Your high school grade point average, or GPA, is an important piece of your college application. Admissions officers use your GPA to build a picture of you as a student. However, you don’t need to have a perfect 4.0 GPA to get into a good college. There are plenty of colleges that accept 3.0 GPAs.
A 3.0 GPA isn’t a low GPA. In fact, it is quite competitive and makes you eligible for several universities and colleges. This guide will highlight a list of colleges that accept applicants with a 3.0 GPA and give you some tips on the college application process.
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What Is a Good GPA?
A good GPA is usually a 3.0 or higher, which corresponds to a B average letter grade. In most cases, it is the minimum requirement for scholarships in colleges and universities. However, a good GPA is subjective because it depends on other factors, such as the major you’re applying for and the difficulty of classes you took in high school.
Is a 3.0 GPA Considered a Low GPA?
A 3.0 GPA is not considered a low GPA. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average GPA for US high school students was 3.11 in 2019. A 3.0 is slightly lower than the national average, but it’s still high enough to get into some excellent schools.
How Much Does GPA Matter for College Anyway?
High school GPA does matter a lot for college, but it isn’t the only consideration. Most schools look into students’ high school careers. Admissions teams usually look for evidence that the applicant challenged themselves with honors programs or AP classes. They also look into grade trends, such as whether a student improved their average grades in their junior and senior years.
Other Factors Taken Into Account During Admissions
- High school curriculum. Colleges and universities look at a student’s high school curriculum to see the quality of courses as well as the number of courses. Students who took challenging classes may stand out during the application process.
- Standardized test scores. Aside from your grades, schools look for strong standardized test scores on the ACT or SAT. A high score can improve your chances of admission, even if your GPA is low.
- Application essay or personal statement. Application essays and personal statements give admissions officers insight into the student’s background and writing ability. They want to get to know the student through this statement. This is especially important if there is a reason your GPA is low, for instance, if you had to take a leave of absence because of a long-term illness.
- Letters of recommendations. Many colleges and universities require letters of recommendation for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Strong recommendations are very important, especially at selective schools. Ask for a letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, or mentor who knows you well.
- Extracurricular activities. Admissions officers are looking for well-rounded students with strong passions. Students should focus on a few interests, show leadership skills, and document involvement over time with different organizations.
Are There Colleges With No GPA Requirements?
Yes, there are colleges with no GPA requirements and most community colleges don’t have GPA requirements either. Consider including a few community colleges in your school search as safety schools, in case you aren’t able to get into a competitive program on your first try.
The Best Colleges That Accept a 3.0 GPA
| School | GPA requirements | Tuition and fees | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Washington University | 2.0 | In state: $8,685 Out of state: $25,213 | 88% |
| Eastern Washington University | 3.0 | In state: $7,922 Out of state: $25,748 | 97% |
| Florida State University | 4.0 for early admission, 3.0 for normal admission | In state: $5,656 Out of state: $18,786 | 37% |
| Minnesota State University – Mankato | 3.0 for guaranteed admission | In state: $9,146 Out of state: $18,200 | 69% |
| Northern Arizona University | 3.0 for guaranteed admission, 2.5 for normal admission | In state: $11,896 Out of state: $26,642 | 78% |
| Oklahoma State University | 3.0 GPA for guaranteed admission | In state: $9,244 Out of state: $24,764 | 68% |
| Salem State University | 2.0 | In state: $11,675 Out of state: $18,480 | 90% |
| Trident Technical College | 3.0 to be exempt from placement tests | In-district: $4,648 In state: $5,143 Out of state: $8,690 | Open admission |
| University of Arkansas | 3.0 | In state: $9,574 Out of state: $26,390 | 83% |
| University of Central Arkansas | 2.5 | In state: $9,563 Out of state: $16,433 | 92% |
Top 3.0 GPA Colleges: A Closer Inspection
Central Washington University
- Location: Ellensburg, WA
- Admissions rate: 88%
Central Washington University (CWU) is a public university that was established in 1891. Today, CWU offers over 160 undergraduate and graduate programs. It has a large student body of over 10,000 students, with 3,200 graduating every year. Some of the top programs in this school include business administration, social sciences, psychology, and elementary education.
