<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. 

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Founded in 1885, Arizona is the state's flagship 4-year public institution. The University of Arizona features 20 colleges, hundreds of degree options, and top-ranked online programs. Committed to innovation and impact, the university's research and...

“…

Not all of the learning you do is academic. Much of my first year was personal growth learning. Just be expected for both.

” – Alexis from Phoenix, AZ

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

The University of Houston is a public research institution and the third-largest university in Texas. UH is home to 16 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in 108 fields of study. A diverse campus, UH has been designated an Hispanic-...

“…

No matter what major you'll get into, you'll definitely learn a lot. There a many professors who care if you're actually learning or not and they will try to engage you as best as they can with the amount of students they have. I'm in the Honors...

” – Gregory from Houston, TX

Originally founded as a teachers college, Central Michigan University has grown to become a 4-year public research institution. CMU encompasses eight colleges offering bachelor’s degrees in over 200 academic programs. In addition, CMU is home to...

“…

Having only been at Central Michigan University for a year, I feel like I have learned so much. Not only are students taught so much in the classroom, they learn through volunteering and getting involved on campus.

” – Samantha from White Cloud, MI

Temple University, founded in 1884, is a public, four-year high research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Home to more than 37,000 students, Temple offers more than 600 academic programs in 17 schools and colleges, on several...

“…

Whether it is a boring topic or not the faculty at Temple University makes sure that you learn the information in a fun or interesting manner.

” – Brooke from Philadelphia, PA

Founded in 1899, Texas State University is a 4-year public school in south Texas and the largest campus in the TSU system. TSU hosts nine colleges conferring undergraduate degrees in 98 academic majors. Every year, Texas State unveils a Common...

“…

I received 42 credit hours from IB and AP classes in high school and my first semester courses were just basically review classes for me. However, since I have all of my core classes out of the way, I can take Upperclassmen and Honors courses for my...

” – Laura from Garland, TX

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

The University of Texas at San Antonio is a 4-year public research institution and the largest university in the San Antonio region. UTSA encompasses nine colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees as well as an Honors College. Between...

“…

What is there to learn about U.T.S.A. ? For starters, how great the college is! I love the size of the college, not so big but then again not so small. I learned that U.T.S.A. offers a variety of degrees from the Arts to Engineering majors. I have...

” – Beatriz from Austin, TX

A real college experience — Big 12 athletics, R1 research, space-and-land grant opportunities packed into a tight-knit, welcoming community. Bring us your dreams, your determination, your sense of adventure. And we’ll help you turn your passions into...

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WVU is a big school; however, I have not met a professor who is not willing to help students outside of class. Even though there can be classrooms filled with 200 students at a time, it is very easy to get to know the professor and to work with them...

” – Mary from Chapel Hill, NC

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is the result of a merger between Indiana University and Purdue University and offers degrees from both institutions. IUPUI hosts 17 schools granting degrees in over 350 areas of study. Additionally...

“…

I am learning so much from being at IUPUI. Learning new things from my major as well as new ways do do things from subjects I have already taken in high school. Aside from the classroom learning, I have learned so much about others background since...

” – Ian from Gary, IN

Originally founded as a small branch college, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is a 4-year public university and an Hispanic-Serving and Minority-Serving institution. UNLV encompasses 16 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in...

“…

The classes offer an incredible amount of insight and new information. Classes tend to start off a little slow in my experience, but when they did get going they got going quickly and I learned a lot in short amounts of time.

In addition, classes...

” – Adam from Las Vegas, NV

The University of North Texas is a public institution featuring a main campus in Denton. Ranked as a Tier One research university, UNT is home to an Office of Research and Innovation, as well as the Institutes of Research Excellence, which include...

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Overall, the University of North Texas is a very accredited institution. However, every now and then you will find a blow off class or professor that might be alot easier/harder than others at the same level.

” – Laura from Kingwood, TX

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...

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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

Originally founded to educate returning World War II veterans, Portland State University is a 4-year public institution in the heart of Portland. The PSU campus encompasses eight colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 120...

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When it comes to how much you learn I believe that it is up to you to take classes that are interesting and a little bit challenging, because the classes that are easy tend to get boring and not teach you as much.

” – Brittany from Tigard, OR

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...

