<span>3.4 GPA Colleges: See Colleges That Accept a 3.4 GPA</span>

3.4 GPA Colleges: See Colleges That Accept a 3.4 GPA

Grade point average (GPA) is a numerical representation of your high school grades or academic performance. It's usually calculated by the semester, the year, and then cumulatively for all of your classes in high school.

In the US, the most common GPA scale is the 4.0 scale, where an A is assigned a 4.0, a B is assigned a 3.0, and so on. On this scale, a 3.4 GPA can be approximately translated to 89% or B+. However, it's important to note that conversions can vary between colleges.

What is a 3.4 GPA?

A 3.4 GPA is an 89% or a B+ average. This means you probably earned mostly B's (3.0) and some A's (4.0) in your coursework. Of course, the exact grades that make up a 3.4 GPA will vary from student to student. 

Is a 3.4 GPA Good?

If you're wondering if a 3.4 GPA in high school is considered a good GPA, the answer is yes.

A 3.4 is on the verge of an A- and demonstrates consistently good test-taking, studying, and research skills. A 3.4 is comfortably above the national average GPA for high school graduates and is considered competitive at most colleges and universities. It also approaches the 3.5 GPA that more selective schools use as an unofficial benchmark.

What Percentile is a 3.4 GPA?

A 3.4 GPA is a percentile of 89%, which is a grade of B+. 

How Does a 3.4 GPA Affect College Admissions?

A 3.4 GPA is a strong GPA, but it may not guarantee admission to highly selective colleges. Admissions committees consider many factors when making their decisions, including GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and essays.

A 3.4 GPA may make you a competitive candidate. But if you aren't sure, it's best to try to improve your GPA and other areas of your application. 

How Can I Improve My 3.4 GPA?

To improve your GPA, you'll want to figure out what's been keeping you from getting the grades you've wanted so far. For general ideas, try a combination of studying more effectively, seeking additional help from teachers or tutors, and making sure you're doing all of your classwork and assignments. You can also consider taking more challenging weighted classes- but only if you're sure you can make A's in them. 

What Colleges Can I Get Into With a 3.4 GPA?

A 3.4 GPA makes it possible to apply to many colleges, including a few selective schools. GPA alone does not guarantee acceptance at any institution, but many universities have established a precedent of admitting students with a 3.4-3.5 GPA.

With a 3.4 GPA, you’re already in a position to apply to most colleges and will be competitive for the vast majority of them. At this point, it’s time to determine the type of college to attend. Several selective colleges use a 3.5 GPA as a benchmark, and top-of-the-line institutions accept students with an average GPA of 4.0. 

Freshmen and Sophomores

For freshmen and sophomores, there’s still time to increase your GPA to either of those standards by setting ambitious goals. All colleges and universities take a look at extracurriculars, but especially as the competition among candidates becomes more fierce, those after-school clubs and organizations, sports, and community service projects become distinguishing factors when every applicant has a good academic record. Now is a great time to suss out where your interests lie.

Juniors

Junior-level students with a 3.4 GPA are in a great place—with a GPA that’s already competitive among many college and university admission offices, the focus can go where it’s needed: standardized tests. Often considered with the same weightiness as a GPA, an SAT or ACT score can boost competitiveness as an applicant and can also earn scholarship and merit aid money to go towards tuition bills. If you really want that 3.5 GPA, it’s achievable before graduation—it would just require stellar semesters with straight A-s. Make sure not to sacrifice your standardized test scores along the way, though!

Seniors

As for seniors, a 3.4 GPA makes you a competitive applicant at most institutions. Concentrate on making every part of the application, especially the personal essay and after-school activity list, as strong as possible. Have your college counselor read your essay and offer suggestions for improvement to make sure it portrays you in the best light. Reach out to any teachers who have been an important part of your high school career for letters of recommendation. With a 3.4 GPA, a strong application has the potential to make a difference in gaining admission to a more selective college or university.
 