Eastern Washington University
- Location: Cheney, WA
- Admissions rate: 97%
Eastern Washington University was established in 1882. This public university has over 10,800 students attending its 300-acre campus. Seventy-three percent of students acquire professional experience during their school career, and over 70 percent of Eastern Washington University alumni work in a field related to their major.
Florida State University
- Location: Tallahassee, FL
- Admissions rate: 37%
Florida State University was established in 1851, and today it is a top research university. The public institution is a member of the Florida State University System, and the vast majority of students are from Florida. The most popular schools for graduate and undergraduate students are the School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Business, and the School of Social Sciences & Public Policy.
Minnesota State University – Mankato
- Location: Mankato, MN
- Admissions rate: 69%
Minnesota State University offers more than 14,000 students 130 undergraduate majors, 100 master’s degrees and graduate certificates, and four PhD programs. This public university was founded in 1868 and had only 27 students. The school is committed to environmental sustainability, and it managed to reduce its carbon footprint by 6.8 percent from 2012 to 2016.
Northern Arizona University
- Location: Flagstaff, AZ
- Admissions rate: 78%
Northern Arizona University (NAU) was founded in 1899. This public research university offers over 170 undergraduate and graduate programs at over 20 locations across Arizona and online. Some of the most popular programs at this four-year school are business administration, liberal arts, and nursing.
Oklahoma State University
- Location: Stillwater, OK
- Admissions rate: 68%
Oklahoma State University (OSU) is a land grant university that focuses on research and was founded in 1890. This public institution has more than 87 majors and 110 minors for bachelor’s degree students. OSU is part of the Big 12 Conference for Division I college sports, and non-student athletes can participate in over 500 student organizations.
Salem State University
- Location: Salem, MA
- Admissions rate: 90%
Salem State University is part of the Massachusetts state university system, and it was established in 1854. This public institution is small for a state university, with only around 7,000 students. The school is located in historic Salem, Massachusetts, the site of the famous Salem Witch Trials.
Trident Technical College
- Location: North Charleston, SC
- Admissions rate: Open admissions
Trident Technical College is a public two-year college based in Charleston, South Carolina with five additional campus locations nearby. It has over 12,000 students and offers associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas. Some of the popular programs include nursing, computer and information sciences, and liberal arts.
University of Arkansas
- Location: Fayetteville, AR
- Admissions rate: 83%
The University of Arkansas was established in 1871 as a land grant institution. Today it is one of the top research universities in the US, as classified by the Carnegie Foundation. It is a member of the University of Arkansas system, and it is one of the largest schools in the state, with a student body of around 27,000 undergrad and grad students.
University of Central Arkansas
- Location: Conway, AR
- Admissions rate: 92%
The University of Central Arkansas, founded over 115 years ago, is one of the oldest schools in the state. Even though it is a large school with over 10,000 students, it has a low student-to-faculty ratio of just 15 to one. Popular programs at this public university include psychology, biology, health, elementary education, and nursing.
How to Get Into College With a 3.0 GPA
Do community service
Community service is a great way to give back to your community, learn more about yourself, and show college admissions officers that you are a well-rounded student and a good citizen. Volunteer with a local organization that aligns with your interests. If you love being outside, organize a park clean-up day. If you like reading, sign up to read to local seniors.
Write stellar application essays
While your GPA plays a large role in determining your fate during the admissions process, your personal essay is also a big factor. Stellar essays can balance a low GPA. A good personal essay should showcase your writing skills as well as your personality. It should also convince the admissions team that you are an excellent fit for the program and the school.
Get strong recommendation letters
Almost all college applications require or give you the option to submit recommendation letters, usually from your school counselor and one or more teachers. Schools often consider recommendations an important part of the application process. To get a strong letter of recommendation, ask a teacher, coach, boss, or mentor who knows you well.
How Can I Raise My GPA?
If you want to raise your GPA, talk to your school counselor and teachers. Show them that you are serious about improving your grades and ask for help. Commit to a study routine and keep track of assignments using a calendar. Ask your teachers if you can submit any incomplete assignments. Find out if your school or local library has a free tutoring program.
Colleges That Accept 3.0 GPA FAQ
Do colleges accept a 3.0 GPA?
