34 MSW Programs in the USA that Accept Low GPAs
If you’re worried that your GPA might be too low to get accepted into an MSW program, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common concerns we hear from applicants at MSW Helper.
While many programs list a minimum GPA of 3.0, that requirement often isn’t as rigid as it looks. Social work values lived experience, resilience, and growth, and admissions committees know that past academic performance doesn’t always reflect someone’s potential as a future social worker. Many applicants face challenges during undergrad, whether that means juggling multiple jobs, managing health issues, navigating personal hardships, or simply finding themselves in a program that wasn’t the right fit for them.
Unlike fields such as Clinical Psychology, MSW programs tend to use a holistic review process. This means they consider the entire picture – including your personal statement, experience, references, and academic trajectory – not just the GPA on your transcript. As a result, a weakness in one area can often be balanced by strengths in another.
In this guide, you’ll find 34 CSWE-accredited MSW programs (for both non-BSW holders and BSW holders) that explicitly state they consider GPAs under 3.0, offer conditional admission, or weigh your last 60 credit hours more heavily than your cumulative GPA.
Before You Dive In
This List is Just a Starting Point
While this list contains many of the schools that explicitly state they will consider applicants with GPAs under 3.0, it is by no means exhaustive. There are hundreds of CSWE-accredited MSW programs across the country, and many will accept strong applicants with a GPA below 3.0, but do not explicitly advertise it on their website.
If you have a specific program in mind that isn’t on the list, do not rule it out. I always encourage applicants to reach out to the admissions team directly. A simple email asking, “Do you offer conditional admission for applicants who don’t meet the 3.0 GPA requirement?” can often open doors that aren’t visible on the website.
Understanding “Conditional” vs. “Regular” Admission
Before diving into the list and researching potential programs, it’s important to understand the terminology you may see:
Regular Admission: You meet all admission requirements and are fully accepted.
Conditional / Provisional / Probationary Admission: The program accepts you, but you are effectively on a “trial period.” During this period, you will typically be required to maintain a 3.0 (B average). If you fall below a B, you may be dismissed.
Always Verify GPA Requirements
Admission requirements change from time to time, so always verify the latest GPA requirements before applying.
Programs for Non-BSW Holders (Regular Standing or Traditional MSW)
If you have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, liberal arts, or a totally unrelated field, you will be applying for “Regular Standing” or “Traditional MSW” (usually a 2-year program).
Non-BSW: The Most Accessible Programs (2.5 – 2.74 GPA)
Concord University (Athens, WV – Online)
Preference for 2.5 overall GPA and 2.75 in the last 60 credit hours, but provisional acceptance for applicants with a lower GPA is considered on an individual basis.
Lancaster Bible College (Lancaster, PA – Online)
Preference for 2.5 overall GPA, but provisional acceptance possible for lower GPAs.
California State University, Northridge (Northridge, CA – On-Campus)
While an overall GPA of 3.0 is recommended, they will consider GPAs as low as 2.5.
Delaware State University (Dover, DE – On-Campus)
Minimum overall GPA of 2.5.
Herzing University (Milwaukee, WI – Online)
Minimum overall GPA of 2.5.
Our Lady of the Lake University (La Feria or San Antonio, TX – Hybrid or Online)
Minimum overall GPA of 2.5 for all undergraduate coursework attempted or 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours.
San José State University (San José, CA – On-Campus or Online)
Minimum overall GPA of 2.5.
University of Denver (Denver, CO – On-Campus or Online)
Minimum overall GPA of 2.5, but if lower than 3.0 admissions committee will likely look at your last 60 or 90 undergraduate credit hours, and applicants admitted with a GPA of less than 2.75 will be admitted on probationary status.
Eastern Kentucky University (Richmond, KY – Online)
Preference for a minimum overall GPA of 2.7 for all undergraduate coursework and 3.0 for previous graduate coursework (if applicable), but applicants with GPAs under 2.7 may receive probationary admission.
Indiana Wesleyan University (Marion, IN – Online)
Preference for an overall GPA of 2.7, but lower may be accepted on a probationary basis.
Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH – On-Campus or Online)
Required minimum overall GPA of 2.7, and stress that they have a holistic review process.