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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

The University of Illinois at Chicago is a public research university located in the Windy City. UIC’s 15 colleges and schools offer 87 bachelor’s degrees, 53 certificates, and more than 150 graduate degrees, as well as multiple research...

“…

UIC is a great learning environment if you are able to use the resources offered to you. It's not always easy, and the classes are tough, but it's a great learning experience.

” – KN major.

Originally founded as a teacher training college, San Francisco State University is a 4-year public institution and a Bay Area-based campus of the California State University System. SF State offers bachelor’s degrees in 77 fields of study and...

“…

I have enjoyed all but one teacher in my first year here at SF State. My teachers are committed to giving me the best education they can and that's a lot to ask for from a state school.

” – Liza from Bolinas, CA

Ranked among the top 100 Public National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, Rowan University offers 90 bachelor’s programs, 200 study abroad programs in 40 countries, more than 200 student clubs and organizations, and one unstoppable community...

“…

Not only have I learned a lot academically from my teachers and peers, I have learned a lot about myself. Rowan has provided me with great teachers who enjoy teaching their class and always are there for extra help!

” – Bevin from Lindenwold, NJ

Radford University is located on a 204-acre campus in Radford, VA, and features six unique colleges with 108 degree programs. RU provides an honors college with competitive housing, programming, and advising, as well as the Office of High Impact...

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Professors are willing and able to help students during his or her specificed office hours. The stronger your will to learn, the more you will gain from each course.

” – Taylor from Blacksburg, VA

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...

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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

Originally founded as the Roanoke Classical Seminary, Manchester University is a liberal arts university in northeast Indiana affiliated with the Church of the Brethren. Manchester is home to colleges of Arts & Humanities, Health Sciences, Business...

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From the very first class of the semester, the learning started. Professors don't waste class time; they teach to you what needs to be learned. You may think going into a familiar class that it'll be an easy breeze; but, the professors always find a...

” – unanimous

For more than a century, Parsons has been inspired by the transformative potential of design. Today, the school’s groundbreaking academic programs carry forward that mission, making Parsons the number one U.S. design school and top ranked globally...

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I attend the summer intensive course this year (2011), I worked hard,long hours, but loved every second . My drawings from day one to the last day improved 1000%, recieved a B+

” – Brittany from Boca Raton, FL

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

High Point University is The Premier Life Skills University. Having radically transformed the campus since 2005 under the leadership of President Nido R. Qubein, HPU knows transformation well. That’s why leaders commit to preparing students for the...

“…

Attend Summer Experience before your freshman year, you'll earn credit hours, meet other freshman and learn your way around.
Be sure you go to class. Classes are small and you will be missed.

” – Shana from Lexington, NC

Founded in 1849 as a teachers college, Eastern Michigan University is now a 4-year public school in Ypsilanti, MI. EMU is home to five colleges offering bachelor’s degrees in over 200 academic majors and minors. In addition to classroom space, EMU...

“…

Eastern has such a wide variety of majors and minors. Professors are personable, but still don't make it easy. You have to work for your grades.

” – Brittaney from Dexter, MI

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.

Wayne State University is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit. The 200-acre traditional and high-tech campus is in the heart of Midtown, offering unparalleled access to cultural experiences, community...

“…

Most of my instructors are really good, and the ESP (Emerging Scholars Program) for math is phenomenal. It's a lot of work, but the extra hands on help and feedback really help you understand the math

” – Audrey from Ferndale, MI

Founded in 1887 as Troy State Normal School, Troy University is a 4-year public school in southeast Alabama and the flagship of the Troy University System. Troy is home to five colleges conferring undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 260...

“…

I learn a lot because of the variety of students.

” – Breanna from Pensacola, FL

Old Dominion University is a 4-year public institution in Norfolk and a doctoral high research activity university. ODU hosts colleges of Arts & Letters, Business, Sciences, Education, Engineering, and Health Sciences as well as an Honors College...

“…

Old Dominion Professors are very professional and informative when it comes to detailed lectures & assignments.

” – Efrem from Chantilly, VA

Situated near the Great Smoky Mountains, Western Carolina University is a public school in the University of North Carolina system with three campus locations. WCU features six colleges granting bachelor’s degrees encompassing over 120 majors, minors...

“…

The class size average is about 30 students which is good for student-professor relationships. You are able to get to know your professor in a setting not much different from high school. Professors strive to make time for your questions and want to...

