10 Great Colleges for B Students in 2025

Students with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 and 3.6 fall in the B range. This means students have shown competency in their high school studies and are ready for challenging college courses. Many large and medium-sized colleges for B students provide a supportive environment for this academic growth.

There are numerous colleges that accept a 3.0 GPA; however, some competitive schools may also need to see additional achievements, such as test scores or leadership experience. We'll explore some of the top colleges for B students, going over admissions details, tuition rates, and other opportunities that prospective students should know about.

What Types of Colleges Are Best for B Students?

Colleges for B students typically accept GPAs ranging from 2.7 to 3.6. Most large and medium-sized colleges for B students have moderately selective admissions; however, they typically consider more than just GPAs. Some of the additional considerations may include test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal statements.

Mid-Tier Public Universities

Mid-tier colleges and universities offer a balanced academic environment for B students. They provide diverse programs and student resources while maintaining moderate admission standards, making them accessible for students with solid academic records and extracurricular involvement.

Regional Public Colleges & Universities

Regional public colleges and universities cater to local students, often emphasizing community engagement. They typically have more flexible admissions criteria for in-state students, making them ideal for those with a B average seeking a supportive environment and affordable education while still offering quality academic programs.

Competitive Liberal Arts Colleges

Competitive liberal arts colleges for A and B students value a well-rounded education and often seek students with diverse interests. Motivated B students can thrive here, as these institutions consider holistic factors like essays and recommendations, allowing them to showcase their strengths beyond GPA.

Private Universities with Higher Acceptance Rates

Private universities with higher acceptance rates provide B students with opportunities to explore various fields. For example, Gonzaga University is a private school on this list with a high acceptance rate of 76%.

Test-Optional and Holistic Admissions Schools

Test-optional and holistic admissions schools prioritize a comprehensive view of applicants. They assess extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and personal statements, allowing B students to highlight their unique qualities and experiences, making them competitive candidates for admission.

How Much Do Grades Matter for College Admissions?

For moderately selective schools, grades matter. Students typically need a B average and additional application materials (e.g., essays, recommendations, or test scores) that showcase their academic potential. Still, some average colleges with high acceptance rates and a more holistic admissions process may not require these things.

Best Colleges For B Students

If you're beginning your college search, it's important to find schools that are a realistic fit. Below, we discuss the best colleges for average students, covering important admissions requirements, financial aid opportunities, and more.

1. Michigan State University

Michigan State University is a public four-year research institution with a student population of over 50,000. The school offers programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Despite this large student population, one-on-one support for advising, tutoring, and more academic services are available.

For first-year college applicants, test scores are optional — the admissions team considers a range of factors, including extracurriculars, leadership, talents, and other types of experience. The average GPA is typically between 3.5 and 4.0 and it's recommended students take preparatory coursework during high school.

Tuition is $16,118 a year. Students are automatically considered for scholarships, which can help lower tuition.

2. Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington offers degree programs in person and online. Tuition for full-time Indiana residents is $12,142 for the academic year. Financial aid is available to help cover tuition and over 60% of degree recipients graduated without debt in 2023.

Students must submit an accompanying essay with their application to be considered — they may submit their application online. Though the average GPA of incoming freshmen is around 3.9, the acceptance rate is 80%.

3. Miami University Oxford

At Miami University Oxford, students can pursue various undergraduate degree programs. With an acceptance rate of 82%, well-rounded B students have a good chance of acceptance.

To apply, first-year students must complete the online application, where they submit an academic reference, high school transcripts, and optional SAT and ACT scores. From this application, students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, which may be awarded to those with a 3.5 GPA.

In-state tuition is $18,162 per year and students may apply for federal financial aid to help manage these costs.

4. Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers undergraduate degree programs online and in-person. Colorado residents pay $13,373 yearly, while fully online students pay $11,888.

Freshmen applicants must submit an online application that includes an essay and transcripts, but may optionally choose to include recommendation letters and ACT or SAT scores. With an acceptance rate of 90%, it's a great school for B students. Those with a GPA below 3.0 are still welcome to apply but should include an academic explanation in the application.

5. Creighton University

Creighton University in Nebraska is a private, non-profit school that offers many bachelor's degree programs. Admissions officers consider more than GPA and test scores when selecting candidates. Because of this, the school doesn't set minimum requirements for either one.

Tuition is $48,700 yearly. Fortunately, financial aid can help lower this cost. Around 99% of students receive an institutional scholarship or grant.

6. University of Alabama Birmingham

The University of Alabama Birmingham offers many undergraduate degree programs. With an acceptance rate of 88%, the admissions process isn't overly competitive.

The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen ranges from 3.47 to 4.16. Additionally, the school considers applicants from a holistic view, taking into account activities outside of the classroom.

Tuition is $11,380 for in-state residents. Scholarships and financial aid can help students manage these costs.

7. Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University is a private, Catholic institution in Spokane, WA. With small class sizes and an 87% graduation rate, it's a top choice for motivated students seeking a quality learning experience.

Admitted high school students typically had a GPA between 3.56 and 3.92. Test scores aren't required for this college application.

Students pay $56,140 yearly; however, the average aid package covers at least $32,000 in costs. Several scholarships are available, including merit-based ones and options for those who graduated from Catholic high schools.

8. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a large public school offering various bachelor's degrees. To get accepted, students need to complete the required high school classes and earn at least a 3.0 GPA. While the acceptance rate is 90% for the Tempe campus, the average GPA of the incoming freshmen class was 3.97.

Arizona students pay $14,215 a year. Many scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid can help students cover tuition costs.

9. Portland State University

Portland State University in Oregon offers numerous degree programs. To apply here, high school students need at least a 2.5 GPA. Students with a 3.0 GPA are automatically admitted if they've completed the specified high school core classes, though the average GPA of incoming freshmen was 3.36.

Oregon residents at this school pay $12,420. Students are automatically considered for several aid opportunities, including the Tuition-Free Degree and the Rose City Scholarship.

10. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona in Tuscon is a large public research institution with an 86% acceptance rate. Students seeking acceptance as first-time freshmen must complete the online application, which includes an optional personal statement and unofficial transcripts. The average GPA of the 2024 freshmen class was 3.48. Students don't need to submit test scores to be considered for admissions or merit scholarships.

Tuition is $13,900 for Arizona students. Fully online students pay $525 per credit regardless of residency.

How We Rank Schools

For this list, we considered B student colleges based on specific criteria. Some of the ranking factors include:

• Accreditation: All schools on this list are accredited so students are eligible for federal financial aid programs.
• GPA Requirement: We chose schools that admit students with GPAs between a 2.7 and a 3.6.
• Acceptance Rates: The schools on this list have high acceptance rates, so B students have a good chance of success on their applications.

Explore Colleges and Universities

Students seeking great colleges for B students can find top programs here on Learn.org. If you find any schools that interest you, reach out to their admissions team for more information.