Colleges for a 3.0 GPA

colleges that accept a 3.0 grade point average

What is a 3.0 GPA?

A 3.0 grade point average is a numerical representation of your course letter grades on a 4.0 scale. Your 3.0 GPA indicates you averaged B grades in your classes and delivered average performance. The percent equivalent of a 3.0 grade point average is 83% on the percentage grading scale. This means that you scored an average of 83% on tests and assignments. GPA values for B letter grades range from 3.0 to 3.2. Your 3.0 GPA positions you at the lower end of the B range. If you earn B's in all of your classes, you would have a 3.0 GPA. Learn more about what the B letter grade signifies.

Is a 3.0 GPA good?

A 3.0 is nearly equal to the average U.S. high school GPA and slightly behind the average GPA for college-bound students (3.15 GPA). It indicates that you have earned a mix of B's and C's, with more B's than C's, reflecting an average academic performance. There are many four-year colleges to choose from where a 3.0 GPA is well within the typical GPA range of accepted students. Many colleges are looking for 3.0 and above applicants and use this GPA as an unofficial cutoff for competitive admission.

What colleges can I get into with a 3.0 GPA?

Graduating with a high school GPA of 3.0 places you within of the academic range at colleges like Morgan State University, Alabama State University and Texas Southern University. Based on incoming freshman GPA data for U.S. schools, our analysis indicates that 261 colleges would consider your 3.0 GPA competitive. The most popular colleges, historically accepting students with GPAs within the range of 2.8 to 3.2 (3.0 +/- 0.2), are listed below. To view your chances of admission at each school, scroll down and explore the full list.

Demographic Statistics

Let's examine how a 3.0 GPA stacks up to the national high school averages across various demographic groups

Gender

  • Male: A 3.0 is 0 points (0%) lower than the average male student GPA of 3.0
  • Female: A 3.0 is 0.2 points (7%) lower than the average female student GPA of 3.23

Race/ethnicity

  • White: A 3.0 is 0.2 points (7%) lower than the average white student GPA of 3.23
  • Black: A 3.0 is 0.2 points (6%) higher than the average black student GPA of 2.83
  • Hispanic: A 3.0 is 0 points (2%) higher than the average Hispanic student GPA of 2.95
  • Asian/Pacific Islander: A 3.0 is 0.4 points (12%) lower than the average Asian/Pacific Islander student GPA of 3.39

Statistics source: 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) High School Transcript Study (HSTS)

How can I raise my 3.0 GPA?

Consider the following tips to improve or maintain your 3.0 GPA. These are good study habits to develop in high school which will improve your college admission chances.

  • Identify areas of weakness: Determine which subjects or topics you struggle with and focus on improving those areas. This targeted approach will help you make the most significant impact on your overall GPA.
  • Develop a study schedule: Create a consistent study routine that allocates time for each subject. Establishing regular study habits will help you stay on track and better retain information.
  • Use effective study techniques: Employ proven study techniques like spaced repetition and active recall to enhance your learning and retention.
  • Seek help when needed: Don't hesitate to ask for help from teachers, peers, or tutors if you're struggling with a subject. Most schools offer tutoring services, and your teachers are there to support your learning.
  • Participate in class: Engage in classroom discussions and ask questions. Active participation can deepen your understanding of the material and demonstrate your commitment to learning.
  • Organize your study materials: Keep your notes, assignments, and resources well-organized, making it easier to access and review them when needed.
  • Break down large tasks: Divide complex projects or lengthy assignments into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes it easier to track your progress and reduce feeling overwhelmed.
  • Practice good time management: Use to-do lists or online schedulers to manage your time effectively. Dedicating time for studying, extracurricular activities, and relaxation can help you maintain a healthy balance.
  • Utilize online resources: Take advantage of online resources, such as Khan Academy, YouTube tutorials, or educational websites, to supplement your learning and gain a deeper understanding of challenging topics.
  • Join or form study groups: Collaborate with classmates in study groups to review material, discuss concepts, and prepare for exams. This collaborative learning environment can boost your motivation and understanding of the subject matter.
  • Stay consistent: Consistency is key to improving your GPA. Maintain good study habits, complete assignments on time, and stay focused on your academic goals.
  • Monitor your progress: Track your GPA with a GPA calculator and assess your progress. This will help you stay motivated and adjust your strategies as needed to continue improving.
  • Foster a growth mindset: Believe in your ability to grow and improve. Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and remind yourself that your efforts will yield results.

Aside from good study habits, chart your path towards your target GPA by understanding what it will take to get there. You can refer to a raise your GPA calculator to check the future grades you need to achieve the GPA you aspire to.

How high can I still increase my 3.0 GPA?

The table below will help you see how high or low you can possibly change your GPA if you currently have a 3.0. As you progress in school it becomes more and more difficult to improve your overall grade point average. Select the tab and table column corresponding to the last semester you completed. Then find a row for your predicted future letter grade average. The result would be your GPA at graduation if you can maintain that letter grade.

