Nearly 60 percent of college students worry about having enough money to pay for school, while half are concerned about paying their monthly bills, according to research published by Ohio State University.
However, if a student can achieve a 3.5 GPA or higher, they are often eligible to obtain full-ride scholarships and grants. Earning a scholarship can relieve the financial burden of paying tuition so students can worry about rent, groceries and other necessities.
“It is crucial for me to get As or Bs in my studies because there are so many scholarship opportunities for future educators,” says Brittany Anne VanValkenburg, an education major.
Scholarships create opportunities that some students may not otherwise have, like networking with professionals in a desired job industry.
Salt Lake Community College has an easy process of transferring to a four-year institution. It is important to obtain As and Bs because you are more likely to get a scholarship and financial aid along the way.
In addition to scholarships, GPA is important when applying for future jobs.
Miami University surveyed 200 companies and found that 43 percent of employers have a GPA threshold. These companies use GPA to determine someone’s dedication and knowledge about the field that the individual is studying.
Fields that are in higher demand are offering large sums of money to help those individuals get into the field, but they do not hand it out to just anyone.
“I try to do the best I can, so it can create opportunities,” says Berkley Bergstrom, a general education student currently on scholarship at SLCC.
A 3.5 GPA or higher can be a hard task when school isn’t a priority. Sometimes, due to work, caregiving or family obligations, some students accept below average grades.
There are classes that have difficult material to memorize and understand. Nursing major Autumn DeLacy expresses that sometimes getting Cs can be an understandable route.
“When I am unable to get As and Bs in classes, it still gives me a cushion to pass and work towards my degree,” she says.
Alison Campbell, a staff member on campus who works very closely with students, understands DeLacy’s comments.
“When I hear students say that, I believe that the students doing their best and giving their full effort, but on the professor’s side, it can present them as lazy and putting their class as a lesser priority,” she says.
Trying to obtain a high GPA to transfer to a four-year institution can be a serious challenge. That is why “Cs get degrees” is no motto to live by. Cs may get degrees, but As and Bs succeed.
