Colleges for a 2.2 GPA
You're looking at about 384 four-year colleges where a 2.2 GPA can still work. That includes good-fit targets like Southern University at New Orleans and safer bets such as Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. Your GPA sits below the national average of 3.1, so stronger grades from here on help a lot - and you already have real options to plan around.
Quick Facts for a 2.2 GPA
- Letter grade: Typically C+ (~76% on a common percentage scale).
- vs national average: 2.2 is below the typical U.S. high school GPA near 3.1.
- Scale note: Figures here use an unweighted 4.0 GPA unless a college reports otherwise.
- College options: Competitive at 384 schools (3 target, 26 reach, 355 safety).
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 2.2 GPA
Browse schools such as Talladega College (average GPA 2.40) and Metropolitan College of New York (average GPA 2.10) as targets, with Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (average GPA 2.37) and Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology (average GPA 2.32) as safer options. Reaches ask more than your current GPA alone. Think of reaches as harder to get into, targets as solid fits, and safeties as likely backups. Colleges also look at course rigor, test scores when they use them, essays, activities, and recommendations - not just the number on your transcript.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Your targets are schools where a 2.2 sits close to what they usually enroll. Southern University at New Orleans and Talladega College both have average GPAs around 2.40, so you're in a reasonable range with a good shot.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Reaches get steeper with a 2.2 GPA because their students often post higher averages. Central State University (average GPA 2.80) and Shaw University (average GPA 2.60) fall in this tougher group. Apply if you're excited about them, and keep expectations realistic.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
Safeties are where your odds look strongest, and you have a lot of them - roughly 355. Accessible schools like Miami Dade College, Valencia College, and Savannah State University give you reliable four-year paths. Lean on this group so you know places are ready to say yes.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 2.2 GPA
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
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Is a 2.2 GPA good or bad?
The average GPA for high school graduates in the U.S. is 3.1, so a 2.2 is very far behind. You have largely earned C's in your coursework with occasional B's. This reflects a below-average academic performance and suggests that you might benefit from additional academic support or resources. A 2.2 is considered a passing average, but isn't competitive for four year colleges. High school freshman and sophomores still have time to pull their GPA up from a 2.2 to a 3.0 but it will take a lot of hard work earning mostly A's and some B's. If you graduate high school with a 2.2 GPA you should consider colleges that have open admissions to all students or look at your local two year community college as your next step.
What is a 2.2 GPA?
A 2.2 grade point average is a numerical representation of your course letter grades on a 4.0 scale. Your 2.2 GPA indicates you averaged C+ grades in your classes and delivered satisfactory but below average performance. The percent equivalent of a 2.2 grade point average is 76% on the percentage grading scale. This means that you scored an average of 76% on tests and assignments. GPA values for C+ letter grades range from 2.0 to 2.2. Your 2.2 GPA positions you at the high end of the C+ range, demonstrating you have likely earned a mix of C+'s (2.3) and C's (2.0). Learn more about what the C+ letter grade signifies.
See the full 2.2 GPA scale page and our GPA scale guide.
Raise a 2.2 GPA to a 2.5
It's possible to raise a 2.2 to a 2.5 if you put in the work. You will need to change your habits start getting's C's instead of B's. If you're a freshman or sophomore and can get B-'s from here on out you can graduate with a 2.5. Juniors will need a B average or higher. However, if you're just starting senior year and can get A-'s you can raise your 2.2 to a 2.58. Unfortunately, if you're half way through senior year with a 2.2, it's no longer mathematically possible to get a 2.5.
Raise a 2.2 GPA to a 3.0
If you have a low GPA and have decided to take action to improve your grades, congratulations setting a goal is an important first step. A 3.0 is a good target as it will open many more doors for you when you apply to colleges.
In order to increase your 2.2 you will need to take some steps
- Attend all classes
- Pay attention and take good notes in class
- Do all of your assignments and turn them in on time
- Practice good study habits. Every night, dedicate a block of several hours for doing homework, reviewing class notes and studying for tests
- Ask your teacher for extra help outside of class
- Seek assistance from a tutor for subjects you're having trouble with
- Make friends with someone who is doing well in a class and see if they are willing to help you
Next an important consideration is if it's mathematically possible and realistic to achieve a 3.0. This will depend greatly on how far along you are in school as it gets progressively harder to increase a grade average. Consult the table below for a detailed look at your highest possible GPA and what grades it will take to get there. At a high level, a 3.0 is still achievable if you're a freshman or sophomore. If you're a junior or senior, a 3.0 cannot be reached before graduation.
Demographic Statistics
How a 2.2 GPA stacks up to national high school averages across demographic groups.
Gender
- Male: A 2.2 is 0.8 points (27%) lower than the average male student GPA of 3.0
- Female: A 2.2 is 1 points (32%) lower than the average female student GPA of 3.23
Race/ethnicity
- White: A 2.2 is 1 points (32%) lower than the average white student GPA of 3.23
- Black: A 2.2 is 0.6 points (22%) lower than the average black student GPA of 2.83
- Hispanic: A 2.2 is 0.8 points (25%) lower than the average Hispanic student GPA of 2.95
- Asian/Pacific Islander: A 2.2 is 1.2 points (35%) lower than the average Asian/Pacific Islander student GPA of 3.39
Statistics source: 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) High School Transcript Study (HSTS)
How can I raise my 2.2 GPA?
Consider the following tips to improve or maintain your 2.2 GPA. These study habits help in high school and strengthen college admission chances.
- Identify areas of weakness: Determine which subjects or topics you struggle with and focus on improving those areas.
- Develop a study schedule: Create a consistent study routine that allocates time for each subject.
- Use effective study techniques: Employ spaced repetition and active recall to enhance learning and retention.
- Seek help when needed: Ask teachers, peers, or tutors if you're struggling with a subject.
- Participate in class: Engage in discussions and ask questions to deepen understanding.
- Practice good time management: Balance studying, activities, and rest so grades stay on track.
- Monitor your progress: Track your GPA with a GPA calculator and adjust strategies as needed.
Chart your path with a raise your GPA calculator to see the future grades you need.
How high can I still increase my 2.2 GPA?
The table below will help you see how high or low you can possibly change your GPA if you currently have a 2.2. As you progress in school it becomes more and more difficult to improve your overall grade point average. Select the tab and table column corresponding to the last semester you completed. Then find a row for your predicted future letter grade average. The result would be your GPA at graduation if you can maintain that letter grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 2.2 GPA is below the national high school average near 3.1, so selective options are more limited, but you still have about 384 four-year colleges in range. Stronger test scores, course rigor, and an upward grade trend can help, and less-selective or open-admission four-year schools remain realistic pathways.
Next Steps
- Search and filter colleges matching your 2.2 GPA
- Compare nearby GPAs: 2.1 and 2.3
- Browse the Colleges by GPA hub
- Use the high school GPA calculator or raise GPA calculator
Published: August 19, 2026