<span>3.2 GPA Colleges: See Schools That Accept a 3.2 GPA</span>

3.2 GPA Colleges: See Schools That Accept a 3.2 GPA

Grade point average (GPA) is a measurement of academic performance through a cumulative average of all grades. A 3.2 GPA represents a B average and is a few tenths from a B+. Here we will explore what a 3.2 GPA means, its significance in academic and professional settings, and strategies for improving or maintaining this level of academic performance.

What is a 3.2 GPA?

A 3.2 GPA is a grade point average that falls between a B and a B- on the 4.0 grading scale commonly used in the United States. It represents a moderately good academic performance, indicating that the student has maintained above-average grades but may have some room for improvement.

Is a 3.2 GPA Good?

While a 3.2 GPA may not be considered outstanding, it still demonstrates a strong work ethic and dedication to academic success. Because of this, a 3.2 GPA means that you’ll have numerous college options, and your application will be competitive for admission at a sizable number of schools.

What percentile is a 3.2 GPA?

A 3.2 GPA is a straight B with a percentile of 87%.

What Colleges Can I Get Into With a 3.2 GPA?

A 3.2 GPA is a competitive academic record for a number of colleges and universities, and we’ve assembled a representative list below. Be aware that this GPA won’t automatically qualify for admission, but all of these schools have historically accepted students with GPAs in the 3.2-3.3 area.

If you’re in the midst of your freshman or sophomore year, keep doing the work needed to maintain a 3.2 GPA. This GPA level already exceeds the 3.0 competitive benchmark for a large number of colleges, so it’s important to maintain the study habits that earned that number in the first place. You also have time to set an ambitious goal in the upper end of the 3.0 range if there are any Ivy League institutions on your college dream list. Whatever your goal may be following high school graduation, make it a priority to join after-school clubs, participate in a sport, or find a community service project to take part in. Not only will this help you stand out as a well-rounded candidate for the college application process, but it could also lead to finding something you’re passionate about!

For juniors, there’s an added stressor: standardized testing. While it’s conceivable to improve a 3.2 GPA to a 3.5 before graduation, this may be a difficult year to try and accomplish the task. Remember that this is also when you need to start devoting study time to prepare for the ACT or SAT. Because most colleges weigh GPA and standardized test results fairly equally, ignoring one in order to concentrate on the other isn’t a good option. Pick up a book of practice tests and time yourself taking the exam to get used to the process for test day.

As for seniors, you’re in a great spot already. The fact of the matter is it would require straight As, a 4.0 semester GPA, to raise a cumulative 3.2 GPA by one-tenth of a point to a 3.3. A 3.3 doesn’t significantly change competitiveness, to be blunt, so focusing on the total package, your applications as a whole, is likely the best plan of attack at this point. If your SAT or ACT score isn’t exactly where you’d like it to be, sign up to retake the exam and rededicate study time toward improving that result. This is also a good time to visit your school’s college counselor and ask for their feedback on your college application, in particular, the essay portion. With a 3.2 GPA, a good essay and standardized test score will help ensure that you’re in a competitive position for admission at a wide variety of schools.

What Are Colleges Looking at Other Than High School GPA?

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 3.2 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: 

How Can I Improve My 3.2 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 scholarships can you get with a 3.2 GPA?

You’re eligible for a large number of scholarships with a 3.2 GPA. While some may require a 3.5 GPA or higher, the majority require a 3.0 as their minimum. Apply for plenty of scholarships prior to (and during) college to save some money on tuition! 

View All Scholarships

 

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

Founded in 1890, Washington State University is the state's first land-grant university. Washington State University offers more than 200 fields of study, including 96 undergraduate majors, 86 minors, and more than 140 graduate and professional...

“…

The Professors at WSU are thorough in their teaching but sometimes lack the patience for slower students. The curriculum while tough is also very educational and I have found it to be rather enjoyable.

” – John from Clarkston, WA

Originally founded as a one room accounting school, Pace University is a 4-year research institution in Manhattan. Pace is home to six colleges and schools conferring bachelor’s degrees in over 65 academic majors. In addition, the Manhattan campus...

“…

Pace University has an amazing staff. Professors are dedicated to helping students during class and outside of the classroom setting. The class size is just right to be able to learn and focus.

” – Nichole from Brooklyn, NY

Located in Harrisonburg, VA, in the Shenandoah Valley, James Madison University is a public institution offering more than 120 degree options. As a research university, JMU features a Research and Scholarship (R&S) administration, and is home to the...

“…

I started off with five luck-of-the-draw classes. They were all challenging and all required a lot of work but I never really had to push myself. However, my grades weren't the highest of any of my classes either. JMU has a great college...