The University of Tennessee (Knoxville or Nashville, TN – On-Campus or Online)
Required minimum overall undergrad GPA of 2.7 or 3.0 during senior year of undergrad and 3.0 for previous graduate coursework, but preference is given to 3.0+ in undergrad and with substantial preparation in the social sciences.
Cleveland State University (Cleveland, OH – On-Campus or Online)
Preference for a 2.75 overall GPA, but probationary admission is possible for GPAs below 2.75.
Morgan State University (Baltimore, MD – On-Campus or Online)
Preference for a 3.0 overall GPA, but may be admitted conditionally with a 2.5 – 2.99 GPA.
Portland State University (Portland, Eugene or Bend, OR – On-Campus or Online)
Minimum overall undergrad GPA of 2.75 or 3.0 graduate GPA (if applicable), but conditional admission is possible for 2.5 – 2.74 GPAs.
University of Saint Mary (Leawood, KS – Online)
Preference for a 2.75 overall GPA, but applicants with a lower GPA may be considered for Probationary Status Acceptance.
University of Nevada (Reno, NV – On-Campus or Online)
Minimum overall undergrad GPA of 2.75, C in social work courses (if applicable), and 3.0 graduate level coursework (if applicable), but a GPA under 2.75 may be possible in the online program (contact the MSW program advisor to discuss options).
Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA – On-Campus or Online)
Preference for 3.0 overall GPA, but those with a lower GPA will be reviewed (it will affect your overall score, but any graduate-level courses taken with a 3.0 or higher will help your application).
Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, KY – On-Campus or Online)
Preference for a GPA of 2.75 in the last 60 credit hours, but applicants with GPAs below 2.75 can petition for Alternate Admission with additional documentation.
Western Virginia University (Morgantown, WV – On-Campus or Online)
Preference for 2.75 overall GPA, but lower may be considered for provisional admission.
Non-BSW: The “Almost There” List (2.75 – 2.99 GPA)
Keuka College (Keuka Park, NY – Online)
Minimum overall GPA of 2.75.
New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, NM – On-Campus or Online)
Preference for 3.0 overall GPA, but 2.75 – 2.99 may be considered for provisional admission.
University of Colorado (Colorado Springs, CO – On-Campus, Hybrid or Online)
Preference for 3.0 overall GPA, but applicants with an exceptional application with a GPA of at least 2.75 may be considered.
Winthrop University (Rock Hill, SC – Online)
Minimum 2.8 overall GPA.
Samford University (Homewood, AL – On-Campus or Online)
Preference for an overall GPA of 3.0 or 3.2 during the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework, but applicants with at least 2.8 may be admitted conditionally if they submit a MAT (minimum score of 402) or GRE score (minimum scores of 153 Verbal, 144 Quantitative, and 4.0 Analytical) with their application.
Aurora University (Aurora, IL – On-Campus)
Applicants with a GPA less than 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Arizona State University (Phoenix, Glendale, Yuma or Tucson, AZ – On-Campus or Online)
Competitive applicants typically have a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of undergrad coursework, but applicants with lower GPAs are still considered.
Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ – On-Campus or Online)
An overall GPA of 3.0 is recommended, but not required.
George Mason University (Fairfax, VA – Online)
Minimum overall undergrad GPA of 3.0, but you can apply with a lower GPA if you submit a GPA Addendum Essay.
University of Montana (Missoula, MT – On-Campus or Online)
Minimum overall undergrad GPA of 3.0, but you can apply with a lower GPA if you write a brief statement regarding the low GPA and what strategies you will use as a grad student to maintain a 3.0 or higher. They also recommend submitting GRE scores if your GPA is below 3.0, which can provide additional insight into your readiness for graduate-level study.
The University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, TX – On-Campus or Online)
Preference for 3.0 in roughly the last 60 undergraduate credit hours completed, but applicants with lower GPAs can apply for probationary admissions (note: strong GRE scores may have a positive impact on your chance of admission).
University of Houston (On-Campus in Houston, TX, Hybrid in Sugar Land, TX, or Online)
Preference for 3.0 for all undergraduate and graduate courses, or 3.0 in at least the last 60 hours of coursework; however, applicants with GPAs below 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours may be considered for conditional admission.
Programs for BSW Holders (Advanced Standing)
While most Advanced Standing programs require a 3.0 GPA or higher, there are still some that are a bit more flexible about grades.
