Illinois Colleges for a 2.8 GPA

With a 2.8 GPA, you are competitive at 32 four-year colleges in Illinois (2 target, 21 reach, 9 safety). A 2.8 is typically a B- (~81%) on a common grading scale.

Colleges in Illinois for a 2.8 GPA

Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)

Target schools have average GPAs near 2.8 - your grades fit squarely in the admitted pool.

College Avg GPA Acceptance Rate Your Chance

Chicago, IL

 2.8 95% Medium

Peoria, IL

 2.95 39% Medium

Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)

Reach schools typically enroll students with higher average GPAs; admission is possible but more competitive.

College Avg GPA Acceptance Rate Your Chance

Dekalb, IL

 3.3 70% Low

Carbondale, IL

 3.24 87% Low

Chicago, IL

 3.18 43% Low

Chicago, IL

 3.1 75% Low

Charleston, IL

 3.39 65% Low

Chicago, IL

 3.13 97% Low

Chicago, IL

 3.14 69% Low

Decatur, IL

 3.4 67% Low

Lebanon, IL

 3.38 72% Low

Chicago, IL

 3.4 84% Low

Lisle, IL

 3.26 95% Low

Eureka, IL

 3.22 85% Low
View all 21 reach colleges

Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)

Safety schools have average GPAs well below 2.8; you have a very high chance of acceptance.

College Avg GPA Acceptance Rate Your Chance

Deerfield, IL

 3.26 100% High

Chicago, IL

 - 100% High

Chicago, IL

 2.67 100% High

Rock Island, IL

 3.42 100% High

Chicago, IL

 - 100% High

Chicago, IL

 - 100% High

Chicago, Illinois

 - 100% High

Elsah, Illinois

 3.34 100% High

Chicago, IL

 - 100% High

View the full list of colleges that accept a 2.8 GPA in Illinois

See all colleges nationally for a 2.8 GPA

Published: August 19, 2026