<span>3.0 GPA Colleges: See Schools That Accept a 3.0 GPA</span>

3.0 GPA Colleges: See Schools That Accept a 3.0 GPA

GPA, or grade point average, is the average of all final grades throughout your high school career. It indicates that you’ve gotten grades between  B+ and B- for the majority of your classes, giving you a percentile between 83% and 86%. A 3.0 GPA is considered a straight “B” average and makes you a competitive applicant for a number of colleges and universities.

Is a 3.0 GPA Good?

A 3.0 GPA is the national average for all graduating high school students. Because of this, a 3.0 GPA means that you are eligible to apply at most (if not all) colleges and your application will be competitive for admission at many institutions.

What Colleges Can I Apply to With a 3.0 GPA?

Most colleges and universities accept applications from students who attain a 3.0 GPA, and we’ve compiled a list of them below. A 3.0 GPA won’t guarantee admission, but the following schools have a history of accepting students with a GPA in the 3.0-3.1 range.

At all levels of high school, the ideal is to focus on maintaining a consistent performance. A 3.0 GPA implies performing well in all classes, and that’s a great place to start the college application process. Admissions officers from many schools will see that GPA and recognize that it meets their criteria for enrollment. Keep practicing the study habits that led to a 3.0 GPA in the first place.

If you’re a freshman or sophomore, you’re really starting at a great place. Always aim to improve your academic performance, but also put a fair amount of time into your extracurricular activities. If you want to make yourself a more competitive candidate for the college application process in a few years, identify academic strengths and weaknesses and try to fill in any gaps. If any classes feel problematic, budget more study time for those subjects.

For juniors, remember that a 3.0 GPA already makes you competitive for many colleges. Colleges typically consider standardized scores equally important, so make sure to study for the ACT or SAT as much as possible. Set aside study time for taking practice tests and, if possible, sign up for an entrance exam prep class. If you want to improve your GPA, you still have time to increase it with stellar academic performance, but don’t try to do so at the expense of standardized test preparation.

As for seniors, avoid the temptation of senioritis and keep trying to maintain that 3.0 GPA. This is the time to work on all parts of your application to ensure that it will be as attractive to as many colleges as possible, including your essay and list of after-school activities. Consult with your college counselor for feedback on making your application as effective as possible based on your goals. If you feel that you can improve your ACT or SAT scores, this is also a time to consider retaking the test. At this point, every little improvement in any area of the application could make a big difference.

What Are Colleges Looking at Other Than a 3.0 High School GPA?

When submitting a college application, there’s a heavy focus on GPA. While this may be the first aspect admission counselors look at, it's certainly not the only one. College and university admission offices want to see well-rounded students, including participation in after-school activities. Highlight any or all of the following in your application: 



Tips for College Search and Planning with a 3.0 GPA

    Improve Your Academic Profile

    • Summer Courses: Consider taking community college courses over the summer to boost your academic credentials and demonstrate your ability to handle college-level work.

    Highlight Strengths in Your Applications

    • Highlight Strengths: Emphasize any strong subjects, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or other areas where you excel.
    • Explain Your GPA: Use your personal statement or essay to explain your GPA, if there were extenuating circumstances, and, more importantly, to showcase your passion, resilience, and readiness for college.

    Maximize Extracurriculars 

    • Leadership and Involvement: Active participation in extracurricular activities, especially in leadership roles, can significantly strengthen your application.

    Apply to a Range of Schools

    Meet with a College Counselor

    • Professional Guidance: A college counselor can provide personalized advice and help you navigate the college application process, including selecting schools that fit your profile well. 

    Explore All Potential Options

    • Community Colleges: These institutions often have open admissions policies, meaning they accept all students who apply, making them a great option for students with lower GPAs.

      State Universities: Some state universities have more flexible admission criteria and may offer provisional or conditional admission programs.
    • Trade Schools: A trade school, or a vocational or technical school, provides hands-on training for trades and skilled occupations. Trade schools typically offer a variety of programs that can prepare you for careers in fields such as construction, automotive repair, welding, cosmetology, culinary arts, and more.

