52 Universities In The USA That Accept HND and Low GPA -Third & Second Class For Masters Programs

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First, Iโ€™d like to congratulate you ๐ŸŽŠ for having as much strength and faith, so much, your research and landing on this article that provides you with the US universities accepting low GPAs, that is, second-class and third-class and HND (Higher National Diploma) for masters programs.

โ€œbut itโ€™s not even my fault that I graduated with a lower GPA.โ€œ
โ€œWhy do people keep saying I must do a post-graduate diploma to get admission into a masterโ€™s program.โ€
โ€œGod, I wish I had taken my undergraduate education much more seriously. I wonโ€™t be in this mess if I did.โ€œ
โ€œbut I did go to school for 4 years, why canโ€™t my HND get me into a direct graduate program?โ€
โ€œI badly want to further my education, but most schools keep rejecting me.โ€

These, or others and more, are thoughts that go through the minds of many of us. Yes, โ€œus!โ€ You should know that I also graduated with a third class, and I have thought even worse.

Your question, then is this:

Can I Get A Masterโ€™s Degree In An American University With A Low GPA (2.2/Third Class) Or An HND?

Focused-young- woman-or-student-looking-at-laptop-holding-a-book-and-researching
Focused young woman or student looking at a laptop holding a book, and researching

The answer is โ€œYES, you can get it!โ€ guess what? Depending on your GPA and work experience, you could even get a scholarship.

Iโ€™m writing this article because I was once where you are and made it.

You heard that right, and I did get direct admission into a masterโ€™s program. Not a pre-masters program or some pathway program into the main graduate activity. Iโ€™m talking about a direct entry into a masterโ€™s program!

If I could do it, then you can too!๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿผ โ€ฆ trust me, this is not some motivational talk to get you all gingered up. Iโ€™d rather tell you why you should learn tech skills than some motivational session. Itโ€™s real, guys! I got into one of the below-listed schools.

I know it could already feel overwhelming, but you can do it!

US universities accepting third-class, second-class, and HND holders are out there. You just have to find them.

That said, letโ€™s get right into the universities in the United States that are open to considering you for a masterโ€™s program as an HND, third-class, or second-class graduate. However, feel free to navigate through this article or jump to your desired section with the table below:

Universities In The USA That Accept HND and Low GPA -Third-Class & Second-Class For Masters Programs

A-University-Building
A University Building

  • Jacksonville State University
  • University of Houston, Victoria
  • University of Massachusetts Armherst
  • University of Detroit, Mercy
  • Clark University
  • Bowling Green State University
  • Cleveland State University
  • University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
  • University of North Carolina, Charlotte
  • Eastern Illinois University
  • Old Dominion State University
  • West Virginia University
  • Western Oregon University
  • Western Washington University
  • Youngstown State University
  • Texas A&M University
  • University of Kentucky
  • University of Houston, Clear Lake
  • Auburn University of Montgomery
  • University of Central Florida
  • California State University, Sacremento
  • Western Illinois University
  • University of Minnesota, Duluth
  • Indiana State University
  • Western Kentucky University
  • University of Houston, Clear Lake
  • University of Hawaii, Manoa
  • Southern A & M University
  • University of North Texas
  • Marquette University
  • Valley University
  • University of South Dakota
  • University of Memphis
  • Florida State University
  • University of South Carolina
  • University of Kansas
  • University of Missouri, St Louis
  • North Dakota State University
  • East Tennessee State University
  • Southern Illinois University
  • Central Michigan University
  • Wichita State University
  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • University of Vermont
  • Louisiana Tech University
  • Montana State University
  • University of Northern Colorado
  • University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
  • Georgia State University
  • Marshall University
  • University of Central Missouri
  • Humboldt State University

How Do I Start My Research With These USA Universities Accepting Low GPAs & HND?

