Last Updated on August 16, 2024 by II Editor
Seeking an affordable college degree with a flexible admissions policy? If your high school grades fell below the usual 3.0 GPA cutoff at many schools, don’t shut the door on higher education just yet. Several top colleges right here in Florida are opening their doors wider by accepting qualified applicants who have earned a minimum 2.5 GPA. Whether you dream of studying business, healthcare or the liberal arts, these 10 schools can make college a reality.
From southern beacons like Rollins College to sprawling urban universities along both coasts, these institutions believe past academic performance alone should never determine one’s future potential. By taking a holistic approach to admissions and supporting every student’s success, these top-rated Florida colleges aim to provide accessible pathways to career-focused degrees. Curious what programs they offer or how their flexible policies work? Read on to discover the top 10 schools embracing new opportunities for 2.5 GPA students right in your backyard. It may be the route to transforming your dreams into a rewarding career.
The Top 10 Colleges That Accept a 2.5 GPA in Florida
#1: Rollins College
Rollins College is a private liberal arts college located in Winter Park, Florida. Founded in 1885, Rollins has an undergraduate enrollment of around 2,500 students and offers over 40 bachelor’s degree programs.
Rollins is well-known for its commitment to teaching excellence and has a student-faculty ratio of just 10:1. The College emphasizes engaged learning through its Global Initiatives program which offers study abroad opportunities in locations all over the world. It also provides unique internship and research experiences through the undergraduate and Pre-Professional advising offices.
Rollins has an open admission policy and accepts applicants with a minimum 2.5 weighted high school GPA. It does not require SAT/ACT test scores for admission. Transfer students are considered with a minimum 2.5 college GPA. Once admitted, Rollins offers academic support through programs like the Student Success Coaching which provides one-on-one guidance from dedicated staff. Tutoring resources are also available.
Given its open-enrollment policy, Rollins focuses on student retention and ensuring all admitted students receive the academic support needed to succeed. Qualified first-year applicants meeting the 2.5 GPA requirement and showing motivation and character are given an opportunity at Rollins regardless of past academic performance. This inclusive approach helps students grow and achieve their full potential.
#2: Flagler College
Moving south, the next college on our list is Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. Founded in 1968, Flagler is a private not-for-profit college offering Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. It has around 3,500 students enrolled, with the majority pursuing undergraduate liberal arts programs.
Flagler takes pride in its small class sizes, with a student-faculty ratio of 15:1. It emphasizes close relationships between professors and students through one-on-one mentorship. Hands-on learning is also supported through internship opportunities. Flagler has partnerships with hundreds of organizations locally and nationally.
The college considers applicants with a minimum 2.5 weighted high school GPA or 2.5 college GPA for transfer applicants. No standardized test scores are required for admission. Similar to Rollins, this open policy reflects Flagler’s goal of providing accessible education to motivated students regardless of previous grades.
Flagler ensures academic success through support services like tutoring, writing centers, and Supplemental Instruction Program which provides peer-led study sessions. Qualified advisers also help students stay on track to graduate through individualized degree planning.
#3: Stetson University
Continuing up the east coast, our next Florida college accepting a 2.5 GPA is Stetson University. Founded in 1883, Stetson is a private not-for-profit university located in DeLand, Florida. It has around 4,000 students and offers over 70 undergraduate majors, as well as law, business, and education graduate programs.
Stetson prides itself on providing a personalized education in a close-knit community. It aims to empower students through practical, experiential learning experiences like research with faculty, study abroad, internships, and community service opportunities. Stetson also supports engagement beyond the classroom through over 150 student clubs and organizations.
Similar to the previous two colleges, Stetson considers applicants with a minimum 2.5 weighted high school GPA or 2.5 transfer GPA without requiring standardized test scores. Its holistic review process evaluates student character and leadership along with academic history.
Stetson guides students towards academic success through advising, peer tutoring services, writing resources, and learning support programs. Qualified staff help students maximize their potential through individual academic planning and goal setting.
#4: Saint Leo University
Moving further south, Saint Leo University in Saint Leo accepts applicants with a 2.5 GPA. Founded in 1889, Saint Leo University is a private Catholic university headquartered in Saint Leo, Florida. It has around 9,000 students enrolled across 145 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.
Saint Leo prides itself on offering accessible education through online and part-time courses along with its campus programs. It aims to empower working professionals and non-traditional students through flexible scheduling and individualized support services.
For admission, Saint Leo considers applicants with minimum 2.5 weighted high school GPA or 2.5 college GPA without requiring standardized tests. It makes admission decisions through holistic evaluation of all application materials including student character, experiences, and academic potential.
Saint Leo supports student success through various resources like the Student Success Center providing peer tutoring, workshops, and individualized coaching. Qualified advisers also connect students to on-campus and community support services as needed. This wraparound approach helps all admitted students achieve their academic goals.
#5: Jacksonville University
Moving further north along the coast, Jacksonville University in Jacksonville offers a flexible admission process that accepts applicants with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Founded in 1934, JU has over 4,000 students currently enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programs across liberal arts, sciences, and professional fields.