What scholarship can you get with a 3.4 GPA?

A 3.4 GPA will make you eligible for many different scholarships. You may find some that require a 3.5 or higher, but those should be few and far between. Check out our extensive scholarship database to find scholarships!

View All Scholarships

 

What Are Colleges Looking at Other Than High School GPAs?

GPA is only one aspect that college admissions officers assess when reviewing applications. They want to hear more about you as an individual and see what makes you tick. A 3.4 is certainly going to catch many admissions offices’ eyes, but make sure you include as many of the following as possible to create a stellar application: 

What is a Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA?

A weighted GPA considers the difficulty of the classes you take. Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) classes typically have a higher weight, meaning that a higher grade in these classes will result in a higher GPA. A weighted GPA is often used in college admissions to assess the academic rigor of a student's high school curriculum.

An unweighted GPA, on the other hand, assigns a standard value to each letter grade regardless of the level of difficulty of the class. An A in an honors class is assigned the same value as an A in a regular class. An unweighted GPA is often used in high school to give a general overview of a student's academic performance.

Explore Colleges for Every GPA with Appily

Ready to explore colleges that accept a GPA like yours? We have a comprehensive database to help you find and research schools. There, you can see essential data points like acceptance rateaverage financial aid awardaverage test scores, and application deadlines, including those for rolling admissionearly decision, and early action schools. 

Advanced Search

Louisiana College is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Pineville, Louisiana. Each semester, students are required to attend a number of chapel events. Students living on-campus at LC live in one of five gender-segregated residence...

“…

Louisiana College is wonderful. Everyone is like a big family. The campus is beautiful and has a lot of history.

” – Kaytlin from Vivian, LA

College placeholder image

Thomas More University is a small liberal arts university with a big reputation. Thomas More is consistently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best regional universities in the South and ranks highest among other private and public...

Colorado State University-Pueblo is a public institution and member of the Colorado State University system. CSU-Pueblo is a designated Hispanic-serving Institution and military-friendly school. The University offers an Outdoor Pursuits program where...

“…

Learning materials are current and lessons incorporate new scientific findings as they are published. Labs are clean and equipment is in good condition. Professors are friendly and knowledgeable. Tutoring is available if desired. For freshmen, at...

” – Kalee from Pueblo West, CO

Sterling College is a private, Christ-centered institution located in the state of Kansas. Students enrolling at Sterling are required to live on campus, with the exception of students who are either living with immediate family, or in their fifth...

“…

Learning a lot is a understatement. The teachers love what they do and that is evident in the classroom. If you need help they make time and really try to help you understand the material better.

” – Katy from Reserve, NM

Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts is an academic space that defies tradition. Our approach to liberal arts education was born out of The New School’s vision to transcend intellectual boundaries and reimagine academic norms. At Lang, we challenge...

“…

I absolutely adore the open-mindedness of the courses offered here, as well as the candor of the professors. All students have advisors that are ready and willing to meet and help students meet their academic goals. The dorms are awesome.

” – Meg from Stamford, CT

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a nationally recognized university in southwest Illinois that helps prepare students for successful careers and lives of purpose. SIUE offers more than 350 areas of study, and 90% of alumni surveyed report...

“…

Classes here at SIUe are challenging. However SIUe is a great place to learn outside of the classroom. Your instructors and professors make it a priority to teach you what you need to know and help get real-life, hands-on experience.

” – Katie from Chicago, IL

The West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public school in the Philadelphia area and the largest institution in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. WCU is comprised of seven colleges including the College of Arts & Humanities...

“…

The classes are challenging but most of the teachers are pretty cool and make learning fun. Although they don't baby you like most high school teachers so you need to stay on top of your work. Get on the teachers good side by going to class and by...

” – Amanda from Levittown, PA

Founded in 1850, Waynesburg University is a private school situated in the hills of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. It is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and prides itself on being a “good value” school with tuition, room, and board priced below...