BSW – The Most Accessible Programs (2.5 – 2.74 GPA)
University of Denver (Denver, CO – On-Campus or Online)
Minimum overall GPA of 2.5, but if lower than 3.0 admissions committee will likely look at your last 60 or 90 undergraduate credit hours, and applicants admitted with a GPA of less than 2.75 will be admitted on probationary status.
Indiana Wesleyan University (Marion, IN – Online)
Preference for an overall GPA of 2.7, but applicants with a GPA of 2.5 – 2.69 may be accepted on a probationary basis.
Portland State University (Portland, Eugene or Bend, OR – On-Campus or Online)
Minimum overall undergrad GPA of 2.75 or 3.0 graduate GPA (if applicable), but conditional admission is possible for 2.5 – 2.74 GPAs.
Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH – On-Campus or Online)
Required overall GPA of 2.7, and explain that they have a holistic review process.
The University of Tennessee (Knoxville or Nashville, TN – On-Campus or Online)
Required minimum overall undergrad GPA of 2.7 or 3.0 during senior year of undergrad and 3.0 for previous graduate coursework, but preference is given to 3.0+ in undergrad.
Concord University (Athens, WV – Online)
Preference for 2.75 overall GPA and 3.0 in social work courses, but conditional admission may be granted for applicants with a lower GPA in rare cases.
University of Nevada (Reno, NV – On-Campus or Online)
Minimum overall undergrad GPA of 2.75, C in social work courses (if applicable), and 3.0 graduate level coursework (if applicable), but a GPA under 2.75 may be possible in the online program (contact the MSW program advisor to discuss options).
Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, KY – On-Campus or Online)
Preference for an overall GPA of 3.0, but GPAs between 2.75 – 2.99 will be considered with an interview, and GPAs below 2.75 can petition for Alternate Admission with additional documentation.
Ohio University (Athens, OH – Hybrid or Online)
Minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0, but you can still apply with a lower GPA if you complete the Petition for Exceptional Considerations Form.
University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY – Hybrid)
Minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0, but you can still apply if your GPA is lower, as long as you complete a Petition for Exceptional Consideration.
Western Virginia University (Morgantown, WV – On-Campus or Online)
Preference for a 3.25 GPA in undergraduate social work courses, but a lower GPA may be considered for provisional admission.
BSW: The “Almost There” List (2.75 – 2.99 GPA)
Delaware State University (Dover, DE – On-Campus)
Minimum overall GPA of 2.75 and a B or better in social work courses.
University of Colorado (Colorado Springs, CO – On-Campus, Hybrid or Online)
Preference for 3.0 overall GPA, but applicants with an exceptional application with a GPA of at least 2.75 may be considered.
Samford University (Homewood, AL – On-Campus or Online)
Preference for an overall GPA of 3.0 or 3.2 during the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework, but applicants with at least 2.8 may be admitted conditionally if they submit a MAT (minimum score of 402) or GRE score (minimum scores of 153 Verbal, 144 Quantitative, and 4.0 Analytical) with their application.
Aurora University (Aurora, IL – On-Campus)
Applicants with an overall GPA less than 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Lancaster Bible College (Lancaster, PA – Online)
Preference for 3.0 overall GPA and 3.25 in social work courses, but provisional acceptance is possible for lower GPAs.
Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ – On-Campus or Online)
An overall GPA of 3.0 is recommended but not required.
University of Houston (On-Campus in Houston, TX, Hybrid in Sugar Land, TX, or Online)
Preference for 3.0 for all undergraduate and graduate courses, or 3.0 in at least the last 60 hours of coursework; however, applicants with GPAs below 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours may be considered for conditional admission.
Final Thoughts
A lower GPA doesn’t close the door to a career in social work. If this field aligns with your goals and values, there is a program out there for you.
Use the list above as a starting point, do some research, and don’t be afraid to reach out to a program’s admissions team – some programs have flexibility, even if there website suggests otherwise.
Related Blog Posts
What grades and experience do I REALLY need to get into an MSW?
Don’t Let Your Low GPA Stop You from Applying to Your Master’s Degree
Looking to make your personal statement stand out?
The personal statement is often the most important part of your application, especially if you’re applying with a low GPA.
To make your personal statement as strong as possible, check out our MSW Personal Statement Writing Guide.
