10 Best Colleges That Accept a 3.0 GPA in 2025

Students with a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) may wonder what kind of schools they can gain acceptance. Fortunately, there are many universities that accept a 3.0 GPA. Having a 3.0 GPA means the student has received a B grade average across core preparatory courses, indicating that they're ready for a challenging college curriculum.

Colleges for B students can help students achieve their career goals. From public universities to private liberal arts colleges, students can choose a school that fits their academic needs. Below, we'll discuss top colleges that accept a 3.0 GPA and cover acceptance rates, admissions criteria, and more.

10 Colleges That Accept a 3.0 GPA

If you're looking for colleges that accept a good GPA such as a 3.0, you're in luck. Many higher education opportunities are available to you. Keep reading to learn about some of the top universities that accept a 3.0 GPA.

1. Alabama State University

At Alabama State University, students can choose from numerous online or campus-based degree programs. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the school offers a quality education for those dedicated to learning. It has an acceptance rate of 96% and minimal admissions requirements. Students with a 3.0 GPA can easily gain admittance.

In-state undergraduates pay $11,068 for the academic year, while out-of-state students pay $19,936. Several institutional scholarships are available and those with a 3.0 GPA can apply.

2. California State University Los Angeles

California State University Los Angeles is a public school offering more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. To enroll in one of the undergraduate programs, first-time students must meet specific admissions criteria, including a 2.5 GPA for California residents and a 3.0 GPA for out-of-state applicants.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the acceptance rate is 92%, which means most applicants, regardless of GPA, can become full-time students. Full-time undergraduates pay $4,123.12 per semester. Full-time non-residents pay about double, with tuition costs rising to $8,875.12 per semester.

3. University of California San Diego

The University of California San Diego is a large public research institution with many undergraduate programs available. To secure enrollment, California students need a 3.0 GPA. If students have a lower GPA, additional considerations, such as test scores or extracurricular activities, may be taken into account.

While this school is academically rigorous, it has a 90% graduation rate and offers many student support services to ensure success, including tutoring, workshops, and writing help. Tuition is only $14,436 per year, though additional fees may add to the total cost of attendance.

4. University of Nebraska Kearney

At the University of Nebraska Kearney, students can enroll in numerous online or in-person degree programs. To apply, high school students need at least a 3.0 GPA or have acceptable test scores on the ACT or SAT.

The school has an 86% acceptance rate and is committed to providing accessible higher education. Students who do not meet all the necessary entrance criteria can still gain admittance, as the admissions team considers other aspects of the application, such as recommendations or personal statements.

Tuition is affordable for Nebraska residents, costing only $6,690 for the academic year. Additionally, financial aid is available, with around 87% of incoming freshmen receiving assistance.

5. Iona College

Iona College is a private Catholic school that offers many undergraduate programs on campus. It's one of a few colleges that accept a 3.0 GPA in New York and it has a 91% acceptance rate.

The admissions team considers applicants through a holistic lens, taking into account personal character and potential. Students do not need to submit ACT or SAT scores to be considered; however, a letter of recommendation and essay are required. Transfer students need only a 2.5 GPA to apply.

Tuition for full-time undergraduates is $23,240 per term. Around 99% of admitted first-time students receive some form of financial aid, which may include merit-based scholarships, grants, or loans.

6. Worchester State University

Students can pursue numerous degree programs at Worchester State University in Massachusetts. The admissions process is simple and easy � no test scores, letters of recommendation, or essays are required, though applicants may submit them for optional review. The ideal candidate holds a 3.0 GPA; however, this standard is not a deal-breaker, and those with a lower GPA may still be considered.

Undergraduate students pay $5,893 per semester or $491.08 per credit hour. To help manage tuition, students can apply for financial aid, including loans, grants, and scholarships. More than 65% of students receive financial assistance that helps make tuition more affordable.

7. Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona is a large four-year institution based in Flagstaff. With a 91% acceptance rate, B-average students are sure to be accepted, as the school guarantees admissions to high school students with 2.75 GPA in the required core classes.

Tuition for undergraduates attending on-campus or online programs is $11,688 for the year. Financial aid is available, including scholarships. Arizona residents with a 3.0 GPA may qualify for the merit-based Dean's Scholarship, which is worth $5,000 and renewable every year.

8. University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas is one of the best medium-sized colleges for B students. It offers small class sizes and ample academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees. To enroll, first-time students only need a 2.5 GPA and adequate ACT or SAT test scores; however, these test scores are not required for those with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

In-state students pay $250 per credit hour. Many financial aid opportunities are available, including institutional scholarships and state grants.

9. Central Washington University

Central Washington University is a public four-year school based in Ellensburg that offers degree programs in person and online. Prospective students must complete their college application through the online portal. SAT and ACT scores aren't required. If applicants possess a 3.0 GPA or higher, admittance is guaranteed.

Tuition is $7,231 for in-state residents, while out-of-state residents pay $25,340 for the academic year. Financial aid and scholarships are available for qualifying students.

10. Lakeland University

At Lakeland University, students can receive a liberal arts education on campus in Plymouth, WI. Students only need a 2.0 GPA to enter the school as a freshman. ACT and SAT test scores may be submitted for consideration if academic requirements aren't met.

Tuition for full-time students is $15,950 per semester. Many financial aid opportunities are available, including the Lakeland Promise, which offers free tuition to any Wisconsin students with families that make under $80,000 annually.

How We Rank Schools

To find the best colleges for a 3.0 GPA student, we utilized reliable resources like the NCES to determine appropriate schools. Our ranking factors include:

• Accreditation: We only chose schools accredited by recognized educational organizations like the SACSCOC.
• GPA Requirement: All of the schools on this list accept students with a 3.0 GPA.
• Acceptance Rates: We chose schools that may have high acceptance rates to ensure the best chance of acceptance for applicants.

FAQs About Colleges and Universities That Accept a 3.0 GPA

The college admissions process can be confusing. We'll answer some of the top questions students may have about the average GPA and getting accepted into college.

Is a 3.0 GPA Good in High School?

A 3.0 GPA means you've earned a B average across all of your classes, which is generally average and likely means you can choose from many different schools. Out-of-reach schools, like Ivy League universities, can be difficult to get into; however, if you don't have an exceptional high school GPA, you can supplement your application with unique extracurriculars, essays, and high test scores.

Is a 3.0 GPA Good in College?

Yes, generally a 3.0 is a decent average for college courses. Students looking to transfer college credits can do so with a 3.0 GPA, as this indicates a steady academic performance at the college level.

Will Colleges Accept a 3.0 GPA?

Most colleges will accept a 3.0 GPA; however, some competitive schools may also require test scores, essays, recommendation letters, and other materials. Even bumping your average up to a 3.1 GPA or a 3.2 GPA can help you stand out from other applicants.

Explore High-Quality Colleges and Universities

If you want to pursue a college degree, check out the schools featured here on Learn.org. Contact any school that interests you to find out more about financial aid opportunities and the admissions process.