Colleges for a 2.9 GPA

colleges that accept a 2.9 grade point average

What is a 2.9 GPA?

A 2.9 grade point average is a numerical representation of your course letter grades on a 4.0 scale. Your 2.9 GPA indicates you averaged B- grades in your classes and delivered slightly below average performance. The percent equivalent of a 2.9 grade point average is 82% on the percentage grading scale. This means that you scored an average of 82% on tests and assignments. GPA values for B- letter grades range from 2.7 to 2.9. Your 2.9 GPA positions you at the high end of the B- range, demonstrating you have likely earned almost straight B's. Learn more about what the B- letter grade signifies.

Is a 2.9 GPA good?

A 2.9 is short of the average U.S. high school GPA of 3.1 and a bit behind of the average GPA for college-bound students (3.15 GPA). It signifies that you've achieved mostly B's and some C's, demonstrating slightly below-average academic performance. While a 2.9 may not be ideal for top-tier universities or scholarships, there are many four-year colleges to choose from where a 2.9 GPA is well within the typical GPA range for accepted students. If you are still a junior or below, you have a few semesters to earn some A's and B's to bring your GPA over 3.0. This will allow you to apply to a larger range of more selective colleges.

What colleges can I get into with a 2.9 GPA?

Graduating with a high school GPA of 2.9 places you within of the academic range at colleges like Morgan State University, Alabama State University and Texas Southern University. Based on incoming freshman GPA data for U.S. schools, our analysis indicates that 172 colleges would consider your 2.9 GPA competitive. The most popular colleges, historically accepting students with GPAs within the range of 2.7 to 3.1 (2.9 +/- 0.2), are listed below. To view your chances of admission at each school, scroll down and explore the full list.

Raise a 2.9 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 2.9 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.

Demographic Statistics

Let's examine how a 2.9 GPA stacks up to the national high school averages across various demographic groups

Gender

Male: A 2.9 is 0.1 points (3%) lower than the average male student GPA of 3.0
Female: A 2.9 is 0.3 points (10%) lower than the average female student GPA of 3.23

Race/ethnicity

White: A 2.9 is 0.3 points (10%) lower than the average white student GPA of 3.23
Black: A 2.9 is 0.1 points (2%) higher than the average black student GPA of 2.83
Hispanic: A 2.9 is 0.1 points (2%) lower than the average Hispanic student GPA of 2.95
Asian/Pacific Islander: A 2.9 is 0.5 points (14%) 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 2.9 GPA?

Consider the following tips to improve or maintain your 2.9 GPA. These are good study habits to develop in high school which will improve your college admission chances.

Identify areas of weakness: Determine which subjects or topics you struggle with and focus on improving those areas. This targeted approach will help you make the most significant impact on your overall GPA.
Develop a study schedule: Create a consistent study routine that allocates time for each subject. Establishing regular study habits will help you stay on track and better retain information.
Use effective study techniques: Employ proven study techniques like spaced repetition and active recall to enhance your learning and retention.
Seek help when needed: Don't hesitate to ask for help from teachers, peers, or tutors if you're struggling with a subject. Most schools offer tutoring services, and your teachers are there to support your learning.
Participate in class: Engage in classroom discussions and ask questions. Active participation can deepen your understanding of the material and demonstrate your commitment to learning.
Organize your study materials: Keep your notes, assignments, and resources well-organized, making it easier to access and review them when needed.
Break down large tasks: Divide complex projects or lengthy assignments into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes it easier to track your progress and reduce feeling overwhelmed.
Practice good time management: Use to-do lists or online schedulers to manage your time effectively. Dedicating time for studying, extracurricular activities, and relaxation can help you maintain a healthy balance.
Utilize online resources: Take advantage of online resources, such as Khan Academy, YouTube tutorials, or educational websites, to supplement your learning and gain a deeper understanding of challenging topics.
Join or form study groups: Collaborate with classmates in study groups to review material, discuss concepts, and prepare for exams. This collaborative learning environment can boost your motivation and understanding of the subject matter.
Stay consistent: Consistency is key to improving your GPA. Maintain good study habits, complete assignments on time, and stay focused on your academic goals.
Monitor your progress: Track your GPA with a GPA calculator and assess your progress. This will help you stay motivated and adjust your strategies as needed to continue improving.
Foster a growth mindset: Believe in your ability to grow and improve. Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and remind yourself that your efforts will yield results.

Aside from good study habits, chart your path towards your target GPA by understanding what it will take to get there. You can refer to a raise your GPA calculator to check the future grades you need to achieve the GPA you aspire to.

How high can I still increase my 2.9 GPA?

The table below will help you see how high or low you can possibly change your GPA if you currently have a 2.9. 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.

Freshmen with a 2.9 after first semester can still possibly raise their GPA as high as a 3.86 or drop it to a 0.36. There is still a lot of time to change your GPA before graduation and it can vary by 3.50 grade points in the future.

