<p>It really depends on what his situation is and how well he conveys it in his essays.</p>
<p>Drexel University came to mind. It’s quite a reach, but depending on his situation, may not be completely impossible. Same with Goucher College. Hard to tell without more information.</p>
<p>Hampton University seems to be a match. It’s located in Virginia (hopefully that isn’t too far south for him). The average ACT is a 22 and close to a fifth of students have a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99. Howard University, in DC, has an average ACT of 24 and about a fourth of students have his GPA. Hopefully, he’ll be able to bring his GPA up throughout this next year, because despite the lower GPAs, the majority of students are in the upper half of their class.</p>
<p>As others suggested, his best bet would be a community college. When he applies as a transfer, he’ll be able to point to his success there, thus showing his motivation. At the time being, it is hard to understand how that goes hand in hand with his grades and scores.</p>
<p>Good luck! :)</p>