Is a 4.0 GPA Good? Colleges That Accept a 4.0 GPA

Finishing high school and applying to colleges is an exciting time. This period can also be challenging as you find the school has the right program for your unique background and personal goals.

If your overall GPA score is 4.0, you bring a strong transcript to the college application process. There are many colleges that accept a 4.0 GPA. To learn more about some of the best colleges and universities that will recognize your academic achievements, read on.

What Is a 4.0 GPA?

A student's grade point average (GPA) is calculated on a scale from 0 to 4.0, with 4.0 being the highest grade possible. The unweighted GPA scale corresponds to letter grades: 0 is an F, 1.0 is a D, 2.0 is a C, 3.0 is a B, and 4.0 is an A. Therefore, a 4.0 GPA is equivalent to an A grade average and represents exceptional academic performance.

Note that some schools use a weighted GPA scale, which takes into account the difficulty of a class. For example, Advanced Placement (AP) classes are potentially worth up to 5.3 points.

Is a 4.0 GPA Good?

A 4.0 is a very good GPA. Students with a 4.0 high school GPA rank in the 95th percentile nationally, and there are many great colleges for A students.

Schools That Accept a 4.0 GPA

The following list represents a selection of top colleges that accept a 4.0 GPA. In addition to having a strong GPA, you'll want to include extracurricular activities, volunteer work, internships, honors classes, and letters of recommendation during the admissions process. Well-rounded applications stand out to admissions officers.

1. The University of Arizona

Established in 1885, the University of Arizona is a large public university located in Tucson, AZ. It offers a wide range of degree programs, including more than 150 bachelor's degree options. Popular undergraduate programs include business, marketing, and computer sciences. The university also has a strong e-learning platform to support students who prefer online coursework in addition to its on-campus students.

Average GPA: 3.0

Acceptance rate: 85%

In-state tuition: $13,900 per year

Out-of-state tuition: $43,100 per year

2. University of California-Santa Cruz

The University of California-Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz) is a public university widely recognized for its beautiful campus, located amidst a redwood forest overlooking Monterey Bay, CA. In addition to its natural setting, UC Santa Cruz boasts a diverse student body and a broad range of undergraduate programs. Popular degree programs include astronomy and astrophysics, linguistics, and marine science.

Average GPA: 3.0

Acceptance rate: 63%

In-state tuition: $16,533 per year

Out-of-state tuition: $37,602 per year

3. Rutgers University

Rutgers University's (Rutgers) main campus is in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and was recently ranked the 15th top public university in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. Rutgers is known for its exceptional programs in health and engineering and offers more than 150 undergraduate program options.

Rutgers also offers online degree options for students pursuing their undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees.

Average GPA: 3.7

Acceptance rate: 65%

In-state tuition: $14,222 per year

Out-of-state tuition: $33,734 per year

4. The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Located in its namesake city, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a large public university renowned for its healthcare and science programming. UAB is an important research institution and emphasizes involving undergraduates in its labs and research projects. UAB boasts a relatively low instructor-to-student ratio (18:1), so students receive the attention and encouragement they need to succeed.

Average GPA: 3.7

Acceptance rate: 88%

In-state tuition: $11,310 per year

Out-of-state tuition: $28,140 per year

5. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa (Iowa) is based in Iowa City, IA. It is a large research institution where one in three undergraduates participate in space science, public health, and environmental research projects. Iowa also has one of the best writing programs in the country, boasting award-winning faculty and alumni. Students at Iowa choose from 200 areas of study like journalism, marketing, and business.

Average GPA: 3.0

Acceptance rate: 85%

In-state tuition: $11,622 per year

Out-of-state tuition: $33,710 per year

6. University of Massachusetts Amherst

Located in central Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) is a large public university on a scenic valley campus. UMass Amherst offers 200 academic program options; popular undergraduate majors include engineering, computer science, and natural sciences.

UMass Amherst is known for providing a high-quality education for relatively low tuition rates. According to The Princeton Review, UMass Amherst is one of the best-value colleges in the country.