Yes, many colleges accept a 3.0 GPA because it shows good effort and academic promise from high school students. It means that the student had an average score of 83 to 86 or an average letter grade of B. A 3.0 GPA makes students eligible for many merit scholarships at different universities and colleges.
Can I get accepted with a 2.75 GPA?
Yes, some community colleges and universities accept students with a 2.75 GPA, especially if the student showed significant improvement in their junior and senior years. The admissions committee also considers other factors such as letters of recommendation and extracurricular activities in high school. If you have a GPA of 2.75 or lower, you should look for schools with open admissions policies.
Is a 3.0 GPA good for the Ivy League?
No, unfortunately, a 3.0 GPA is considered low for an Ivy League university. Most of these universities take students with 4.0 GPAs, even though they don’t have a required minimum GPA. It is very hard to get into Ivy League schools because so many highly-qualified students apply.
What is the lowest GPA a university will accept?
Some universities have open admissions policies, which means that they accept any student with a high school diploma. As long as you graduated from high school or earned a GED, you can earn a college degree. If you want to get into a more competitive school, consider going to a community college for your associate degree and earn a higher GPA before transferring to a four-year college.
FAQs
Do good colleges accept a 3.0 GPA? ›
Is a 3.0 GPA in high school considered good? A 3.0 GPA indicates a grade average of “B” and makes you eligible to apply to a wide range of schools, so yes!
Is a 3.0 GPA impressive? ›The average high school GPA is around 3.0, or a B average. This also happens to be the minimum requirement for many college scholarships, though a 3.5 or higher is generally preferable.
What does a 3.0 GPA say about you? ›Is a 3.0 GPA good? A 3.0 unweighted GPA means that you've earned a B average across all of your classes. This is the national average GPA for high school students, but it may be slightly lower than the average GPA of high school students who plan on attending college. 16.1% of schools have an average GPA below a 3.0.
Does UCLA accept 3.0 GPA? ›UC has a specific way to calculate the grade point average (GPA) it requires for admission. California applicants must earn at least a 3.0 GPA and nonresidents must earn a minimum 3.4 GPA in all A-G or college-preparatory courses to meet this requirement.
Is a 3.0 GPA good for Ivy League? ›Do Ivy Leagues accept 3.0 GPA? For most of the Ivy League schools, they expect as close to a 4.0 unweighted GPA as possible. However, the actual unweighted GPAs of students admitted could vary, with many around the 3.5-4.0 range.
Can I raise my GPA from a 3.0 to a 3.5 in college? ›If you have a 3.0 GPA and 15 credit hours, by earning straight A's during your next (15 credit) semester, you can bump your GPA to a 3.5.
What is the lowest GPA accepted to Princeton? ›You should also have a 3.9 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Princeton, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.
Can I get into Princeton with a 3.0 GPA? ›...
Is 3.0 a Good GPA?
Science majors tend to have lower GPAs on average, with chemistry being the major with the lowest average GPA.
Is 3.0 a bad GPA in college? ›A 3.0 GPA, or Grade Point Average, is equivalent to a B letter grade on a 4.0 GPA scale. This means is equivalent to an 83-86%. The national average GPA is 3.0 which means your 3.0 is a perfectly average and with a bit of work can easily be improved to stand out from the crowd.
What GPA is a dean's list? ›
The exact dean's list GPA requirements will depend on each particular pool of students, but is usually at least a 3.5 GPA. To be eligible, you'll also need to be a full-time student taking a minimum number of credits (often around 12 credits).
Can I raise my GPA from 3.3 to 3.5 in one semester? ›If you have a 3.0 GPA and 15 credit hours, by earning straight A's during your next (15 credit) semester, you can bump your GPA to a 3.5. However, if you have already earned 60 credit hours and have a 3.0 GPA a straight-A semester will only bump your GPA to a 3.2.
What does a GPA of 3.0 look like? ›...
To convert your GPA to a 4.0 scale:
You should also have a 4.14 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Yale, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.
What is the lowest GPA admitted to UCLA? ›You must have a 3.0 GPA (3.4 for non-residents) or higher and no grades lower than a C in required high school courses. You can also substitute SAT subject tests for courses. If you don't meet the requirements, it is possible to gain admission with a high enough score on the ACT/SAT plus on two SAT subject tests.