    What Scholarships Can You Get with a 3.0 GPA?

    You’ll find some scholarships that require a higher GPA, but the majority will require at least a 3.0, so you’re in a good position to apply for any number of scholarships. You can View All Scholarships here.

    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. 

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    The University of Southern California is a high-research institution located in Los Angeles, California, where it’s been educating students since 1880. The university is comprised of two campuses, the main University Park and the Health Sciences...

    “…

    University of Southern California is among the top universities in the country, and keeps getting better. The professors at the university are all at the top of their fields, and the extensive alumni list proves that the connections that you make...

    ” – Thomas from Houston, TX

    Founded in 1867, Morgan State University is an Historically Black College and University in Baltimore and Maryland’s preeminent public urban research institution. A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Morgan State offers degrees in more...

    “…

    This school has alot to offer. We are very diverse and very welcoming.

    ” – Chelsea from Germantown, MD

    With campus along the shores of Puget Sound, The Evergreen State College is a public liberal arts institution in Washington’s state capital of Olympia. Evergreen offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees without formal majors and...

    “…

    The Evergreen State College has a variety of fun, unique, and engaging classes. As a freshman, I have only enrolled in one course for the entire year. This class, however, has really opened my eyes to many possibilities and I have learned more in a...

    Originally founded by former slaves, Alabama State University is an HBCU situated in Montgomery and a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The ASU campus hosts eight colleges offering over 50 undergraduate and graduate degrees. The ASU...

    “…

    Alabama State University is a university moving in the right direction. This school has been through adversity with so many changes from the head personnel, but it seems its all coming together. This university is one to adore with the various...

    ” – Leslie from Fairfield, AL

    One of the largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the nation, Texas Southern University is a 4-year public institution in Houston. TSU is home to 12 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 100 academic majors...

    “…

    Texas Southern University is a fine institution, despite all the negative trash people say about it. Taking courses in chemistry, biology, and math at this college really made me see the important role that the classes played not only in science, but...

    ” – Brittany from Houston, TX

    Queens College, City University of New York is a 4-year liberal arts college in New York City and part of the CUNY system. Queens College hosts four academic divisions of Arts & Humanities, Mathematics, Social Sciences, and Education conferring...

    “…

    Queens definitely does not get the rep for being an amazing school because it is part of the CUNY system... but believe me, you will not be disappointed in the quality of education here. Being a second generation Queens College student, I've only...

    ” – Julie from Garden City, NY

    Originally founded in 1891 as the Washington State Normal School, Central Washington University is a 4-year public institution. Central Washington is home to six colleges and schools offering undergraduate degrees in over 135 academic majors as well...

    “…

    The profs here are truly amazing and very understandable. They are very approachable and ready to help you study and learn. Also a wide variety of classes and foriegn languages you can choose from so make sure to keep an open mind!

    ” – Katherina from Tacoma, WA

    Tuskegee University is a 4-year private school and an Historically Black College and University in east Alabama. Tuskegee offers bachelor’s degrees in over 65 academic majors and is the only HBCU to house a fully-accredited College of Veterinary...

    “…

    I'm a freshman at Tuskegee and I just finished my 1st semester. As an Animal Poultry and Veterinary Science Major I have learned so much more than I expected. I was expecting to only become a Vet with my major but our APSC 100 class taught me to open...

    ” – A. Smith

    The Berklee College of Music is a school of the musical and performing arts in Boston and one of the largest contemporary music colleges in the world. Berklee consists of the College of Music and the Boston Conservatory at Berklee conferring bachelor...

    “…

    about the music business

    ” – Lynne from Suisun City, CA

    Originally founded as a night school for law and business students, the University of Baltimore is a public institution and part of the University System of Maryland. UB confers degrees in over 70 undergrad and graduate academic programs. In addition...

