Is a 3.8 GPA Good? Best Colleges That Accept a 3.8 GPA
Students who have earned a 3.8 high school GPA can gain admission to some of the nation's top colleges, including Ivy League and other highly selective schools.
Are you a high school student with a 3.8 grade point average (GPA) who is ready to apply to colleges? You'll be happy to know that most schools will take this GPA, including those that are highly selective. If you want to know where to submit college applications, keep reading. Below, we'll highlight some of the best colleges that accept a 3.8 GPA.
What Is a 3.8 GPA?
Schools sometimes use different systems to determine grade point averages and letter grades. But in most cases, A 3.8 GPA falls between the letter grades A- (3.7) and A (4.0).
If you want to apply to colleges with this strong GPA, you'll find that most schools are happy to accept it. However, keep in mind that schools often consider additional factors during the admissions process, such as standardized test scores (e.g., ACT or SAT), your admissions essay, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities.
Discover Accredited Online Programs
Find the program that works best for you and apply today.
Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
Is a 3.8 GPA Good?
Yes, a 3.8 is a very good GPA. It is one of the highest grade point averages a student can earn on a 4.0 scale and represents an outstanding academic performance. But what if you want to increase your GPA to 4.0 or higher and enhance your chances of acceptance? Taking weighted classes is one of the best ways to boost an already high grade point average.
Weighted classes consider the difficulty of coursework and assign higher grades than on the traditional (unweighted) 4.0 scale. For example, an A in an Advanced Placement (AP) or honors class might be worth a 5.0, whereas an A in an unweighted class is worth a 4.0.
Schools That Accept a 3.8 GPA
Most schools nationwide accept a 3.8 GPA. But which are the best to attend? Explore the list below to discover some of the nation's top colleges for A students.
1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a reputable school with a four-year graduation rate of 86%. Ranked among the top 30 national universities by U.S. News & World Report, UNC Chapel Hill offers perks for A students, including research funding and summer fellowships through Honors Carolina.
When students apply, UNC's admissions committee determines who can attend based on grades, SAT/ACT scores, essay responses, college courses, and extracurricular activities. Once enrolled, learners can pursue degrees in astronomy, data science, global studies, neuroscience, and beyond.
Average GPA: N/A
Acceptance rate: 19%
In-state tuition: $7,020 per year
Out-of-state tuition: $43,152 per year
2. University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is also ranked among the nation's top 30 schools. With more than 170 fields of study to choose from, high-achieving students can pursue a degree and enhance their studies with Rhodes, Marshall, and Harry S. Truman scholarships.
When learners apply, the school considers factors like their essays, test scores, high school transcripts, and class rank. While it doesn't publish average GPA data, admitted students generally have 1310 to 1520 SAT scores and 29 to 34 ACT scores.
Average GPA: N/A
Acceptance rate: 29%
In-state tuition: Starting at $10,858 per year
Out-of-state tuition: Starting at $42,554 per year
3. University of Washington
Students applying to the University of Washington undergo a holistic review process with admissions officers considering class difficulty, leadership, grades, and more. The middle 50% of high school students admitted to the school have high GPAs ranging from 3.74 to 3.98 on a 4.0 scale.
At this top 50-ranked school, learners choose from over 180 majors in aeronautics, computer science, linguistics, physics, and beyond. Students seeking funded research options can apply to the UW Honors Program.
Average GPA: 3.8
Acceptance rate: 43%
In-state tuition: $12,973 per year
Out-of-state tuition: $43,209 per year
4. Ohio State University
At Ohio State University, over 200 majors are available for learners ready to study business, education, public policy, and more. Outstanding students can pursue research options and graduate with distinction by joining the Honors Program.
Ohio State considers more than grades and test scores when deciding who to admit -talent, personal qualities, and leadership skills also matter. However, it's good to note that two-thirds of admittees are ranked in the top 10% of their high school class.
Average GPA: N/A
Acceptance rate: 51%
In-state tuition: $13,244 per year
Out-of-state tuition: $40,022 per year
5. University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley is one of the nation's top 20-ranked schools. It is highly selective, only accepting 12% of applicants. Most of its admittees (81%) graduate in four years.
Though UC Berkeley uses a holistic review process, students who want to apply should have a GPA of at least 3.0 in specific courses taken in their sophomore and junior years. Once enrolled, learners have access to over 130 departments and 80 research units. The school offers programs in data science, business, chemistry, the arts, and beyond.
Average GPA: 3.9
Acceptance rate: 12%
In-state tuition: $17,478 per year
Out-of-state tuition: $55,080 per year
6. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a good choice for students with a 3.8 GPA. The top 35-ranked school uses a holistic review process to admit students. However, data shows that the middle 50% of first-year learners have a 3.65 to 4.0 unweighted GPA.
