Is it possible to gain admission this year with that your low GPA? Are colleges accepting a 2.5 GPA in Illinois for 2023?
If, by chance, you have a GPA of less than 2.5, then there don’t get a completed write-off. Do you want to find out what Illinois colleges you can attend despite your poor GPA?

We’ve gathered a comprehensive list of institutions with low GPA requirements from all over the United States and ranked the top. Continue reading to learn about your higher education alternatives in Illinois.
The Grade Point Average (GPA) is one of the most important variables used by admissions officials when deciding whether or not to admit prospective students. Most institutions in the United States compute GPA on a four-point scale, and most prefer a minimum grade of “B” or a GPA of 3 on a four-point scale for admission to their graduate programs.
However, different programs at some colleges in Illinois have varied GPA requirements. The list of colleges in Illinois with low GPA requirements, such as 2.5, is provided in this article.
What Does a Low GPA Mean in College?
Nevertheless, defining what we mean by a low GPA is important. The definition of a low GPA varies depending on your specific goals and target universities. Still, a general guideline is that a GPA of less than 3.0 places you in the smaller range for most colleges across the country.
Is A 2.5 GPA Good For College?
A 2.5 is well below the national average of 3.0 in high school and even lower than the national average of 3.15 for college-bound seniors.
A few four-year universities accept a 2.5, but the number is small. If you’re a freshman or sophomore, you still have a few semesters to get several A’s and B’s to raise your GPA above 3.0.
You can apply to a wider choice of more selective colleges. If you are a high school junior or senior, you can improve your chances of admission by doing well on the SAT or ACT.
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If your low 2.5 GPA makes you nervous, rest assured that no matter which college you go to, you will receive an excellent education. Let us show you the many options and opportunities available at Illinois institutions.
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a mid-sized four-year public college in Carbondale, Illinois, that offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
In the most recent statistics year, 5,377 prospective students sought admission, with 3,569 being accepted. The institution enrolled 1,037 of those who were accepted. There are 10,386 full-time students and 2,431 part-time students admitted. In-state tuition for 2019/2020 is $9,638 plus $5,266 in fees (excluding room & board).
In the CollegeSimply.com 2020 rankings, Southern Illinois University is rated 357th in the US. Furthermore, Southern Illinois University is ranked in the country’s top 39% of all four-year universities, with a CollegeSimply score of 7 out of 10.
Admission into Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Is it difficult to get into Southern Illinois University, and do I have a chance of being accepted? With a 66 percent admission rate, the school is ranked #33 in Illinois for the lowest acceptance rate.
Southern Illinois University is a moderately competitive school with a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the requirements. Last year, 3,569 out of 5,377 applicants were admitted, making it a moderately competitive school. Academically, it has high admission exam standards, often admitting students who score in the top half of their class.
Typically, “B-“ average high school students are accepted and drawn to Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Just a 29percent of the total of those who were accepted chose to attend the school. Most entering freshmen were in the top half of their high school graduating class.
Test Requirements
Admission exam scores must be submitted alongside your application. The University of Southern Illinois in Carbondale is not a test-optional institution.
Chicago State University
Chicago State University is a short four-year public institution in Chicago, Illinois, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. In the most recent statistics year, 3,126 students applied for admission, and 1,980 were accepted. The institution enrolled 191 of those who were accepted.
There are 1,810 full-time students and 1,154 part-time students enrolled. In-state tuition for 2019/2020 is $7,488 + $3,878 in fees, excluding room & board. In the 2020 CollegeSimply.com U.S. Colleges Ranking, CSU is rated 834 nationally.
CSU is a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) that receives federal funding to help its efforts to serve low-income students. Chicago State University is ranked in the worst 38 percent of four-year universities nationwide, earning a 4 out of 10 CollegeSimply grade.
Admission into Chicago State University
CSU has a 63 percent acceptance rate, which places the school 28th in Illinois for the lowest acceptance rate. CSU is a moderately competitive school to get into, with a significant possibility of acceptance if you meet the requirements.
Last year, 1,980 out of 3,126 applicants were admitted, making it a moderately competitive school. High school students with a “B-“ average are frequently accepted and attracted to Chicago State University. Only 10% of students who were accepted chose to attend the institution.
Test Requirements
Admission exam scores must be submitted alongside your application. The University of Chicago is also not a test-optional institution.
Northeastern Illinois University
This is also part of the colleges that accept low GPAs in Illinois.
Northeastern Illinois University is a mid-sized four-year public institution in Chicago, Illinois, that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. 4,711 potential students applied in the most recent data year, and 2,755 were accepted. 452 of those that were accepted enrolled in the institution.
There are 3,967 full-time students and 4,136 part-time students enrolled. In-state tuition for 2019/2020 is $9,698 + $1,764 in fees (excluding room & board).
In the 2020 CollegeSimply.com U.S. Colleges Ranking, Northeastern Illinois University is rated 680th nationally. Northeastern Illinois University is ranked in the bottom 45 percent of four-year universities in the United States.
Admission into Northeastern Illinois University
Northeastern Illinois University is ranked #18 in Illinois for the lowest acceptance rate, with a 58 percent acceptance rate.
Northeastern Illinois University is a much more competitive school to get into, with a fair likelihood of acceptance for qualified applicants, as 2,755 out of 4,711 applicants were admitted last year. Scholastically, it offers very low entrance test score standards, admitting students who score in the top 78 percent of their class.
Northeastern Illinois University usually admits and draws high school students with a “B-“ average. Only 16% of students who were accepted chose to attend the school. The majority of new freshmen graduated in the top half of their class.
Test Requirements
Entrance exam scores must be submitted alongside your application. Northeastern Illinois University is a test-driven institution.
Robert Morris University Illinois
Robert Morris University Illinois is a modest four-year private college in Chicago, Illinois that offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. In the most recent statistics year, 2,760 students applied for admission, and 1,750 were accepted.
The institution enrolled 412 of those who were accepted. There are 1,619 full-time students and 315 part-time students enrolled. In-state tuition, minus room and board, is $29 in 2019/2020.
Admission into Robert Morris University
Is it difficult to go into Robert Morris, and can I get in? With a 63 percent admission rate, the institution is ranked #30 in Illinois for the lowest acceptance rate. Robert Morris is a moderately competitive school with a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the requirements.
Last year, 1,750 out of 2,760 applicants were admitted, making it a moderately competitive school. Robert Morris University in Illinois usually admits and welcomes students with a “B-“ average in high school.
Only 24% of students who were accepted chose to attend the school. Most new freshmen graduated from high school in the bottom half of their class.
East-West University
East-West University is a small four-year private institution in Chicago, Illinois that offers undergraduate degrees. East-West University maintains an open admission policy that allows anyone with a high school diploma or a GED to enter. There are 389 full-time students and 5 part-time students enrolled.
East-West University is a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI), which means it receives government funding to support its efforts to serve low- and middle-income Black people.
Admission into East-West University
East-West University operates on an open admissions policy. Open admission institutions often have few admissions standards and will admit all applicants who meet specified minimum criteria.
Throughout the year, new admissions are frequently given. To discover more about East-West University’s open admission policy, please get in touch with them directly.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, a low GPA, typically around 2.5 or lower, doesn’t have to keep you from applying to some fantastic colleges.
Many colleges in Illinois with low GPA requirements are well-known public universities. On the other hand, there are fewer colleges, and you can consider them as well.
Lastly, remember that even if your GPA is below what your school requires, you can improve your chances of admittance by obtaining a high SAT/ACT score and completing an outstanding application!

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