Colleges for a 2.7 GPA
A 2.7 GPA opens the door to hundreds of four-year colleges, not a dead end. Roughly 709 schools fall in range for you, including good-fit targets like Virginia State University and Norfolk State University. You're a bit below the national average of 3.1, and that's okay - you've still got real options, plus room to climb if you have semesters left to raise those grades.
Quick Facts for a 2.7 GPA
- Letter grade: Typically B- (~80% on a common percentage scale).
- vs national average: 2.7 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 709 schools (48 target, 303 reach, 358 safety).
Colleges You Can Get Into with a 2.7 GPA
Students with a 2.7 GPA regularly land at schools such as Georgia Gwinnett College (average GPA 2.88), SUNY Brockport (2.79), and Dean College (2.88) - solid targets where your grades sit close to the middle of the pack. Savannah State University and Albany State University (both around 2.77) work well as likelier backups. Tougher reaches like Clark Atlanta or Hampton University usually want higher averages, so treat those as longer shots. Colleges also look at course rigor, test scores when they use them, essays, activities, and recommendations, so your GPA is only one piece.
Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)
Targets are schools where a 2.7 sits near the average GPA of admitted students, so you have a good shot. Virginia State University (average GPA 2.85) and Fort Valley State University (2.87) fit that mold. Use a few of these as realistic anchors when you decide where to apply.
Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)
Reaches are possible but tougher with a 2.7 because the school's average GPA runs higher or admission is more selective. Old Dominion University and Morgan State University both sit around 3.1 to 3.3 on average. Apply if you love them - just know the odds are longer.
Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)
Safeties are schools where your 2.7 is right in line with or above typical admits, so the odds look strong. Savannah State University and Albany State University both average about 2.77. With hundreds of safety options in this range, you can pick backups you'd still be glad to attend.
View the full list of colleges that accept a 2.7 GPA
Top Choices in Popular U.S. States
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Is a 2.7 GPA good or bad?
A 2.7 is four tenths below the average U.S. high school GPA of 3.1 and even further behind of the average GPA for college-bound seniors. You've earned a mix of B's and C's, with slightly more C's than B's. This reflects an average to slightly below-average academic performance and could limit your access to selective colleges. There are some four-year colleges that accept a 2.7 however the list is not long. If you are still a freshman or sophomore, you have a few semesters to earn some A's and B's to bring your GPA over 3.0. This will open more doors for you and allow you to apply to a wider range of more selective colleges.
What is a 2.7 GPA?
A 2.7 grade point average is a numerical representation of your course letter grades on a 4.0 scale. Your 2.7 GPA indicates you averaged B- grades in your classes and delivered slightly below average performance. The percent equivalent of a 2.7 grade point average is 80% on the percentage grading scale. This means that you scored an average of 80% on tests and assignments. GPA values for B- letter grades range from 2.7 to 2.9. Your 2.7 GPA positions you at the lower end of the B- range, slightly ahead of a C+ (2.3) average. Learn more about what the B- letter grade signifies.
See the full 2.7 GPA scale page and our GPA scale guide.
Raise a 2.7 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 2.7 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 but extremely difficult if you are a junior. If you're a senior, a 3.0 cannot be reached before graduation.
Demographic Statistics
How a 2.7 GPA stacks up to national high school averages across demographic groups.
Gender
- Male: A 2.7 is 0.3 points (10%) lower than the average male student GPA of 3.0
- Female: A 2.7 is 0.5 points (16%) lower than the average female student GPA of 3.23
Race/ethnicity
- White: A 2.7 is 0.5 points (16%) lower than the average white student GPA of 3.23
- Black: A 2.7 is 0.1 points (5%) lower than the average black student GPA of 2.83
- Hispanic: A 2.7 is 0.2 points (8%) lower than the average Hispanic student GPA of 2.95
- Asian/Pacific Islander: A 2.7 is 0.7 points (20%) 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 2.7 GPA?
Consider the following tips to improve or maintain your 2.7 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 2.7 GPA?
The table below will help you see how high or low you can possibly change your GPA if you currently have a 2.7. 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 2.7 GPA is below the national high school average near 3.1, so selective options are more limited, but you still have about 709 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 2.7 GPA
- Compare nearby GPAs: 2.6 and 2.8
- Browse the Colleges by GPA hub
- Use the high school GPA calculator or raise GPA calculator
Published: August 19, 2026