” – Samuel from Chesterfield, VA

Sam Houston University is a public, 4-year institution located in Huntsville, Texas. Founded in 1879, SHSU is the third oldest public university in the state and a member of the Texas State University System. The university provides 170 fields of...

“…

College is a time to expand the knowledge you already have and pursue new knowledge for use through the rest of your life. Sam Houston has allowed me to do both. In just the two semesters I have been here, I have learned more than I ever did in High...

” – Jessica from Spring, TX

East Carolina University is located in Greenville, NC, and is comprised of 13 colleges. This public research university offers 84 bachelor's and 71 master's degrees, and claims a spot as the state leader in distance educated by providing 90 online...

“…

Out of state tuition is gruesome in this economy! But there is truly no where I'd rather be than an ECU pirate!

” – Purple and Gold, Greenville NC

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

Montclair State University is a 4-year public institution in northern New Jersey and the second largest university in the state. Montclair State is home to 11 colleges and schools conferring over 300 undergraduate and graduate degrees and the...

“…

Montclair State University's student to faculty ratio is 17 to 1, and class size is not large. The environment is just right for learning, and it is put together for your academic success.

” – Elisha from Blackwood, NJ

California State University-Fresno is a 4-year public school and the second largest university in the Cal State system. Fresno State encompasses eight colleges and schools offering undergraduate degrees. In addition, Fresno State has been designated...

“…

Even when taking my general ed. classes, I've learned more than what I've expected. The teachers that I've had this semester all seem thrilled about teaching and hearing student responses.

” – Zachary from Fresno, CA

One of the top 50 largest public schools in the United States, the third-largest university in the state, Kennesaw State University is a 4-year institution with two campuses in the Atlanta metro area. KSU is home to 13 colleges granting degrees in...

“…

There are some excellent professors here who are experts in their field. The difference between KSU and some other large universities is that most of the professors here truly do love to teach and it is evident in their classes. In some of the...

” – Caitlyn from Kennesaw, GA

Founded in 1868 after the Civil War to provide education to freedmen, Hampton University is an Historically Black College and University on the Virginia Peninsula. Hampton is home to eight undergraduate colleges conferring bachelor’s degrees and...

“…

Hampton University is an excellent school when it comes to academics.l The professors are very interested in their students. They provide office hours as well as email addresses in order for their students to contact them. All of my professors...

” – Asia from Winterville, NC

St Thomas University is a private institution located in Miami Gardens, Florida. STU is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and Archdiocese of Miami, and their institution goal is to “form[] a community of co-learners that teaches and worships...

“…

Professors are great. Whats best is the same class sizes; they allow for a more personalized education. Plenty of areas of study to choose from, however, the classes in less demand are on rotation so you might have to wait a semester to take a class...

” – STU Bobcat from FL

Spread across seven dynamic schools and colleges, UHart is a four-year private nonprofit university that has been guiding the purpose and passion of undergraduate and graduate students for over six decades. Centrally located alongside Connecticut’s...

“…

The first year at any college, you will have to take classes outside of your major. Hartford has All University Curriculum classes (normally referred to as Gen-Eds). The classes fall under the categories of Arts, Culture, Technology and Science....

” – Sarah R.

Part of the University of Wisconsin system, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a 4-year public school and the largest university in Milwaukee. UWM confers degrees in over 195 academic programs and the university is one of two doctoral-degree...

“…

I have learned so much so far at UWM. My art classes are fantastic! The instructors are very knowledgeable in their fields, and push creativity and new thoughts into my head effortlessly. I can't wait to go back!

” – Chelsea from Bristol, WI

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...

Miami Dade College is a public institution with eight campuses based around Miami featuring the largest undergraduate enrollment of any college in the United States. MDC confers bachelor’s degrees in 14 academic fields of study and is home to 79...

“…

At Miami Dade College you have the ability to learn from professors of all different backgrounds, whom all share a passion for learning and are interested in the well being of their students.

” – Daymaris from Miami, FL

With campus a short walk from the Wabash River, Indiana State University is a 4-year public institution in western Indiana. ISU confers bachelor’s degrees in over 100 academic majors and makes over 70 degree-granting programs available entirely...

“…

Within just my first year at ISU, I gained the skills I need to succeed. My professors, teacher assistants, college advisor and employer have provided my with the knowledge required inside and out of the classroom. The teaching staff was extremely...

” – Nursing Student

Originally conceived as a school of accounting and secretarial science, Southern New Hampshire University has grown to become a 4-year private university. SNHU confers bachelor’s degrees in more than 150 academic majors available both on campus and...

“…

Easy to apply and admissions counselors are with you every step of the way. The online class formats are self-explanatory, and you quickly learn the ins and outs. You academic adviser is constantly available and takes the initiative in knowing how...