What is the lowest GPA for UC Irvine? ›GPA Requirement
You must receive a 3.0 GPA (3.4 for non-California residents) or higher in the 15 required “A-G” subject courses, with no grade lower than a C.
None of the Ivy League schools have a minimum GPA requirement for applications, which means anyone can apply regardless of their GPA.
What is the lowest GPA admitted to Harvard? ›Continue to work hard, take difficult classes, and show your passions outside of school! To get to Harvard your GPA has to be at least a 4.0 and even then if you get in your lucky but they require at least a 4.18 GPA only .
Can I get into Yale with a 3.0 GPA? ›The short answer is yes. While not everyone with a 3.3 GPA will get in, we'll discuss some of the nuances of how to get into ivy league with a low GPA and how you can play the right cards in your favor.
Can I raise my GPA from 3.0 to 4.0 in college? ›From a 3.0 to 4.0 GPA
*It is not possible to raise your GPA to the 4.0 target using regular credit classes or repeating previously failed classes in the time you have left to graduate.
How much will an F drop my GPA? ›
The failing grade will NOT calculate in your GPA, but it will still show on your transcript. On your transcript, an "E" will show to the right of your failing grade to mark the course as "Excluded". On your transcript, an "I" will show to the right of the second time you took the class, marking it as "Included".
What GPA do colleges look at? ›Colleges consider your unweighted or weighted high school GPA alongside other grades, including your semester GPA and cumulative GPA. Admissions officers look at your official transcripts to contextualize your GPA and understand which classes you thrived.
What is the lowest GPA accepted to Stanford? ›There is no minimum GPA or test score, nor is there any specific number of AP or honors courses you must have on your transcript in order to have your application reviewed or be admitted to Stanford.
What is the lowest GPA a college has accepted? ›Unofficially, 2.0 is the lowest GPA accepted into a standard college, so while there's a chance that college admission is possible, it's not likely at more than a few institutions.
What is the minimum GPA to get into most colleges? ›To get into any four-year college, your GPA should be at least a 2.0 or higher. If you're aiming for selective colleges (less than 60% acceptance rate), you should shoot for at least a 3.5. Remember, these estimates aren't necessarily accurate for every student or every college.
Has anyone gotten into Harvard with a 3.0 GPA? ›As a matter of fact, as much as 12% of accepted students at Harvard have a 3.0 GPA, at least.
Can you go to Harvard with 3 GPA? ›The GPA requirements for Harvard University are between 3.9 to 4.1. You will need an incredibly high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top of their class in order to get into Harvard University.
What is Yale's average GPA? ›Average GPA: 4.14
The average GPA at Yale is 4.14. This makes Yale Extremely Competitive for GPAs. (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.
Essentially, the highest GPA you can earn is a 4.0, which indicates an A average in all of your classes. A 3.0 would indicate a B average, a 2.0 a C average, a 1.0 a D, and a 0.0 an F. This scale does not take the levels of your courses into account.
Can you be successful with a low GPA? ›Whether you're a current high school student, just graduated or returning to college education after a break, it is still possible to be successful with a low GPA. It takes a significant amount of work and a dedication to improving yourself, but there are options for you.
What GPA matters the most? ›
A transcript with a mix of A-s and B+s will produce a grade point average in the range of 3.5, which is an important cutoff for many colleges. In general, admissions officers want to see more As than Bs, so having an unweighted GPA of above 3.5 can make a big difference.
What is a good GPA for Ivy League? ›However, for college applicants, the average GPA is more likely between 3.5 and 4.0. If you're aiming for a top university such as one in the Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, or others of the same caliber, a 4.0 GPA — or close to it — is expected.
How much does college GPA matter? ›Your college GPA can impact your marketability when seeking employment. A solid GPA is essential if you plan to attend graduate school. Employers do care about your GPA in competitive fields. Students with low GPAs can find other ways to highlight their skills.
Is a 3.3 GPA OK in college? ›Is a 3.3 GPA Good? Because a 3.3 GPA is on the cusp of a B+ average, it is indicative of good performance in all classes with a consistently positive record on tests and homework assignments. With this in mind, a 3.3 GPA makes your application competitive at a majority of schools.
Should I put dean's list on resume? ›Including Dean's List on a resume is optional. By all means, put Dean's List on a resume if you made it all semesters. If you made Dean's List only once, leave it out. If you made Dean's List several semesters, consider including it in a separate section on your resume.