Students enjoy many perks once enrolled. The school offers dozens of majors ranging from graphic design to neural engineering. Enrollees who want to enhance their learning journey will find honors programs and research options.
Average GPA: N/A
Acceptance rate: 44%
In-state tuition: Starting at $18,046 per year
Out-of-state tuition: Starting at $38,398 per year
7. New York University
Admission to New York University is no easy feat. The school, ranked among the nation's top 30, accepts fewer than 10% of applicants. But a 3.8 GPA is a very good starting point. First-year students ranked in the top 10% of their high school graduating class also have a better chance of admission.
After enrolling, learners can choose from over 400 programs. To help cover costs, the school offers the NYU Promise. This award provides free tuition to first-year New York campus students with a family income of less than $100,000.
Average GPA: 3.8
Acceptance rate: 9%
In-state tuition: Starting at $65,622 per year
Out-of-state tuition: Starting at $65,622 per year
8. University of Notre Dame
Learners who enroll at the University of Notre Dame choose from more than 70 paths to a bachelor's degree. Fields of study include physics, finance, English, and global affairs. Small classes (with an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio) and research options enhance students' learning experiences.
The top 20-ranked school has a great reputation. Most students (99%) return for a second year, while 95% graduate on time. Though applicants don't need a minimum grade point average, a high GPA can make admission easier.
Average GPA: N/A
Acceptance rate: 12%
In-state tuition: $67,607 per year
Out-of-state tuition: $67,607 per year
9. Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University, a top 20 school, accepts a small number of applicants. But with no grade point average or test score cutoff, all students are welcome to apply. This includes learners with a GPA lower than the average for admitted students, which is 3.9.
Once enrolled, students can choose from over 70 majors in the arts, music, education, and beyond. Research and study options are also available. Most learners (89%) attending Vanderbilt graduate in four years.
Average GPA: 3.9
Acceptance rate: 6%
In-state tuition: $67,934 per year
Out-of-state tuition: $67,934 per year
10. Boston University
Students who attend Boston University can pursue degrees in cinema, computer science, statistics, and more. With an 11% acceptance rate and the middle 50% of first-year students having GPAs between 3.9 and 4.0, gaining admission can be tough. Still, learners with a 3.8 GPA are great candidates.
The key is to submit all documents the school requires (application, high school transcript, senior year grades, etc.). Once admitted, the school covers 100% of need for most first-year students.
Average GPA: 3.9
Acceptance rate: 11%
In-state tuition: $69,870 per year
Out-of-state tuition: $69,870 per year
How We Rank Schools
Our team closely vetted the schools in this rank list to confirm that each meets the criteria below:
- Accreditation: All schools are accredited by a nationally recognized organization, such as the HLC and the SACSCOC.
- GPA requirement: We picked schools that accept students with GPAs above 3.7 or accommodate lower GPAs through a holistic review process.
- Acceptance rates: This list offers schools with varying acceptance rates. However, each one provides a learning experience suitable for high-achieving students.
College Admissions With a 3.8 GPA
All types of schools, including Ivy League and other highly selective schools, accept a 3.8 GPA. But students should be prepared to show that they stand out from other applicants. Sharing extracurricular activities, community service, and unique talents can help.
During the application process, schools often ask learners to submit an application and documents like the following:
- high school transcript
- college essay
- ACT or SAT scores (unless tests are optional)
- letters of recommendation
Applicants might also be required to answer essay questions or complete an interview during the admissions process.
FAQs About Colleges Accepting Students With Below-Average GPAs
If you're ready to enroll in a degree program at your school of choice, keep reading. Below, we'll share more details about top colleges that accept a 3.8 GPA.
Will a 3.8 GPA Get You Into College?
A 3.8 GPA can help you gain admission to most colleges. Even selective schools with very high academic standards accept students with this grade point average. The key is to pick schools that look for applicants who average an A- in high school. You can also apply to schools that review applications holistically.
Is a 3.8 GPA Too Low for Harvard?
No, a 3.8 GPA is not too low for Harvard and some other Ivy League schools (e.g., Cornell and Dartmouth). These schools often consider grades and test scores when deciding who to admit. However, they also look at other factors. For instance, schools might use a student's personal qualities, talents, and leadership skills when reviewing applicants.
Is a 3.8 GPA Good in College?
Yes, 3.8 is a good GPA in college. Whether students want to gain admission or earn a degree from their school of choice, this grade point average will get the job done. Of course, there's always room to increase your grades. Taking weighted classes can help your grade point average jump to 4.0 or higher.
Explore Online Degree Programs
Begin a rewarding experience in higher education by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools directly to learn how they can help you reach your goals.