” – Katty from Reno, NV

College placeholder image

Wesleyan College is a private, 4-year, women’s institution. Founded in 1836, Wesleyan was the first college in the world chartered to grant degrees to woman, and its 200-acre, wooded campus has since been added to the National Register of Historic...

“…

Each class offers its own, unique challenge for students. With a 10 to 1 student to professor ratio, the discussions are dynamic and intellectually stimulating. Faculty offer the best quality of education possible, and are determined to see you...

” – Francesca from Macon, GA

Ferris State University is a 4-year public university in west central Michigan. Ferris State is home to eight colleges conferring over 190 undergraduate degrees as well as an honors program. For students who wish to learn in a foreign culture, Ferris...

“…

I am currently enrolled at Kendall (Ferris affiliate) and I find that the art studio and elective classes are very thorough and challenging. The professors are enjoyable, the atmosphere is non-competitive and the student life enjoyable and fun...

” – Samantha from Grand Rapids, MI

Founded in 1967, Valencia College is a 2-year community college with eight campuses in the Orlando metro area. On top of offering more than 120 associate degree-granting programs, Valencia confers five bachelor’s degrees in Nursing, Electrical and...

“…

Valencia is an awesome college. I can learn well in the environment they have created. Their environment is friendly and fun. The teachers are experienced and are eager to impart their knowledge. If I have any problems, they have tutors and workshops...

” – Heather from Orlando, FL

Heidelberg University is a private, liberal arts institution established in Tiffin, Ohio. Students graduating from Heidelberg are all given the option to enroll in the school’s Plus One Advantage program, which registers students in a 1-year Master...

“…

I attend Heidelberg University's music program. I've at least doubled my knowledge about music, and I've only been here a semester! You will definitely learn, and the work is challenging but not difficult. I really think you will enjoy going here.

” – Katelyn from Coshocton, OH

Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph, St. Joseph’s College is a Catholic liberal arts college with campuses in Brooklyn and Long Island. St. Joseph’s offers undergraduate degrees in 28 academic fields of study. In addition, all new students are...

“…

This college is in an urban area and well-suited for students seeking a smaller sized school. Current enrollment is estimated to be 2,000 students on the Brooklyn campus (there is also a Long Island campus). BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) offers...

” – Christopher from Brooklyn, NY

Founded in 1869, Southern Illinois University in Carbondale is a public flagship university and the oldest university in the SIU system. SIU is home to ten colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees as well as an Honors Program. For...

“…

All of my teachers at SIUC overall have been fantastic. I especially recommend Dr. Hahn for Philosophy 104 and Dr. Martin for Sociology 108. Dr. Hahn is a wonderful teacher and does a good job keeping lectures very interesting. He does not put up...

” – Lauryn from Illinois

Founded in 1889, Saint Leo University is a top rated, private university located in Tampa Bay, Florida. We offer our students an ideal college experience - from our leading-edge academics with over 50 programs (including unique accelerated 3 + 1...

“…

I AM LEARNING A LOT AT ST LEO AND THE PROFESSORS ARE REALLY HELPFUL AND WANT YOU TO SUCEED

” – JOSEPH from ORLANDO, FL

Grand Canyon University, Arizona's premier, private Christian university, offers affordable, next-generation education with innovative, hands-on learning experiences. GCU has 30 labs available for use at no cost, featuring advanced equipment and...

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

Colorado Mesa University is located in Grand Junction, Colorado on the beautiful Western Slope of the state. At CMU, the student is the hero of the story. The university exists to guide students to broaden their horizons and reach their goals. CMU...

“…

In my opinion, the professors at Mesa do a good job of cutting straight to the core of a subject and really making sure that their students understand what is being taught. They talk to you, rather than at you when they lecture so everything is more...

” – Tara from Fruita, CO

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

Founded in 1855, Kean University is a public school in northeast New Jersey and the state’s first public post-secondary institution of higher learning. Kean grants undergraduate degrees in over 50 areas of study and graduates the most teachers in the...

“…

Kean University is a great school to attend if you like diversity, a beautiful campus, and a great education.

” – Brianna from Piscataway, NJ

Park University offers a comprehensive selection of academic programs, while boasting a rich international culture, championship athletics programs, engaging student life activities, coupled inside a traditional university atmosphere. Located on the...

“…

At Park University, professors are more about hands-on learning. Also, they prefer not to make students memorize terms or definitions, but to help students understand the information they receive. I was given the opportunity to explore and I have...

” – Syerra from Holden, MO

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

Broward College is a 2-year community college in Fort Lauderdale and a member of the Florida College System. Broward confers degrees and certificates in over 100 fields of study and makes academic programs available as both day and evening classes...

“…

I've been attending Broward College (formerly known as Broward Community College) for a year and a half now. I have learned a tremendous amount from teachers and classmates at this school. All the teachers I have had are extremely knowledgeable in...