“…

Great environment to learn...small classes and informative and helpful professors.

” – Maryland student

Cedar Crest College is an all-female, private liberal arts college based in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It is an independent college, but historically associated with the United Church of Christ. The school hosts an annual Media Literacy Week headed by...

“…

The classes here are very engaging. Professors know how to make class interesting while you receive a great education. The professors here always have plenty of office hours in case you may need assistance in learning the course material. There are...

” – Jessica from Dover, DE

East Central University is a public, 4-year institution established in Ada, Oklahoma, and is a member of the Oklahoma Regional University system. ECU offers over 70 degree programs, many of which feature a 4 Year Plan designed to keep students on...

“…

My classes are just right in size. From the class of 6 to the class of 21 they all have been appropriate for learning. I have had great teachers, each one wants me to learn and take something from the classes.

” – Whitney from Stonewall, OK

Mount Mercy University is a private, 4-year liberal arts university. Offering over 50 undergraduate, pre-professional, and graduate programs, MMU provides an affordable education that promises solid preparation for a changing world. Founded in 1928...

“…

The classes are just the right size and easy environment to learn in.

” – Breanna from Waterloo, IA

Siena Heights University is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Adrian, Michigan. Along with the main campus, the college also hosts a number of degree completion centers throughout the state. Students attending SHU have the...

“…

Siena is a small campus, but a loving atmosphere. The teachers, other students, and staff want nothing but the best for the students attending. It is a great place to build connections that will last a lifetime!

” – Mackenzie from Monroe, MI

College placeholder image

Randolph College is a private, 4-year institution established in Lynchburg, Virginia. Randolph campus features a number of facilities, including the Maier Museum of Art, which is home to many different events, internships, and programs throughout the...

“…

I have learned to write better, to be more tolerant of others, and how to study and take tests better. I also have learned to not procrastinate.

” – Hope from Madison Heights, VA

Founded in 1914, Cornish College of the Arts is a school of the fine and performing arts in Seattle. Cornish grants undergraduate fine arts degrees in eight subjects such as Music, Film, and Design and all degrees include core classes in the...

“…

I'm a performance production major, with an emphasis on lighting design and stage management. I have known several people from my school who have gone there and graduated, and they have all said it's a fabulous school. There are a limited number of...

” – Dudley from West Linn, OR

Founded in 1823 as the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, MCPHS University is a private school of healthcare programs in Boston and the second-oldest college of pharmacy in the nation. MCPHS is home to 12 schools of healthcare hosting over 100...

“…

You will never get bored, that's for sure! I am a third year PharmD student at MCPHS, and let me tell you, MCPHS is very serious when it comes to academics. Although you'll find that there aren't too many homework assignments like those you get in...

” – Choua from Fitchburg, MA

College placeholder image

Muskingum University is a private liberal arts institution. Paul Hall, the oldest building on campus, houses the music department and is registered on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, the Anne C. Steele Center was named...

“…

Only after my first year, I learned a lot more than I even expected. the teachers are great and they truly care about how you are doing.

” – Alyssa from Grafton, OH

Hiram College is a private, liberal arts institution located in the state of Ohio. Students attending Hiram are required to complete courses in nine unique educational focuses, such as Creative Methods, Social and Cultural Analysis, and Experiencing...

“…

I am currently going into my fourth semester at Hiram College and have been learning every step up the way. The fall of your freshman year you take a first year class where students learn about a particular topic and while doing so learn how to...

” – Corey from Ravenna, OH

College placeholder image

Bluefield State College is a public, historically black college established in the state of West Virginia. The college also maintains a satellite campus in Beckley, which serves students in the county of Raleigh and features programs in Nursing...

Bay Path University is an all-female undergraduate univeresity in southern Massachusetts with co-educational programs at the graduate level. Bay Path confers bachelor’s degrees in 58 programs of study and also operates the first all-female online...