    “…

    UB Is focused on the individual

    ” – Gunnar from Baltimore, MD

    Founded in 1877, Jackson State University is a public Historically Black College and University in the Mississippi state capital of Jackson and one of the largest HBCUs in the nation. A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Jackson State is...

    “…

    great teachers, available tutors for every subject

    ” – Maia from MI

    Founded by a freedman, Alabama A&M University is a public Historically Black College and University situated in Huntsville and a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Alabama A&M is home to colleges of Business, Natural Sciences, Engineering...

    “…

    I would honestly say that I am learning a lot of new things at AAMU. I came here thinking that college was going to be extremely hard and that I would fail. But in reality I have had the best classes and very helpful teachers. This is my second...

    ” – Jalesia from Anniston, AL

    Virginia State University is an Historically Black College and University in central Virginia and the nation’s first fully state-supported university for African Americans. The VSU campus hosts colleges of Business, Education, Agriculture, Humanities...

    “…

    The professors that I have come in contact with so far at VSU, have all be amazing. The knowledge held within the school grounds is overwelming. I feel as though a little bit every day rubs off and sticks to me. I have learned so much being on...

    ” – Jasmine from Springfield, NJ

    Originally housed in a renovated hosiery mill, Columbus State University is a public institution in western Georgia. Columbus State encompasses colleges of Business, Letters & Sciences, the Arts, and Education conferring undergrad degrees in 46...

    “…

    The teaching staff at Columbus State University is excellent. All of the professors are very knowledgeable, helpful, and do their best to create an experience conductive to learning. All the Professors welcome questions (even in larger classes,)...

    ” – Alex from Stockbridge, GA

    Stevenson University is a private university with a liberal arts curriculum. Stevenson offers more than 28 academic programs, as well as more than 21 bachelor's and master's online for flexible learning. SU has extensive Bachelor's to Master's...

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    The teachers will most definitely work with you whenever you are either falling behind or simply have questions and need extra help. Along with that, there is free tutoring among most subjects.

    ” – Akram from Gaithersburg, MD

    Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the oldest Historically Black College and University in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the United States. Bowie State encompasses colleges of Arts & Sciences, Education, Business, and Professional...

    “…

    So far, I have found the professors to be very knowledgeable in their fields of study.

    ” – Jasmine from Clinton, MD

    Founded in 1891, North Park University is a Christian institution in Chicago affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church. North Park is home to six colleges and schools as well as a seminary conferring degrees in over 60 undergrad and graduate...

    “…

    It is very easy to learn everything you need to know at this school. The largest class size is 25 max. Your professors are always available to help you when you need extra help.

    ” – Shellye from las vegas, NV

    Lincoln University
    Lincoln University, PA

    Lincoln University is a public, historically black institution established in Oxford, Pennsylvania, with a satellite location in Philadelphia. The 422-acre main campus is home to over 50 buildings built as early as 1899. The college offers nearly 40...

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    Lincoln University was not one of my first choices, however, I am glad that I decided to attend. Many of the courses I have taken have professors who are very good with communicating information to the students. I have learned numerous things that...

    ” – Nicholas from Washington, DC

    Clayton State University is a 4-year public school in the Atlanta metro area and part of the University System of Georgia. Featuring a 214-acre park-like campus, Clayton State confers undergraduate degrees in over 60 academic majors and minors. In...

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    The professors at Clayton State are so wonderful. They connect with the students on a personal level which encourages you to want to learn even more. They make sure you get your times worth in class and it's rare you will leave confused

    ” – Alexa from Stockbridge, GA

    Founded in 1871, SUNY Buffalo State is a public school in Buffalo and the largest 4-year college in the State University of New York System. SUNY Buffalo State is home to schools of Arts & Humanities, Education, the Professions, and Sciences, and is...

    “…

    The professors I have had since beginning Fall 2008 have been extremely helpful. They are available before and after class if you would like to speak with them and also through email. No matter what your problem is, they do what they can to assist...