Does dean's list mean all A's? ›The Dean's & President's Lists are ways for students to be recognized for academic achievement within a given semester. The Dean's List is a list of students that received A's and B's for the semester. The President's List is a list of students that received all A's for the semester.
What GPA is needed for honor roll? ›What is the Honor Roll? You are on the Principal's Honor Roll if you earn an “A” in every class. You can still earn the regular Honor Roll if you earn all A's and B's with no more than one C. You must have at least one “A” if you have one “C” as your Grade Point Average (GPA) must be a 3.0.
Why is my GPA so low when I have good grades? ›You are in a system with weighted GPA's, and you are not taking the weighted classes. This occurs in American high schools. If you are taking “regular” classes that max out at 4 grade points, and your weighted GPA is above 4.0, these courses will bring your GPA down, even if you earn all A's.
Do honors classes boost your GPA? ›Do honors classes boost your GPA? Yes. Honors classes often boost your GPA by 0.5 points. Finishing with a 3.5 GPA in an honors course could equate to a 4.0 GPA in a regular course.
Do colleges look at weighted or unweighted GPA? ›Colleges will look at either weighted or unweighted GPAs in your application. They do tend to prefer weighted, because it gives more information about the difficulty of your classes, but don't worry if your school uses an unweighted scale.
Can your senior year boost your GPA? ›
Posted by: Yes! During any semester students have the opportunity to raise their GPA by earning top grades or grades that are increase over previous semesters.
Can I bring my 2.7 GPA to a 3.0 in my senior year? ›You can definitely get your GPA up to a 3.0 by the time you graduate. If you're a junior now, you can still do it but it'll be a little harder!
Should you list a 3.0 GPA? ›It's best to only list a GPA of 3.0 or above. Alternatively, if you excelled in some classes as part of your major, but didn't do so well in other classes, you could choose to calculate only your major GPA, rather than your overall GPA. A low GPA isn't the only reason to leave your GPA off your resume.
Do colleges accept a 3.2 GPA? ›Is a 3.2 GPA in high school considered good? Earning a 3.2 GPA, two-tenths above the national average GPA is generally considered a good GPA. It shows academic proficiency and consistency, as well as makes you eligible to apply to a high number of colleges.
Do colleges accept 3.1 GPA? ›Most colleges (if not all) accept applications from students attaining a 3.1 GPA, especially considering that it exceeds the national average for graduating high school seniors. With that in mind, a 3.1 GPA is not only accepted but is often competitive for admission at a sizable number of schools.
Will colleges accept a 2.0 GPA? ›Unofficially, 2.0 is the lowest GPA accepted into a standard college, so while there's a chance that college admission is possible, it's not likely at more than a few institutions.
How many A's do I need to raise my GPA? ›Only grades above a C can raise your GPA to a 2.0- Every D requires a B and every F requires an A to achieve a 2.0 overall.
Does Harvard accept 3.2 GPA? ›To get to Harvard your GPA has to be at least a 4.0 and even then if you get in your lucky but they require at least a 4.18 GPA only .
Can I raise my GPA from 3.2 to 3.5 in 1 semester? ›Can I raise my GPA from 3.2 to 3.5 in the semester? The answer depends on how many semesters you have completed. If only one, then yes. If two or more, then no.
Can you get into Ivy League with a 3.1 GPA? ›None of the Ivy League schools have a minimum GPA requirement for applications, which means anyone can apply regardless of their GPA.
Is a 3.1 GPA good to put on resume? ›
While there's no clear-cut rule that dictates when to include your GPA, most career experts say to only keep it on a resume if it's over 3.5.
What is 81% in GPA? ›A 2.6 GPA is equivalent to 81% or a B- letter grade.
What's the lowest GPA Harvard accepted? ›You should also have a 4.18 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Harvard, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.
What is the lowest GPA you can graduate with? ›At minimum, experts say, students must generally meet a GPA standard of 2.0, or a C average, on a 4.0 scale to graduate and remain eligible for federal financial aid.
Can you improve your GPA in senior year? ›Yes! During any semester students have the opportunity to raise their GPA by earning top grades or grades that are increase over previous semesters.