Is a 3.5 GPA Good? Best Colleges That Accept a 3.5 GPA

A 3.5 GPA is a strong indicator of solid academic performance in high school. For many students, it represents a mix of A- and B+ grades, showing both consistency and capability.

If you're wondering whether this GPA opens doors to respected colleges, you're in luck. Many excellent schools welcome students with this grade point average, offering a wide range of programs and opportunities. This article highlights the 10 best colleges that accept a 3.5 GPA, explains what a 3.5 GPA means, and provides practical tips for your college admissions journey.

What Is a 3.5 GPA?

A 3.5 GPA stands for a grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. This is typically calculated using either an unweighted GPA (where all classes are valued equally) or a weighted GPA (where advanced courses like honors, AP, or IB may carry extra points).

On most grading scales, a 3.5 falls between a B+ average and an A- average, reflecting strong academic performance. Colleges use your high school GPA as a primary measure of your readiness for college-level work, making it a key factor in college admissions GPA evaluations.

Is a 3.5 GPA Good?

You might be asking, ''Is 3.5 GPA good?'' The answer is yes. A 3.5 is above the national average GPA for high school students, which typically hovers around 3.0 to 3.1.

This means you're performing better than most of your peers. Many colleges that accept B students and A- students consider a 3.5 GPA to be competitive GPA, especially when paired with strong test scores, meaningful extracurricular activities, and a challenging course load.

Colleges That Accept a 3.5 GPA

Many respected schools welcome applicants with a 3.5 GPA. Below are the 10 best colleges that accept a 3.5 GPA, ranked according to how likely a high school graduate with a 3.5 GPA would be accepted.

• California State University, Stanislaus: California State University, Stanislaus is a public university in Turlock, CA, with a high acceptance rate and an average accepted GPA between 3.4 and 3.5.
• Farmingdale State College (SUNY): Farmingdale State College, part of the State University of New York system, offers technical and professional degrees and typically admits students with an average GPA of 3.3.
• University of Tampa: The University of Tampa is a private university in Florida with a student-centered approach and a variety of programs, admitting students with an average GPA of 3.3 to over a 3.8.
• Arizona State University: Arizona State University is a large public institution in Tempe, AZ, known for its innovation and inclusivity, with an average admitted high school GPA of 3.54.
• University of Arizona: The University of Arizona is a public research university in Tucson that offers a wide range of programs and typically admits students with an average GPA of 3.5.
• University of Houston: The University of Houston is a major public research university in Texas that offers a vibrant campus experience and admits students with an average GPA of 3.5.
• San Jose State University: San Jose State University is a public institution located in Silicon Valley, well known for business and technology programs, with an average admitted GPA of 3.5.
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a growing public university that offers a broad range of majors and admits students with an average GPA of 3.55.
• Baruch College (CUNY): Baruch College, part of the City University of New York system, is known for business and public affairs and admits students with GPAs ranging from 3.3 to 3.6.
• Hunter College (CUNY): Hunter College is a CUNY school in Manhattan offering strong liberal arts and science programs, and it generally admits students with GPAs between 3.5 and 3.7.

How We Rank Schools

Our list of colleges that accept 3.5 GPA students is based on several important factors:

• Accreditation: All schools are regionally accredited, ensuring recognized academic standards and quality.
• GPA requirement: Each college has a published average GPA of admitted students around 3.5, making them realistic choices for students with this GPA.
• Acceptance rates: We prioritized schools with moderate to high college acceptance rates, increasing your chances of admission.

College Admissions for Students With a 3.5 GPA

A 3.5 GPA is a solid foundation for your college admissions journey. While some highly selective universities may prefer higher GPAs, many excellent schools see a 3.5 as a sign of strong academic performance.

Admissions committees will also look at your test scores (like your SAT score or ACT), extracurricular activities, essays, and the rigor of your coursework (such as honors, AP, or IB classes). Many colleges for A- students welcome applicants with a 3.5 GPA, recognizing the balance between consistent grades and course difficulty. Demonstrating leadership, commitment, and growth in your application can help you stand out, even at schools that accept 3.5 GPA students.

FAQs About Colleges Accepting Students With Low GPAs

Here are answers to common questions about getting into college with a less-than-perfect GPA.

What Is the GPA Meaning in College Admissions?

GPA stands for grade point average, a numerical summary of your academic performance throughout high school. Colleges use your GPA to assess your readiness for college-level work.

While a high GPA is important, schools also consider the difficulty of your courses, your improvement over time, and other factors like test scores and extracurricular activities.

Are There Merit-Based Scholarships for a 3.5 GPA?

Yes, many colleges offer merit-based GPA scholarship awards to students with a 3.5 or higher. These scholarships may be based on your GPA, standardized test scores, leadership, or community service. Check each school's financial aid website for specific requirements and deadlines. Always be sure to fill out the FAFSA each year to see what other financial aid opportunities you have.

What Is the Difference Between Unweighted and Weighted GPA?

An unweighted GPA is calculated on a standard 4.0 scale, with all classes carrying equal weight. A weighted GPA gives extra points for advanced courses like honors, AP, or IB, so it can be higher than 4.0. Colleges may look at both to understand your academic rigor.

Can I Start at a Community College With a 3.5 GPA?

Absolutely, many community college programs welcome students with a range of GPAs, including 3.5. Community colleges can be a great way to earn credits, explore majors, and transfer to a four-year school later.

Do Extracurricular Activities Matter for a 3.5 GPA Student?

Yes, GPA and extracurricular activities both play important roles in college admissions. Leadership roles, volunteer work, sports, and clubs show colleges that you're well-rounded and engaged in your community, which can strengthen your application.

Explore Online Colleges

If you're interested in flexible learning options, many of the colleges that accept a 3.5 GPA also offer online degree programs. Explore these opportunities on Learn.org to find the right fit for your goals and schedule.