    ” – Jessica from Rochester, NY

    Founded in 1891, Delaware State University is a public Historically Black College and University in the state capital of Dover. Delaware State is home to colleges of Humanities, Agriculture, Business, and Health Sciences conferring undergrad degrees...

    “…

    Learning is a fundamental thing at this school. Don't take your education for granted becuase the classroom size is small enough for you to ask as many questions when there is something not understood.

    ” – Karis from Suitland, MD

    Founded by a group of African American farmers in 1901, Grambling State University is a 4-year public school in north central Louisiana. This Historically Black College and University is listed on the Louisiana African-American heritage trail. Part...

    “…

    Grambling is a great school because you get to experienve the life of a black college and how diffeerent some things at grambling are compared to other schools. Grambling also gives you the chance to make out there in the work world with the...

    ” – Domonique McElroy from Little Rock, AR

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    Founded in 1867, Fayetteville State University is a 4-year public school in central North Carolina and an Historically Black College and University. A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the University of North Carolina System, FSU...

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    While Fayetteville State is a great school. With its vast number of programs and clubs offered there is always something to do. Although this school is a HBCU there is still some diversity with the students, the food, and the classes.

    ” – Taylah from Hope Mills, NC

    Founded in 1935, Norfolk State University is a 4-year public school and Historically Black College and University in southeast Virginia. Norfolk State confers bachelor’s degrees in 31 academic majors and is the only school in the state to offer a...

    “…

    I am in the Nursing associate degree program right now. It is a tough program, but is defiantly worth it. You get action first semester when you have your clinical at Nursing Homes.

    ” – Celestine from Greensboro, NC

    Tiffin University is a private, 4-year institution located in Ohio and founded in 1888. It is a military-friendly school and houses the first public building to be wired for electricity in the nation. Criminal justice and law enforcement...

    “…

    When I go to ever class I learn a lot. The instructors make sure they teach you as much in the time provided. I learn a lot inside of class and outside of class. The class sizes are small compared to big university classes, so you have more...

    ” – Damiar from Reynoldsburg, OH

    Named after President Franklin D. Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor, Roosevelt University is a private institution in Chicago with a dedication to social justice. Roosevelt offers over 70 undergraduate majors and 15 graduate and doctoral programs at...

    “…

    The students ans staff are great. Everyone is friendly, and willing to help in whatever they can.

    ” – Nancy from Chicago, IL

    Indiana Tech, is a 4-year college located in Fort Wayne, IN, that was founded in 1930. Indiana Tech offers 58 career-focused degree programs through their seven academic divisions, as well as a Discovery Track for students who aren’t quite sure which...

    “…

    The professors get to know you and help you out a lot. Which you will most likely not find at a larger school.

    ” – Justin from Markleville, IN

    Northeastern Illinois University is a public, Hispanic-Serving Institution located in Chicago, Illinois. NEIU offers a Tuition Guarantee Program for all students up to six years. The school has three unique campus locations in the Chicago...

    “…

    Northeastern has a very comfortable environment. Teachers that you don't even have will ask you about your day and classes, they'll even offer any help that you would need. As well with the students, everyone is very talkative and welcoming.

    ” – Migdalia from Chicago, IL

    Originally founded as the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising, LIM College is a private school in New York City with a focus on the business of fashion. LIM confers undergraduate degrees in seven fields of study such as Fashion Media and Fashion...

    “…

    Choosing to attend LIM College has been the best decision I have ever made. I love the tight-knit community and industry experience that LIM offers. Every one is a familiar face to me, and I like that!

    ” – Maura from Maspeth , NY

    Winston-Salem State University is an Historically Black College and University and a public constituent institution of the University of North Carolina. WSSU is the country’s only HBCU to  offer a Motorsports Management degree and its Department of...