“…

GREAT academics with a handful of amazing professors i.e. Professor Semprebon, Professor Drewniak, Professor Bacon..Forensic Science major WHOOP WHOOP=).

” – Brianna from Elmont, NY

College placeholder image

Established in 1887, McPherson College is a private, Christ-centered institution located on a 27-acre, urban campus in Kansas. MC offers career-oriented programs in over 30 fields of study, as well as the opportunity for students to create their own...

“…

McPherson College is a fantastic school, it's the perfect size and people here really care about students. They have great extracurricular programs and student employment opportunities. The only down side is a lack of degree options.

” – James from Goddard, KS

The City College of New York is a public senior college in upper Manhattan and the oldest institution of higher learning in the City University of New York system. CCNY is home to 10 academic divisions and schools conferring undergraduate degrees as...

“…

There will always be hard to understand professors wherever you go, but there are lots of places at the college that offer help, and in my experience, many fellow students are willing to group together to ace a class.

” – Denise from New York, NY

College placeholder image

Columbia International University is a private 4-year Christian college in South Carolina’s state capital. CIU offers 24 undergraduate, graduate, and seminary academic programs, all of which are founded on a biblical worldview. As a Christian...

“…

Columbia International University is a very diverse and highly valued college. The staff,faculty, and students are all part of what makes the school so compelling . The school is focused on give each student an education that will allow them to Know...

” – Megan from Columbia, SC

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin is a 4-year public school in west Texas and a campus of the UT system as well as the only university in the country to be named for a geological formation. UT Permian Basin is home to five colleges...

“…

The Professors have office hours and are widely and readily available. They will help you out with any problems you may have in their class. The University also has a Math and Science Center, and a STEM, and Mentor program. These programs hire tutors...

” – Tiana from El Paso, TX

College placeholder image

Established in 1923, Schreiner University is a private liberal arts institution that is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. The Texan campus features an alumni house, several residence halls, a ministry center, a science center and observatory...

“…

Schreiner University has offered me everything I can ask for in a college or university. The faculty on campus make it their mission that you understand the course work and they will personally assist you in any way they can. SU has taught me so much...

” – Virginia from Brenham, TX

Founded in 1775, Hampden-Sydney College is an all-male liberal arts school located in Hampden Sydney, Virginia. H-SC is a affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and its campus is listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the...

“…

I believe that I am getting a top notch education at HS-C. My professors have been interesting and helpful. Class size is just right.

” – A student from Bedford, VA

College placeholder image

Wilmington College was founded in 1870 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). It is a career-focused liberal arts institution situated in rural Wilmington, Ohio. It is the only private college in the state that offers an Agricultural program...

“…

The professors here are very understanding and treat you like another human being. They treat you like an adult and are very easy to get along. They are willing to meet with you and assist you in any way possible. They get you hand on experience. It...

” – Paige from Bloomingburg, OH

Rogers State University is a public, 4-year institution established on a suburban, 160-acre campus in Claremore, Oklahoma. RSU offers 35 associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs, as well as a master’s degree option in Business Administration. The...

“…

The instructors here have a unique perspective and teaching style that really helps students absorb the material in a fun way.

” – Rosonna from Delaware, OK

LaGrange College is a private, 4-year institution established in the state of Georgia. Academics at LaGrange feature an interim session called the “Jan Term”, which is between the fall and spring semesters and is utilized for study abroad programs...

“…

I am only a freshman, and yet I know I have already learned far more than I ever did in high school. Even though the other reviews say that they didnt learn much, I have found all of my professors to be knowledgeable and insightful, as well as...

” – Angela from Newnan, GA

Founded in 1839, Loras College is a liberal arts school affiliated with the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Loras is the first college created in Iowa and is rated as having “selective” admissions. All first-year students are required to complete a January...

“…

The school has a lot of great courses that keep you learning. The professors are very helpful. They also have a class called MOI which is a fun transition course which helps freshman meet fellow classmates and transition between high school to...