Possible grades you can raise your 2.9 GPA to before graduation for freshmen
Future Grades	1st Semester Completed	2nd Semester Completed
A	3.86	3.73
A-	3.60	3.50
B+	3.25	3.20
B	2.99	2.98
B-	2.73	2.75
C+	2.37	2.45
C	2.11	2.23
C-	1.85	2.00
D+	1.50	1.70
D	1.24	1.48
D-	0.97	1.25
F	0.36	0.72

Sophomores with a 2.9 after first semester can still raise their GPA as high as a 3.59 or see it fall to a 1.09. You have some time to change your GPA before graduation and it can vary by 2.50 grade points in the future.

Possible grades you can raise your 2.9 GPA to before graduation for sophomores
Future Grades	1st Semester Completed	2nd Semester Completed
A	3.59	3.45
A-	3.40	3.30
B+	3.15	3.10
B	2.96	2.95
B-	2.77	2.80
C+	2.52	2.60
C	2.34	2.45
C-	2.15	2.30
D+	1.90	2.10
D	1.71	1.95
D-	1.52	1.80
F	1.09	1.45

Juniors with a 2.9 after first semester can still raise their GPA to a 3.31 or lower it to a 1.81. You have limited classes left to change your GPA before graduation and it can vary by 1.50 grade points in the future.

Possible grades you can raise your 2.9 GPA to before graduation for juniors
Future Grades	1st Semester Completed	2nd Semester Completed
A	3.31	3.17
A-	3.20	3.10
B+	3.05	3.00
B	2.94	2.92
B-	2.83	2.85
C+	2.67	2.75
C	2.56	2.67
C-	2.45	2.60
D+	2.30	2.50
D	2.19	2.42
D-	2.08	2.35
F	1.81	2.17

After first semester senior year your GPA is fairly locked in. A 2.9 can be raised a 3.04 or slip to a 2.54. You have very little time to change your GPA before graduation and it can vary by 0.50 grade points at the most.

Possible grades you can raise your 2.9 GPA to before graduation for seniors
Future Grades	1st Semester Completed	2nd Semester Completed
A	3.04	2.90
A-	3.00	2.90
B+	2.95	2.90
B	2.91	2.90
B-	2.88	2.90
C+	2.83	2.90
C	2.79	2.90
C-	2.75	2.90
D+	2.70	2.90
D	2.66	2.90
D-	2.62	2.90
F	2.54	2.90

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GPA 2.9 Public Private 4 year

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List of 2.9 GPA Colleges

Displaying 172 colleges where your 2.9 GPA is within the typical range of past accepted students. You have a chance at being accepted but admission may be challenging at more selective colleges. Filter by admission chance for 360 target schools (good chance), 1,866 reach (harder) schools and 1,353 safety (easier) schools you can consider.

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HBCU

Baltimore, MD

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Morgan State University

Public 4 Year

5 reviews

3.1 Average GPA

#10 Best Public Universities in Maryland

9,101enrollment
$13,956net price
85%acceptance rate
880-1060SAT range
16-21ACT range

Your 2.9 GPA

Admission Chance78%

Applications Due Apr 15

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HBCU

Montgomery, AL

credit: Ron Cogswell / license

Alabama State University

Public 4 Year

2 reviews

2.95 Average GPA

#12 Best Public Universities in Alabama

3,828enrollment
$13,176net price
97%acceptance rate
828-1041SAT range
16-20ACT range

Your 2.9 GPA

Admission Chance97%

Applications Due Jul 31

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HBCU

Houston, TX

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Texas Southern University

Public 4 Year

3 reviews

3.0 Average GPA

#27 Best Public Universities in Texas

8,632enrollment
$11,826net price
97%acceptance rate
820-1000SAT range
15-19ACT range

Your 2.9 GPA

Admission Chance96%

Applications Due Jul 15

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HBCU

Petersburg, VA

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Virginia State University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

2.85 Average GPA

#14 Best Public Universities in Virginia

4,648enrollment
$15,773net price
90%acceptance rate
830-1030SAT range
14-17ACT range

Your 2.9 GPA

Admission Chance91%

Applications Due May 1

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HBCU

Savannah, GA

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Savannah State University

Public 4 Year

3 reviews

2.77 Average GPA

#13 Best Public Universities in Georgia

2,945enrollment
$9,452net price
100%acceptance rate
845-980SAT range
15-19ACT range

Your 2.9 GPA

Applications Due Jul 15

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HBCU

Albany, GA

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Albany State University

Public 4 Year

2 reviews

2.77 Average GPA

#12 Best Public Universities in Georgia

6,334enrollment
$14,672net price
100%acceptance rate
740-900SAT range
15-18ACT range

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HBCU

Winston-Salem, NC

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Winston Salem State University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

3.01 Average GPA

#12 Best Public Universities in North Carolina

5,004enrollment
$14,097net price
73%acceptance rate
830-1050SAT range
14-19ACT range

Your 2.9 GPA

Admission Chance68%

Applications Due Feb 15

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Lawrenceville, GA

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Georgia Gwinnett College

Public 4 Year

3 reviews

2.88 Average GPA

11,030enrollment
$10,981net price
94%acceptance rate
940-1170SAT range
17-23ACT range

Your 2.9 GPA

Admission Chance94%

Applications Due May 3

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HBCU

Tuskegee, AL

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