    “…

    At Winston Salem State University I have learned a ton of new things, and also I have fun while learning and that's the best part! Some of the new things I have learned are the proper ways to write persuasive essays,how to act as an adult (being...

    ” – Brittany from Durham, NC

    Founded in 1835, the College at Brockport is a 4-year public liberal arts college in western New York State. A member of the State University of New York system, Brockport confers undergrad degrees in over 45 academic majors and minors. In addition...

    “…

    So far, the academics at this school are not too challenging, but the professors do keep me on my toes. As part of the Honors Program I was given many opportunities and was able to adjust rather quickly into college life and academics.

    ” – Caitlin from Greenwich, NY

    At Plymouth State, you will actively learn with faculty and students, not just within your major but from diverse disciplines and with partners such as businesses and organizations, getting real-world, resume-boosting experience. The Plymouth State...

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    I've only completed my first semester, but I've learned so much. I took a class called Environmental Geography. I knew that the world had it's problems, but this course really opened my eyes to the real problems of the world. I also took a course...

    ” – Esia from Hudson, NH

    Founded in 1865, Dean College is a private institution based in the suburban town of Franklin, Massachusetts. Many students choose to study dance, drama and theater production, or athletic training. Dean is a sustainable campus and uses LED lighting...

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    If you come to Dean wanting to learn, you're going to take a lot away from the experience. I was a Criminal Justice major, and was fortunate enough to have Professor Couture for my Intro to Crim class. She has a system set up where you can earn...

    ” – Kristen from Millville, MA

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    Founded in 1859, Averett University is a private 4-year institution situated in Danville, Virginia. Averett University is affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia but welcomes students of all faith, or non-faith, backgrounds. Top...

    “…

    the small classes offer a more personal level with the professors making easier to pay attention

    ” – Joey from Richmond, VA

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    Notre Dame College is a Catholic liberal arts school dedicated to teaching students in the Sisters of Notre Dame tradition. NDC is based in South Euclid, Ohio, and houses the tolerance outreach center, the Abrahamic Center, which promotes interfaith...

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    Notre Dame offers a very personal educational experience with lots of free support.

    ” – Jaimie from Galloway, OH

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    York College is a private, Christ-centered institution established on an urban, 50-acre campus in Nebraska. York offers 26 on-campus bachelor’s degree programs, as well as two online master’s degree programs in Education and Organizational Leadership...

    “…

    The classes are great here and all the teachers are so willing to help.

    ” – Megan from Grand Island, NE

    Metropolitan State University of Denver is a 4-year public urban university in the heart of downtown Denver. MSU Denver is home to colleges of Business; Aerospace and Engineering Science; Health and Human Services; Letters, Arts & Sciences; Education...

    “…

    All of the teachers that I have meet seem to be very professional and experts in their subject areas. The classes are taught by the professors and not by student aids. The class sizes are smaller, so that means more access to the teacher. I believe I...

    ” – Ashlynn from Morrison, CO

    Ferrum College is a 4-year liberal arts college in rural southwestern Virginia affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Ferrum hosts schools of Arts & Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences granting bachelor’s degrees in 30 academic...

    “…

    Small campus where the teachers make you their priority. Help is always available for those who need it. Everyone on campus supports you from academics to sports.

    ” – Anneleisse from Castle Rock, CO

    Founded in 1879, Curry College is a private institution based in Milton, Massachusetts. The school operates a main campus near a state park in Norfolk county and a satellite campus in Plymouth. All students must take a General Education curriculum...

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    I transfered to Curry College last semester and loved that it was a small school and the professors were very helpful with anything you needed. Curry has a great campaus and very small class sizes which is very easy to learn from. Also since the...

    ” – Joseph from Canton, MA

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    Founded in 2006, Georgia Gwinnett College is a 4-year public school in the greater Atlanta area and part of the University System of Georgia. Georgia Gwinnett confers undergrad degrees in 18 academic majors and 13 minors. In addition to classroom...