Freshmen with a 3.0 after first semester can still possibly raise their GPA as high as a 3.88 or drop it to a 0.38. There is still a lot of time to change your GPA before graduation and it can vary by 3.50 grade points in the future.

Possible grades you can raise your 3.0 GPA to before graduation for freshmen
Future Grades 1st Semester Completed 2nd Semester Completed
A 3.88 3.75
A- 3.61 3.53
B+ 3.26 3.22
B 3.00 3.00
B- 2.74 2.78
C+ 2.39 2.47
C 2.12 2.25
C- 1.86 2.02
D+ 1.51 1.73
D 1.25 1.50
D- 0.99 1.27
F 0.38 0.75

Sophomores with a 3.0 after first semester can still raise their GPA as high as a 3.62 or see it fall to a 1.12. You have some time to change your GPA before graduation and it can vary by 2.50 grade points in the future.

Possible grades you can raise your 3.0 GPA to before graduation for sophomores
Future Grades 1st Semester Completed 2nd Semester Completed
A 3.62 3.50
A- 3.44 3.35
B+ 3.19 3.15
B 3.00 3.00
B- 2.81 2.85
C+ 2.56 2.65
C 2.38 2.50
C- 2.19 2.35
D+ 1.94 2.15
D 1.75 2.00
D- 1.56 1.85
F 1.12 1.50

Juniors with a 3.0 after first semester can still raise their GPA to a 3.38 or lower it to a 1.88. You have limited classes left to change your GPA before graduation and it can vary by 1.50 grade points in the future.

Possible grades you can raise your 3.0 GPA to before graduation for juniors
Future Grades 1st Semester Completed 2nd Semester Completed
A 3.38 3.25
A- 3.26 3.17
B+ 3.11 3.08
B 3.00 3.00
B- 2.89 2.92
C+ 2.74 2.83
C 2.62 2.75
C- 2.51 2.67
D+ 2.36 2.58
D 2.25 2.50
D- 2.14 2.42
F 1.88 2.25

After first semester senior year your GPA is fairly locked in. A 3.0 can be raised a 3.12 or slip to a 2.62. You have very little time to change your GPA before graduation and it can vary by 0.50 grade points at the most.

Possible grades you can raise your 3.0 GPA to before graduation for seniors
Future Grades 1st Semester Completed 2nd Semester Completed
A 3.12 3.00
A- 3.09 3.00
B+ 3.04 3.00
B 3.00 3.00
B- 2.96 3.00
C+ 2.91 3.00
C 2.88 3.00
C- 2.84 3.00
D+ 2.79 3.00
D 2.75 3.00
D- 2.71 3.00
F 2.62 3.00
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GPA 3.0 Public Private 4 year

261 results nationwide

List of 3.0 GPA Colleges

Displaying 261 colleges where your 3.0 GPA is within the typical range of past accepted students. You have a chance at being accepted but admission may be challenging at more selective colleges. Filter by admission chance for 639 target schools (good chance), 2,097 reach (harder) schools and 1,338 safety (easier) schools you can consider.

Morgan State University
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M
HBCU
Baltimore, MD

Morgan State University

Public 4 Year

5 reviews

3.1 Average GPA

#10 Best Public Universities in Maryland

  • 9,101enrollment
  • $13,956net price
  • 85%acceptance rate
  • 880-1060SAT range
  • 16-21ACT range
Your 3.0 GPA
Admission Chance82%

Applications Due Apr 15

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Alabama State University
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A
HBCU
Montgomery, AL

Alabama State University

Public 4 Year

2 reviews

2.95 Average GPA

#12 Best Public Universities in Alabama

  • 3,828enrollment
  • $13,176net price
  • 97%acceptance rate
  • 828-1041SAT range
  • 16-20ACT range
Your 3.0 GPA
Admission Chance97%

Applications Due Jul 31

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Texas Southern University
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T
HBCU
Houston, TX

Texas Southern University

Public 4 Year

3 reviews

3.0 Average GPA

#27 Best Public Universities in Texas

  • 8,632enrollment
  • $11,826net price
  • 97%acceptance rate
  • 820-1000SAT range
  • 15-19ACT range
Your 3.0 GPA
Admission Chance97%

Applications Due Jul 15

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California State University East Bay
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C
Hayward, CA

California State University East Bay

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

3.2 Average GPA

 

  • 13,673enrollment
  • $11,464net price
  • 96%acceptance rate
  • -SAT range
  • -ACT range
Your 3.0 GPA
Admission Chance94%

Applications Due Oct 1

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Kean University
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K
Union, NJ

Kean University

Public 4 Year

6 reviews

3.2 Average GPA

#11 Best Public Universities in New Jersey

  • 12,884enrollment
  • $10,747net price
  • 83%acceptance rate
  • 900-1160SAT range
  • 16-25ACT range
Your 3.0 GPA
Admission Chance75%

