to commit to improving your GPA gradually so you’re a better candidate for college admission. Set a goal of turning a C+ into a B- and then a B- into a B. A 2.2 GPA is not that far from a 2.5, a GPA that offers a lot more options for college. From there, 3.0 is a realistic goal with some hard work! Take advantage of any study aids or tutoring services that your school offers and ask your teachers how to reach the next level of academic performance in their classes.
For juniors, a 2.2 GPA is within shouting distance of a 2.5—a GPA that really expands your horizons when it comes to options for college! Even if you’ve already begun your junior year, there’s time to reach a 2.5. Each point of improvement distinguishes your application from other students and, in conjunction with after school activities, decent standardized test scores, and great personal statement, it can make all the difference.
If you’re a senior, a 2.5 isn’t possible while taking regular classes, but it’s possible to achieve a 2.4 if you commit to it. Some colleges have application deadlines into January and February, giving time to bump up your GPA by a couple tenths before college application season is over, so see if any of these institutions interest you. In the meantime, consider applying to a 2-year community college, most of which admit all students regardless of GPA. Enrolling in a 2-year college offers the added benefit of saving money through lower tuition costs and the opportunity to commute from home. After establishing a good GPA during those two years, you’ll be a prime candidate for transfer to a 4-year college or university.
What Are Colleges Looking At Other than a 2.2 High School GPA?
While GPA is spoken about so often that it can seem like it’s the only thing that matters when applying to colleges, there’s a lot more involved in the decision. Admissions officers want to get to know you holistically — so don’t hold back. Include your passions for life, your hobbies, and more in your application packet. Examples include:
- SAT Scores / ACT Scores
- Extracurricular/Afterschool activities
- Sports
- Application Essays
- Volunteer Work
- Jobs / Internships / Special Projects
- FAFSA
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 2.2 GPA in high school considered good?
In our book, “good” GPAs offer students lots of college options and competitive applications. Unfortunately, a 2.2 GPA doesn’t offer that. Four-year colleges are very limited with a 2.2 GPA.
What colleges can I get into with a 2.2 GPA?
When it comes to being accepted into 4-year institutions, you’ll have some difficulty finding institutions that are likely to accept you. You can apply to the Metropolitan College of New York, a private, 4-year institution that accepts students with an average GPA of 2.1. You can also consider Selma University, or 2-year Morrison Institution Technology, both of which accept students with an average GPA of 2.2.
What percentile is a 2.2 GPA?
A 2.2 GPA is a percentile of 77, or a C+ letter grade.
What scholarships can you get with a 2.2 GPA?
Scholarships awarded based on merit, for things like GPA or standardized testing, will typically require a higher GPA than 2.2. At minimum, 2.5, but more likely they’ll want a 3.0 at least. This doesn’t mean you should apply for scholarships, it just means you should look for ones without a GPA requirement. Look for scholarships based on your interests, like extracurriculars and sports!