A-student-making-research.
A student doing research about Universities

  • First, type out the name of the particular university youโ€™re on from the list below and paste it into your browser. On the other hand, you could copy the universityโ€™s name and type it alongside the program youโ€™re looking to get into. For example, โ€œselome collins universityโ€™s masters In business managementโ€.
  • Secondly, click on and get into the particular universityโ€™s website.
  • Thirdly, look for the search icon or area, and type your desired course to see if they offer it. In addition, you could also find the โ€œGraduate Admissionsโ€ session on the website and look through the available courses in case youโ€™re quite open to more graduate degree options or simply would like to look through the numerous programs the institution offers.
  • Finally, when or if you find your desired course on the universityโ€™s website, make sure to calmly and with a good understanding spirit go through every single detail in there for better information.

To repeat, what I have listed, these universities do not mean that you straight-up apply without looking deeper through their requirements. With this in mind, please scroll further down for more information.

Please Note These Things To Look Out For When Applying To A US University Accepting Third Class, 2.2, & HND

Beautiful-young-lady-using-her-smart-phone.
Beautiful young lady using her smart phone.

While a number of people spend quite some amount, relying greatly on agents to do the research for them, leverage their connections, send in the applications and secure their admissions for them, the great thing is that you can pull all these strings by yourself without any connections to any one whatsoever, or some sort of partnership with any university. Furthermore, from experience, some of these agents who are in partnership with some of these international bodies straight up tell you that your grade cannot get you a direct maters, rather you have to go through some pathway program but as youโ€™d see, that is not always true. Without a doubt, research helps you a lot so get to it already, will ya!

With this in mind, make sure to keep your eyes wide open for what to take note of when applying to a US university. Some of these are:

  • Deadlines
  • Minimum requirements
  • Important documents to send in for your application
  • Preferred transcript to be submitted โ€“ Official or Unofficial transcript
  • Scholarship/financial aid information, specific to international students
  • Graduate Student Information Sessions

โ€ฆ and much more

Certainly, you donโ€™t want to be that person who looses his/her chance of admission to not being observant enough

Note that funding differs. School A might give you 100% funding, while School B might do 50%, and School C might do 20%. To cover you deficit, there are a number of international student study loan platforms out there that could help with approving and making available to you loans to fill in the gap after of course you send in an application. Some of the most common ones are:

Please Note These Tips For Applying To A Masterโ€™s Program As A University Graduate

Smiling-young woman-aspiring-for-a-masters-degree
Smiling-young woman-aspiring-for-a-masters-degree

While researching the above US universities accepting third-class, second-class, and HND, I would strongly advise that you consider adhering to these acceptance-saving tips for applying to that postgraduate program at that university:

  • Start your application as early as you can
  • Stay up to date using a notepad, on your dealings or how far gone you are with your applications to the different universities
  • Adhere to the instructions given
  • Take note of their โ€œgraduate information sessionsโ€
  • Check your mail from time to time
  • Feel free to reach out to them through email.
  • Read books!
  • Donโ€™t be a victim! scammers everywhereโ€ฆ

Need more detailed information? University application tips here!

What Should I Be Doing While Waiting On My Postgraduate Application Decision?

A-young-man-sitting-alone-in-a-classroom
A young man sitting alone in a classroom

While this is a list, there is a detailed post on the to-dos while waiting for your university application decision. Highlighted just for you:

  • Stay true to your faith
  • Apply for scholarships and/or financial aid
  • Check your emails from time to time
  • Keep your head above the water, youโ€™ll get it!
  • Stay updated!
  • Appreciate people who have been there
  • Maximize family time
  • Donโ€™t stop reading
  • Donโ€™t stop learning
  • Get on with your life

All things considered, if you properly read through and adhere to the content of this post being US universities accepting third-class, second-class, and HND, etc; you should be on your way to bagging that admission into a US university even as someone who has a low undergraduate GPA or an HND.


Believe it! You can, and will have it!
๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿผ

Without a doubt, we at Learnersโ€™ Dorm believe you will do great, and we wish you the very best in your research, application processes, and relocation to the United States of America for study! ๐ŸŽŠ๐ŸŽ‰

2 thoughts on โ€œ52 Universities In The USA That Accept HND and Low GPA -Third & Second Class For Masters Programsโ€

    1. Hi Oluwakemi,
      Thatโ€™s a good one. Ensure to follow the explained steps, and youโ€™ll be on your way to getting that admission you seek.
      We wish you the very best!

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