” – Jessica from clearlake, MN

The Oregon Institute of Technology is a public and state-supported institute of technology based in Klamath Falls, OR, and has satellite campuses in Seattle-Boeing and the Portland-Metro area. Entire degrees can be earned via Oregon Online and...

“…

There is an extensive amount of information being taught at Oregon Institute of Technology, and excellent professors that are extremely willing to help you learn it. Since this college is on the smaller side, the professors know you by your name and...

” – Lillian from Corvallis, OR

The University of Pittsburgh-Bradford is a 4-year public school in northern Pennsylvania and a regional campus of the University of Pittsburgh system. Pitt-Bradford offers undergraduate degrees in 43 academic majors. In addition to classroom...

“…

The education is good and the teachers are very friendly and helpful!

” – Laramie from Lucinda, PA

College placeholder image

Washington & Jefferson College was founded as three log cabin schools in 1781. It is a private liberal arts college that provides a curriculum focused on preparing students to go on to professional and graduate schools. The school offers a large...

“…

Without sounding too trite, I’m learning more and more everyday from being here at Washington and Jefferson. The professors are willing to stop and answer questions and are there to teach you, unlike other institutions. I wanted a college that would...

” – Abrianne from Harrisburg, PA

Hastings College is a private, Christ-centered institution established on a 120-acre campus in southern Nebraska. Hastings offers over 60 major, minor, and pre-professional programs, which students can personalize with academic opportunities such as...

“…

Honestly I love Hastings College. I rate them as a ten out of ten. I love the fact that I can call Hastings College my home.

” – Keegan from Lincoln, NE

College placeholder image

Lindsey Wilson College is a private not-for-profit college based in the rural town of Columbia, Kentucky, affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Lindsey Wilson established the R.V. Bennett Honors Program to provide more challenge for students...

“…

The classes are small sized, so professors really get to know you and make an effort to help you in every aspect of your learning. There are multiple on-campus resources to help you, including an Academic Success Center, Writing Center, and multiple...

” – Natalie from Lancaster, KY

College placeholder image

Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a public, 4-year institution established on a rural, 269-acre campus in Durant. Southeastern offers nearly 80 undergraduate programs and 14 graduate programs, many of which are available to complete fully...

“…

The professors here are very knowledgeable. They are willing to help students outside of the classroom. The class sizes are small and give you a better one-on-one experience with the professor.

” – Bryanna from Durant, OK

The University of Saint Joseph is a private Roman Catholic institution that focuses on Christian values. The 90-acre campus features a ministry, an athletic center, an interdisciplinary writing center, a center for student research, eight science...

“…

The professors here are incredibly knowledgeable about their subject areas. They are all sociable, and incredibly helpful. I learn more then just what's in the text books.

” – Victoria from Cheshire, CT

College placeholder image

Howard Payne University was founded in 1889 by the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The school has a main campus in Brownwood, TX, and maintains two academic institutes, The New Braunfels Center and El Paso Center. The college provides free...

“…

The teachers are really interested in their students and want to help!

” – Danielle from Bedford, TX

The University of North Carolina at Asheville is a 4-year public school and the only liberal arts college in the UNC system. UNC Asheville awards undergrad degrees in over 30 academic majors and is home to The National Conference on Undergraduate...

“…

Being in this school has help me see a different prospective of live. Professors are always glad in helping you. It is very obvious that they all enjoy teaching and learning from the students. I am very glad I choose this school to being my life long...

” – from NC

Founded as a teacher training academy in the days when the Dakotas were still a territory, Dakota State University is a public technology-focused institution in eastern South Dakota. Dakota State confers undergrad degrees in over 45 areas of study...

“…

With so much of our society becoming dependent on the use of computers in the work place, I am happy that I chose a college in which computer usage is a primary part of the curriculum. Going into education I had not really thought about needing...