Average GPA: 3.5

Acceptance rate: 64%

In-state tuition: $9,244 per year

Out-of-state tuition: $20,880 per year

7. University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo (UB) is New York's largest public university, with three campuses in the upstate area. UB boasts a very low instructor-to-student ratio, averaging 12 instructors per student. UB emphasizes learning that takes place beyond the classroom and encourages undergraduates to get involved in research projects, service, or experiential learning.

Popular fields of study include engineering, medicine, and social work.

Average GPA: 2.5

Acceptance rate: 69%

In-state tuition: $7,070 per year

Out-of-state tuition: $27,670 per year

8. University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas (U of A) is located in Fayetteville, AR, on a campus that overlooks the Ozark Mountains. U of A is an important public research institution with many opportunities for undergraduates to get involved.

This large university is made up of 10 colleges and schools, offering more than 270 academic programs. U of A is renowned for its quality programs in agriculture, business, and engineering.

Average GPA: 3.8

Acceptance rate: 76%

In-state tuition: $10,104 per year

Out-of-state tuition: $29,966 per year

9. Michigan State University

Michigan State University (MSU), based in East Lansing, MI, is a large public university made up of 17 different colleges that offer more than 400 fields of study. MSU is particularly well-known for its programs in agriculture, education, and supply chain management.

Education at MSU goes beyond its home campus. Every year, roughly 2,500 MSU students study abroad in more than 60 countries across the world.

Average GPA: 3.5

Acceptance rate: 84%

In-state tuition: $16,118 per year

Out-of-state tuition: $43,502 per year

10. University of Colorado Boulder

Located in the midsized city of Boulder, CO, the University of Colorado Boulder (UC Boulder) has an urban campus nestled against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. UC Boulder is a highly ranked public research institution that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Students can choose from 270 fields of study; popular programs include physics, engineering, and environmental science.

Average GPA: 3.7

Acceptance rate: 76%

In-state tuition: $14,606 per year

Out-of-state tuition: $44,748 per year

How We Rank Schools

We use the following criteria to rank our featured colleges and universities:

• Accreditation: All schools must be vetted by an independent accrediting body, like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). A school's particular accrediting organization depends on its location.
• GPA requirement: Schools must accept a 4.0 GPA or below.
• Acceptance rates: Schools must be generally accessible, meaning they must accept at least 60% of new applications each academic year.

College Admissions With a 4.0 GPA

A 4.0 GPA demonstrates solid academic achievement. While high grades and test scores do not guarantee acceptance, they do increase your odds of being accepted by more selective colleges, like private colleges and Ivy League schools.

While a good GPA is an important part of the college application process, there are other steps you can take to increase your chances of admission. Including a good SAT score and ACT score will help you stand out to admissions committees, in addition to your good grades.

FAQs About Colleges Accepting Students With Below-Average GPAs

The following are answers to frequently asked questions about high school GPAs.

What Is the Average GPA?

The average GPA varies each year. According to the most recent survey by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the national average GPA was 3.56. High school GPAs have been steadily on the rise over the past decade.

What Is a Good Weighted GPA?

As a weighted GPA takes into account more difficult AP classes and awards them more points, a good weighted GPA ranges between 4.1 and 5.3. A 5.3 on a weighted GPA scale corresponds to an A+ (though at some schools, the maximum AP grade possible is a 5.0).

How Do I Get a 4.0 GPA?

If your high school uses an unweighted GPA scale, then you will need to consistently earn As and A+s (between 92 and 100 on the numerical scale) to earn a 4.0 GPA.

If your high school uses a weighted GPA scale, then you can earn some grades lower than a 4.0, as long as you've earned sufficient higher grades in your AP classes to average a 4.0 GPA total.

Explore Online Degree Programs

A 4.0 GPA is evidence of strong academic achievement and will help you during the college admissions process. We invite you to connect with Learn.org's partner institutions as you begin your college search.