Is it possible to gain admission this year with your low GPA? Are colleges accepting a 2.5 GPA in Illinois for 2025?
If, by chance, you have a GPA of less than 2.5, then you 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 nationwide.
Can you get into college with a 2.5 GPA?
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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Colleges that accept 2.5 GPA in Illinois
If your low 2.5 GPA makes you nervous, rest assured that you will receive an excellent education no matter your college. Let us show you the many options and opportunities available at Illinois institutions.
1. 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.
Is it difficult to get into Southern Illinois University, and do I have a chance of being accepted? With a 95% admission rate, the school is known for its high acceptance rate.
Southern Illinois University is a moderately competitive school with a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the requirements. 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. Most entering freshmen were in the top half of their high school graduating class.
Admission exam scores must be submitted alongside your application. The University of Southern Illinois in Carbondale is not a test-optional institution.
2. 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.
CSU is a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) that receives federal funding to help its efforts to serve low-income students.
CSU has a 47t acceptance rate, placing the school among Illinois colleges with the highest acceptance rate. Chicago State is a moderately competitive school with a significant possibility of acceptance if you meet the requirements.
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.
Admission exam scores must be submitted alongside your application. The University of Chicago is also not a test-optional institution.
3. 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, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Northeastern Illinois University is ranked one of the higher institutions with high admit rates in Illinois, with a 71% acceptance rate.
Northeastern Illinois University is a much more competitive school, with a fair likelihood of acceptance for qualified applicants. 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.
Entrance exam scores must be submitted alongside your application. Northeastern Illinois University is a test-driven institution.
4. Robert Morris University, Illinois
Robert Morris University is a modest four-year private college in Chicago, Illinois, that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Is it difficult to get into Robert Morris? With a 63% admission rate, the institution is one of Illinois’ easiest colleges to get into in 2025. Robert Morris is a moderately competitive school with a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the requirements.
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.
5. East-West University
East-West University is a small, four-year private institution in Chicago, Illinois, offering undergraduate degrees. East-West University maintains an open admission policy that allows anyone with a high school diploma or a GED to enter.
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. The college has an 89% acceptance rate.
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 learn more about East-West University’s open admission policy, please contact 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 your school’s requirements, you can improve your chances of admittance by obtaining a high SAT/ACT score and completing an outstanding application!