JU emphasizes career preparation through applied research opportunities, expanding experiential learning, and supportive career advising. It partners with over 900 organizations for hands-on internships locally and across the country.
For admission, JU considers applicants with a minimum 2.5 weighted high school GPA or 2.5 college GPA without requiring standardized test scores. It conducts holistic review of applications, especially for those with past academic challenges, to assess character, goals, and motivation for success.
JU supports student retention and achievement through learning support programs, peer tutoring, specialized advisers and mentors, and individual success coaching. These services help all admitted students meet their full academic potential regardless of past performance.
#6: Lynn University
In Boca Raton, Lynn University offers flexible admission to applicants with a 2.5 GPA. Founded in 1962, Lynn is a private not-for-profit university with over 3,000 students pursuing degree programs across communication, engineering, and hospitality fields.
Lynn emphasizes hands-on, experiential education through unique programs integrating real-world work experiences into every field of study. Its innovative 4.0 curriculum focuses on career preparation, leadership, and multidisciplinary thinking.
The university admits students with a minimum 2.5 weighted high school GPA or 2.5 college GPA, waiving standardized test requirements. Lynn conducts holistic review evaluating student character along with academic history and goals to identify motivated candidates. Lynn also ranks as one of the easiest private nursing schools to get into in Florida.
Once enrolled, Lynn ensures student success through dedicated services like academic advising, peer mentoring, tutoring, career workshops and individualized academic coaching. Faculty and staff work closely with all students, especially those facing challenges, to help maximize achievement potential.
#7: Barry University
Moving further inland, Barry University in Miami Shores offers flexible admission to applicants meeting minimum 2.5 GPA standards. Founded in 1940, Barry is a private Catholic university enrolling over 9,500 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
Barry supports career-driven education through unique programs like its 100% internship experience requirement. It partners with local companies to offer students hands-on work integrated into every academic field.
Barry considers applicants that meet the minimum 2.5 weighted high school GPA or 2.5 college GPA without requiring test scores. It conducts holistic review of all materials to identify motivated students committed to academic success.
Barry ensures student achievement through services like academic advising, personalized success coaching, tutoring, and mentoring programs. Individual support helps all students overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
#8: University of Tampa
The University of Tampa, located along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa, accepts applicants meeting a minimum 2.5 GPA requirement. Founded in 1931, UT has over 10,000 students currently pursuing its liberal arts, sciences and professional programs.
UT focuses on applied education through unique programs integrating classroom learning with professional experiences. Fields like business, education, psychology and communication offer hands-on components like client projects, volunteer work, and internships.
For admission, UT considers applicants with minimum 2.5 weighted high school GPA or 2.5 college GPA, waiving standardized test requirements. It conducts holistic review assessing character, leadership and motivation along with previous grades and test scores.
Once enrolled, UT supports student success through comprehensive services including academic coaching, tutoring, mentorship opportunities and individualized support tailored to each student’s needs and goals. These resources help maximize achievement potential.
#9: Palm Beach Atlantic University
Palm Beach Atlantic University located in West Palm Beach offers a flexible admission process accepting undergraduate applicants with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Founded in 1968, PBAU enrolls over 3,500 students pursuing degrees across liberal arts, sciences, health professions, business, and ministry.
PBAU emphasizes character development and career preparation through programs integrating faith, service, and leadership. Fields of study offer hands-on experiences through community-focused research projects and clinical placements locally.
The university reviews applications from students meeting the 2.5 weighted high school GPA or 2.5 college GPA standards without requiring standardized tests. It conducts holistic evaluation of each student’s unique strengths and experiences.
Once enrolled, PBAU supports student success through personalized academic support including tutoring, mentoring, coaching and individualized advising. These services help each student maximize achievement and complete their degree regardless of previous academic challenges.
#10: Nova Southeastern University
Rounding out our list is Nova Southeastern University located across multiple South Florida campuses. Founded in 1964, NSU has over 21,000 students currently pursuing education across its health science, law, business, and arts/sciences programs.
NSU aims to empower career-driven learners through unique experiences integrating classroom academics with real world training. Fields like osteopathic medicine, nursing, and computer science offer clinical rotations, research opportunities and hands-on lab work.
For admission, NSU considers applicants meeting minimum 2.5 weighted high school GPA or 2.5 college GPA standards, waiving test score requirements. Its inclusive process offers opportunities to motivated students regardless of past performance.
NSU ensures success of all admitted students through specialized support services tailored to each program. Resources include tutoring, mentoring, success coaching and wellness programs to help maximize achievement potential. Qualified advisers also provide individualized academic planning.
Conclusion
In summary, the top ten Florida colleges presented here demonstrate a commitment to inclusive and accessible education through flexible admission policies accepting undergraduate applicants with a minimum 2.5 GPA. By conducting holistic application reviews and providing comprehensive student support services, these institutions empower motivated learners regardless of past academic struggles. Their emphasis on career preparation through hands-on, real-world integrated learning also helps students achieve professional success. Overall, their open admissions approach combined with wraparound student support reflects an aim of giving all qualified individuals an opportunity to achieve their full academic potential.