” – Cera from Sioux Falls, SD

College placeholder image

Midland University is a private, 4-year institution located in Fremont, Nebraska, affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  Offering 30 academic areas to major in, MU maintains a 4-year Graduation Guarantee that’s available to...

“…

Midland University has a small-town friendliness combined with big-city academics that gives its students the best of both worlds. The campus is beautiful and conducive to walking or biking to classes; it also has plenty of parking for commuting...

” – Katharine from West Point, NE

The University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point is a 4-year institution located in Central Wisconsin. UWSP offers more than 120 undergraduate programs through its four colleges, complemented by the University College, which assists in the transition...

“…

The professors here, really want to help you. They know how to teach in a fun way.

” – Gao Kalia from Appleton, WI

Originally founded as the state’s first teacher preparatory academy, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is a 4-year public school and part of the UW System. UW-Platteville is home to colleges of Business, Engineering, and Liberal Arts conferring...

“…

There are a lot of different classes that are offered at Platteville. You get to pick and choose which classes you want to take.

” – Marissa from Oregon, WI

For more than a century, the College for Creative Studies has distinguished itself as one of the premier institutions of higher learning in the world. Located in the heart of Detroit’s Innovation District, CCS veritable force of talent and resources...

“…

CCS is a challenging, fun, and rewarding school to attend. It demands a lot of hard work and effort due to the rigorous curriculum and high expectations. However, it is one of the best schools in the United States for the visual arts and hard work...

” – Sarah

Situated in the Davis Mountains, Sul Ross State University is a campus of the Texas State University system in west Texas. Sul Ross State is home to colleges of Agricultural Sciences, Education, and Arts & Sciences conferring undergrad degrees...

“…

Small class size makes easy to learn, plus Instructors are very flexible to students!

” – Jose from Presidio, TX

College placeholder image

Known as “The Great Smoky Mountains Community College,” Walters State is a 2-year community college serving a predominantly rural area in east Tennessee. WSCC features over 150 associate degrees and technical certificates, as well as participates in...

“…

The classes here are very small, and one can easily get help from an instructor. Most instructors stay on topic and are very good teachers.

” – Lauren from Sevierville, TN

North Central University is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Students enrolled at NCU are required to attend weekly chapel. The college features a unique core curriculum plan, which involves both a...

“…

The classes at North Central are great and well worth the money paid for them. Most of them cover subject matter that will relate to everyday life. Professors are caring and willing to help whenever a student needs it.

” – Maeve from Minneapolis, MN

Stephens College is a women’s institution established in Columbia, Missouri. Stephens has four schools, including Design, Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies & Performing Arts, and Equestrian Studies, which teach a variety of uncommon majors...

“…

I'm a theatre student here and this program is amazing! It's intense, but extremely satisfying. You go to each theatre class with the same people and you build a great trust that allows you to do really great work with each other. All the theatre...

” – Caitlin from Columbia, MO

West Virginia University Institute of Technology is a STEM-focused university and a campus of WVU in southern West Virginia. WVU Tech offers bachelor’s degrees in 34 scientific and technological majors. In addition to classroom facilities, the WVU...

“…

This is one of the top schools in the country for Mechanical Engineering and I can't wait to attend this fall.

” – Lance from Wheeling, WV

Founded in 1846, the University of Mount Union is a private institution based in Alliance, Ohio. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The university campus is home to a bird observatory, learning center, and hiking trails. All students...

“…

Mount Union sets up an excellent community of educational and social opportunities. Not only will you learn a lot about your field of study, but you will gain the tools necessary to go out and succeed in the world. Socially, Mount Union is the...

” – Sean from Mentor, OH

Originally founded as Keystone State Normal School, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is a 4-year public school in eastern Pennsylvania. Kutztown is home to colleges of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, and Visual & Performing Arts...

“…

I have been warmly welcomed and feel that I will be given a great education at this institution.

” – Donielle from Shoemakersville, PA