1.5 GPA
A 1.5 GPA equals a D+ letter grade and a percentage of approximately 67–69% on the standard 4.0 scale. It sits well below the 2.0 academic standing threshold — halfway between a passing C and a failing F.
GPA Scale — Nearby Values
Where a 1.5 GPA sits among nearby GPA values on the standard 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Letter Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | C | ~74-76% |
| 2.0 | C | 73-76% |
| 1.9 | C- | ~72-74% |
| 1.8 | C- | ~71-73% |
| 1.7 | C- | 70-72% |
| 1.6 | D+ | ~68-70% |
| 1.5 | D+ | ~67-69% ← You Are Here |
| 1.4 | D+ | ~66-68% |
| 1.3 | D+ | 67-69% |
| 1.2 | D | ~65-67% |
| 1.1 | D | ~65-66% |
| 1.0 | D | 65-66% |
What Is a 1.5 GPA?
A 1.5 GPA sits in the D+ range on the standard 4.0 scale, corresponding to approximately 67–69% and falling between a 1.6 and a 1.4. It represents the exact midpoint between a passing C (2.0) and a failing F (0.0). A 1.5 is a low GPA that sits well below the 2.0 academic standing threshold — meaning a cumulative 1.5 in college typically means academic probation, with a serious risk of suspension. It is a clear signal that significant academic intervention is needed.
Is a 1.5 GPA Good?
A 1.5 GPA is well below average and far below the 2.0 threshold. It sits halfway between passing and failing, 1.5 points below the national average of 3.0, and below the 2.0 minimum that most colleges require for good standing. In college, a cumulative 1.5 means academic probation and a real risk of suspension or dismissal if performance does not improve. This is a GPA that requires urgent, structural change — but it is recoverable with focused effort and the right support.
1.5 GPA for High School Students
In high school, a 1.5 GPA falls below the admission threshold for most four-year colleges and below the minimum some schools require for a standard diploma. The first priority for a student at 1.5 is confirming graduation eligibility with a counselor, since some districts require a minimum GPA to graduate. After that, community college is the most realistic pathway to higher education — open enrollment regardless of GPA, with a clear transfer route. A 1.5 high school GPA does not permanently close the door to college; it changes the route, with community college serving as the bridge.
1.5 GPA for College Students
In college, a 1.5 GPA falls well below the 2.0 academic good standing threshold, which means academic probation and a serious risk of suspension. This situation requires immediate action. The priority is raising the cumulative GPA back above 2.0, which protects enrollment and financial aid. For a student at 1.5, meeting with an academic advisor to build a structured recovery plan — including retaking failed courses, reducing course load, and accessing academic support resources — is the essential first step. The earlier the intervention, the better the chance of recovery.
How Do You Raise a 1.5 GPA?
Raising a 1.5 GPA requires sustained, focused improvement over multiple semesters, and often a fundamental change in approach. The first goal is crossing back above the 2.0 good standing threshold. Retaking courses where you earned D or F grades (where grade replacement is available) is one of the most effective strategies, since it directly replaces the lowest grades in your average. Reducing course load to focus on fewer classes at higher quality, accessing tutoring, and addressing any underlying issues affecting performance are all part of an effective recovery plan. The fewer credits you have completed, the faster improvement shows.
Frequently Asked Questions — 1.5 GPA
A 1.5 GPA corresponds to a D+ letter grade on the standard 4.0 scale, equivalent to approximately 67–69%. It sits at the midpoint between a passing C (2.0) and a failing F (0.0). For a detailed look at what a 1.5 GPA means for college admissions, this PrepScholar guide on 1.5 GPA and college admissions is a thorough reference.
A 1.5 GPA corresponds to approximately 67–69% on the standard percentage scale, placing it in the D+ letter grade range. It reflects a mix of D+ and D grades with some C− grades that average to 1.5.
At the individual course level, the D+ and D grades that make up a 1.5 are technically passing — they earn credit. However, a 1.5 cumulative GPA falls well below the 2.0 academic good standing threshold, which typically means academic probation. The cumulative average sits in a danger zone, halfway between passing and failing, even though individual courses pass.
In most cases, no — most colleges require a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA to graduate, and a 1.5 falls well below that. A student would need to raise their GPA to at least 2.0 before earning their degree, which from 1.5 requires sustained improvement over multiple semesters. In high school, some districts also require a minimum GPA to graduate. Meeting with an advisor to build a recovery plan is essential.
A 1.5 GPA falls below the admission threshold for most four-year colleges. Open-admission institutions may consider applicants at this level, but options are limited. Community colleges, with open enrollment, accept students regardless of GPA and offer the most reliable pathway — strong community college performance opens transfer admission to four-year schools that would not accept a 1.5 directly.