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    About 97% of the faculty have PhD's in their field. What other college has that? Plus Student Interaction is one of the fields in which faculty is graded at the end of each year, making student-to-teacher relationships more lasting and helpful for...

    ” – Gabriel from Snellville, GA

    St. Petersburg College is a public institution that operates multiple small campuses around Pinellas County, Florida. SPC is part of the Florida College System and is recognized as a state college. Popular majors include medical records technician...

    “…

    There certain classes that should not be taken online, like speech or one you need lots of instruction.

    ” – Tyler from Clearwater, FL

    Founded in 1895, Fort Valley State University is a 4-year public public school in central Georgia and an Historically Black College and University. Part of the University System of Georgia, FVSU is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Agriculture...

    “…

    College is totally different than high school. You not only learn about academics but you also learn life lessons.

    ” – Ashley from College Park, GA

    Founded in 1856, Albright College is a 4-year liberal arts college in eastern Pennsylvania and the oldest institution of higher learning in its home county. Albright confers bachelor’s degrees in over 45 academic majors and also features an...

    “…

    All of the professors are extremely helpful and they really want you to succeed which is great. Many of the tests have reviews beforehand that tell you exactly what is on each test and most of the time there are no tricks when the actual test comes...

    ” – Meghan from Bowmansville, PA

    Life University is the biggest single-campus chiropractic college in the world. It is a private institution founded by a doctor of chiropractic that offers health and wellness-focused programs. Life University’s education is founded around Vitalism...

    “…

    During campus tour we were taken through three courses for a 15 minute sample to various courses that my program requires. The student/professor ratio seem conducive to an environment for learning.

    ” – Travis from Macon, GA

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    The College of Staten Island is a 4-year public school in New York City and a senior college in the City University of New York system. CSI is home to five divisions and schools offering undergrad degrees in over 55 academic majors. In addition to...

    “…

    Just finished my first semester and I am ready for the next one

    ” – Troy from New York, NY

    New England College (NEC) is an accredited, private, non-profit college founded in 1946 that offers on campus and online degrees for undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students. The main campus in Henniker, New Hampshire, features a quintessential...

    “…

    The people here at NEC are known for their competition on the court and on the books. Making it a great place for people with competitive edge in them

    ” – Orion - Jersey City, NJ

    Founded in 1866, Fisk University is a private HBCU and the oldest university in Nashville, Tennessee. Fisk University is a member of the United Negro College Fund and its Victorian architecture-style campus is recorded in the National Register of...

    “…

    At Fisk, professors aren't the only ones you learn from. It's the students.
    I am reminded everyday that, I sit in class next to some of the brightest minds in the country!

    ” – Jamal from Stone Mountain, GA

    Black Hills State University is a 4-year liberal arts institution situated on 123 acres of land in Spearfish, South Dakota. Through its three colleges, BHSU offers more than 120 majors and minors, as well as three honors tracks. Students can complete...

    “…

    I've only been here at Black Hills State for 2 months, however I have been learning a lot and the classes and class sizes are very accomidating and not too long or overcrowded.

    ” – LeeSah from Spearfish, SD

    Originally founded by the Convention of Free Will Baptists, the University of Mount Olive is a 4-year liberal arts university with a Christian-centered focus in eastern North Carolina. UMO offers over 50 different majors featuring small classes and...

    “…

    It is a very welcoming community. All of the professors, instructors, and various staff are always so nice and are always a big help. All of the students are friendly and it is so easy to make new friends.

    ” – Sarah from Burlington, NC

    Founded by the Sisters of Charity of New York, the University of Mount Saint Vincent is a Catholic liberal arts college in New York City. From its campus overlooking the Hudson River, the Mount offers undergrad degrees in over 70 academic programs...

    “…

    It is a wonderful school with great people who I know are forever friends. The school fosters education to its max as well as intergrating sports and socialization in. It is everything I dreamed a college to be.

    ” – Colleen from Manchester Center, VT