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Is a GPA of 2.8 in a Computer Science program good?

Category: Technology

Jmatguy JmatguyJmatguy Jmatguy


I'm perpetually short of the 3.0 which gives me automatic interviews at big name companies. It's quite tragic. I have a business minor, which boosted my GPA, but then I took additional math classes unnecessary for my major, which brought me right back to where I started -- just a touch above a 2.8. Is this the end of the world? Will it severely hamper my job opportunities? Will I be judged?

ibu guru
ibu guru

You are in fierce competition for jobs, especially entry-level jobs. There are simply too many people and too few jobs. Many companies will not interview anyone with less than a 3.5 GPA, or 3.25 GPA, and they are still glutted with more applicants than they can process. If you are below 3.0, you have a big problem.

Try smaller companies. Try to get an internship for some experience. Experience and glowing references matter. You have to do something to show you can compete with the best. If you can't, then maybe you are in the wrong field. Did you choose Computer Science because you love it & are great at it, or because you thought you'd make a lot of money?

After you have been in the business for 3 - 5 yrs, GPA is irrelevant. All they really look at by then is what you have achieved. By then you have to be really, really good at what you do, or find another line of work.

Note: if your math skills are what is dragging down your GPA, you have a bigger problem. A computer science grad who lacks math skills is not a prime candidate for a job.

Ryan M
Ryan M

Yes it will hamper you from getting a job with major employers. 3.0 is pretty much the "make-it or break-it" line for most employers. What is working even more against you is the economy and the high unemployment rate. A few years ago, you might have been able to get away with a sub-par GPA, but not these days when employer's get to ONLY select the best candidates. That fact that your GPA is being artificially inflated by non-related CS coursework is also going to be a VERY big hurdle as employers will want to know you major GPA, since that is more specific to the work that you will be doing for them.


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