Applications Due Aug 15

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Virginia State University
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V
HBCU
Petersburg, VA

Virginia State University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

2.85 Average GPA

#14 Best Public Universities in Virginia

  • 4,648enrollment
  • $15,773net price
  • 90%acceptance rate
  • 830-1030SAT range
  • 14-17ACT range
Your 3.0 GPA
Admission Chance93%

Applications Due May 1

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California State University Fresno
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C
Fresno, CA

California State University Fresno

Public 4 Year

2 reviews

3.12 Estimated Average GPA

#23 Best Public Universities in California

  • 23,999enrollment
  • $7,507net price
  • 95%acceptance rate
  • 890-1100SAT range
  • 16-21ACT range
Your 3.0 GPA
Admission Chance93%

Applications Due Dec 15

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Winston Salem State University
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W
HBCU
Winston-Salem, NC

Winston Salem State University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

3.01 Average GPA

#12 Best Public Universities in North Carolina

  • 5,004enrollment
  • $14,097net price
  • 73%acceptance rate
  • 830-1050SAT range
  • 14-19ACT range
Your 3.0 GPA
Admission Chance73%

Applications Due Feb 15

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University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
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W
Milwaukee, WI

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

3.16 Average GPA

#8 Best Public Universities in Wisconsin

  • 22,676enrollment
  • $16,551net price
  • 86%acceptance rate
  • -SAT range
  • 19-24ACT range
Your 3.0 GPA
Admission Chance81%

Applications Due Sep 1

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Georgia Gwinnett College
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G
Lawrenceville, GA

Georgia Gwinnett College

Public 4 Year

3 reviews

2.88 Average GPA

 

  • 11,030enrollment
  • $10,981net price
  • 94%acceptance rate
  • 940-1170SAT range
  • 17-23ACT range
Your 3.0 GPA
Admission Chance95%

Applications Due May 3

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Tuskegee University
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T
HBCU
Tuskegee, AL

Tuskegee University

Private 4 Year

5 reviews

3.1 Average GPA

#2 Best Private Colleges in Alabama

  • 2,570enrollment
  • $35,596net price
  • 30%acceptance rate
  • 970-1215SAT range
  • 18-24ACT range
Your 3.0 GPA
Admission Chance25%

Applications Due Apr 15

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CUNY Queens College
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Q
Flushing, NY

CUNY Queens College

Public 4 Year

1 reviews

3.0 Average GPA

#17 Best Public Universities in New York

  • 17,001enrollment
  • $6,434net price
  • 69%acceptance rate
  • 1040-1190SAT range
  • 22-27ACT range
Your 3.0 GPA
Admission Chance69%

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Concordia University Ann Arbor
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C
Ann Arbor, MI

Concordia University Ann Arbor

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

3.19 Average GPA

#12 Best Private Colleges in Michigan

  • 1,203enrollment
  • $26,353net price
  • 70%acceptance rate
  • -SAT range
  • 19-24ACT range
Your 3.0 GPA
Admission Chance60%

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Dean College
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D
Franklin, MA

Dean College

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

2.88 Average GPA

 

  • 1,189enrollment
  • $32,219net price
  • 76%acceptance rate
  • -SAT range
  • -ACT range
Your 3.0 GPA
Admission Chance81%

Applications Due Sep 1

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Alabama A & M University
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A
HBCU
Normal, AL

Alabama A & M University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

3.02 Average GPA

#11 Best Public Universities in Alabama

  • 6,007enrollment
  • $14,600net price
  • 68%acceptance rate
  • 830-1033SAT range
  • 15-19ACT range
Your 3.0 GPA
Admission Chance67%

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Columbus State University
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C
Columbus, GA

Columbus State University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

3.07 Average GPA

#10 Best Public Universities in Georgia

  • 7,479enrollment
  • $12,902net price
  • 88%acceptance rate
  • 900-1130SAT range
  • 16-23ACT range
Your 3.0 GPA
Admission Chance86%

Applications Due Jun 30

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Norfolk State University
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N
HBCU
Norfolk, VA

Norfolk State University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

2.9 Average GPA

#15 Best Public Universities in Virginia

  • 5,783enrollment
  • $14,652net price
  • 89%acceptance rate
  • 840-1040SAT range
  • 15-20ACT range
Your 3.0 GPA
Admission Chance91%

Applications Due May 31

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Fort Valley State University
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F
HBCU
Fort Valley, GA

Fort Valley State University

Public 4 Year

2 reviews

2.87 Average GPA

#11 Best Public Universities in Georgia

  • 2,605enrollment
  • $13,016net price
  • 43%acceptance rate
  • 810-950SAT range
  • 16-19ACT range
Your 3.0 GPA
Admission Chance51%

Applications Due Jun 15

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