” – Alysia from Coral Springs, FL

Utica College is a 4-year private institution founded in 1946 and located in central New York, in the town of the same name. Utica offers 38 undergraduate majors on its 128-acre campus along with 31 minors and 21 graduate programs. UC students can...

“…

Very big campus with a lot of resources available to you.

So many student organizations, it's pretty easy to join one and very rewarding.

The shuttles let you access the mall and the shopping center so you may get whatever you need without paying...

” – Charity from Indianapolis, IN

FOUR YEARS. LIFETIME IMPACT.

Widely recognized for excellence, Carthage College emphasizes discovery and exploration. At Carthage, you will uncover new passions as you gain practical experience and marketable skills. You will study under expert...

“…

I am learning very much at Carthage College. This is a small school with very few students. I am very glad that I chose to come to this school because of the small amount of students. I have learned so much mainly because the teachers are able to...

” – Joshua from Kenosha, WI

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

Situated on a 300-acre campus in Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a 4-year institution that’s been an accredited 4-year-degree-conferring entity long before it took its current name in 1977. Since opening its doors in 1882, EWU has grown to...

“…

I am learning a lot it especially in the history class I took in the spring. My professor was had a lot on knowledge about the subject and he enjoyed teaching.

” – Latisha from Marysville, WA

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...

“…

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

King's College is a 4-year institution located in Wilkes-Barres, Pennsylvania. King's provides a liberal arts and sciences education across 41 undergraduate and 8 graduate programs, as well as 27 athletic teams to cheer on. High school students can...

“…

King's gives you a very well-rounded education. The professors are always available for help or advice.

” – Lee Ann from Reading, PA

Manhattanville College is a liberal arts institution dedicated to academic excellence, and social and civic action. 30 minutes from New York City, Manhattanville hosts a globally diverse campus, serving 1,600 undergraduate students and 1,000 graduate...

“…

There are a lot of compelling lectures given on campus. Professors are active and promote student activism and involvement in the community. I've learned so much this past fall semester and I've made interesting connections with like-minded...

” – Karen from Yonkers, NY

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

College placeholder image

The Academy of Art University is a for-profit college of art and design in San Francisco and the largest private school dedicated to training artists in the United States. The Academy of Art University  confers bachelor’s and associate degrees in 22...

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...

“…

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

Originally founded as the Girls Industrial College, Texas Woman's University is a school primarily for women in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and the largest such university in the United States. Although TWU is designed for women, the university...

“…

Every teacher will take the time to help their students if you let your presence be known to them. They will help you to reach your goals and better understand the course material. If you introduce yourself to them and show genuine interest in...

” – L.D.M.

College placeholder image

Founded in 1896 - Wingate University is a comprehensive, independent and growing university located in Wingate, NC, just 25 minutes from Charlotte, NC. At Wingate, students blend in-class learning with out-of-class application and have a life...

“…

Work hard in high school, so they will offer you a large scholarship. Visit the campus. It's really beautiful. :)

” – Shelley from NC

College placeholder image

Founded in 1933, Palm Beach State College is a 2-year community college in south Florida and the first community college in the state. PBSC offers bachelor’s degrees in Nursing, Supervision & Management, and Information Management as well as numerous...

“…

Obviously the type of learning environment created varies from professor to professor, but one can always expect small class sizes.

Many of the courses considered to be high risk (those that have a greater percent of students withdrawing or failing...

” – Stephanie from Loxahatchee, FL

Created by a coalition of United States governors, Western Governors University is a private online university headquartered in Salt Lake City. WGU is home to four colleges of Teaching, Nursing, IT, and Business conferring bachelor’s degrees in 30...

“…

The great thing about this type of learning is that you go at your own pace. I am a detail orietnted person that can stay focused on a topic easier in this format. If I were to be sitting in a classroom my mind would be wondering around thing of the...

” – Catherine from Port Saint Lucie, FL

With campus along the coast of the Long Island Sound, the University of Bridgeport is a private institution in southern Connecticut. UB is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Health Sciences offering degrees in over 125 academic...

“…

Within the University of Bridgeport, the classroom ratio, students to teacher, is 17:1. The classroom has very little students in each class. For example, if you are taking an English 101 class there are about 20 english 101 classes giving during...

” – Alicia from Brooklyn, NY

Fort Lewis College is a public liberal arts institution based in Durango, Colorado. It is a designated Native American-serving institution by the U.S. Department of Education. The school permits qualified Native American students to attend tuition...

“…

Durango is a beautiful place!

” – Brittany from Thornton, CO

Eastern University is a nationally-recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 5,700 students in a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs. The university’s main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with...

“…

Eastern has really taught me a lot not just academically, but also spiritually and personally. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is just how connected everything is. I've learned things in TaeKwon-Do that applied to Psychology that then applied...

” – Angelique