” – Hannah from Clemmons, NC

Established in 1903, Western Michigan University is a four-year public university in Kalamazoo. WMU is home to eight colleges and schools as well as Lee Honors College—the oldest honors college in the nation. Unique to Western, WMU Signature...

“…

The academics offered here at WMU are great. The school is not too big that it is hard to get individual help, but its big enough to teach you how to learn on your own and use the facilities the school provides as help. The student writing center and...

” – Tim from Kalamazoo, MI

Located a short walk from the Massachusetts State House and Boston Common, Suffolk University is a private university in Boston. Suffolk confers undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 100 fields of study. For students interested in learning in a...

“…

The professors are really great. They tell personal experiences that you can learn from and relate to and are always available for extra help or a question. They really help you learn and care about your success.

” – Ashley from Everett, MA

Located on the high Laramie plains near the Snowy Range Mountains, the University of Wyoming is a land-grant institution and the state’s flagship institution. UW encompasses nine colleges and schools offering undergraduate degrees in over 80 areas of...

“…

I am a sophomore level engineering student and have learned a great deal through my classes at the University. Professors go out of the way to make sure concepts are understood and are more than willing to put in time outside of class and office...

” – Margaret from Lakewood, CO

Grand Valley State University is a public liberal arts institution with three regional campuses in western Michigan. GVSU offers undergraduate degrees in 91 academic fields of study. For students who wish to experience another culture during their...

“…

The professors are very knowledgeable and make time to help you if you don't understand or just have a question. Each class I take regarding my major just makes me want to learn more! Even the other classes are interesting! You can sign up for a...

” – Alie from Michigan

Originally founded on the Yale campus in 1920, the University of New Haven is a 4-year private institution on the New Haven coast. UNH is home to six colleges and schools offering bachelor’s degrees in over 100 fields of study. Additionally, the UNH...

“…

I can say that college is definitely different from high school but at the end of the day it is all about how much effort you put into your work. The University of New Haven has so much to offer. There's tutoring readily available, mentors for us...

” – Julissa from New York, NY

Columbia College Chicago is a private non-profit college located in the heart of Chicago. The one and only campus has more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs to choose from, in addition to programs available entirely online. Every...

“…

I learn from not only my professors but also the fellow students around me. The professors not only work for the school but also have careers in their fields within the city. They all encourage students to seek outside education and experience with...

” – Rey from Nashville, TN

With campus situated a short distance from Saco Bay, The University of New England is a 4-year institution in coastal Maine and the largest private university in the state. UNE is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy...

“…

The classes are usually about the size of high school classrooms, the teachers will know your name and will make sure you know of office hours. Don't be surprised if they give you their home phone number!

” – Megan from Biddeford, ME

Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Southwestern College is a private school in southern Kansas. Southwestern confers bachelor’s degrees in 24 fields of study. As part of its technological initiative, Southwestern issues a laptop to every...

“…

This school has several faculty members who are here for the soul purpose of helping your get your desired degree. My favorite thing about these staff members is that even if one person can't help you, then you always have another staff member to...

” – Cody from Wamego, KS

Western Washington University is a public institution located in the coastal city of Bellingham. WWU offers more than 160 academic programs on the campus, which is surrounding by 6 miles of trails for students to explore. The university was named a...

“…

WWU’s faculty can be characterized as innovative, challenging, and accommodating. Most every classroom is equipped with the technology to allow for multi-media presentations, so you will never have a talking head professor. The professors try to...

” – Patricia from Brush Prairie, WA

Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is a 4-year public school in northwest Idaho and the oldest public institution in the state. The U of I hosts 10 colleges granting undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 300 fields of study. In addition to...

“…

The professors are approachable and friendly, and with small class sizes it isn't hard to get in touch with the teacher for help. Also, with campus wide WiFi internet and the library combined, there is easy access to whatever course data you will...

” – Nate from Payette, ID

The University of West Georgia is a public, 4-year, R3 doctoral research university. UWG offers over 85 academic programs, and is home to an Honors College. UWG is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and...

“…

There are always those easy classes, but for the ones that aren't so easy--learn how to use your time wisely.

” – Stephanie from Temple, GA

Founded in 1865, the University of Maine is a 4-year public institution and the flagship campus of the UMaine system. UMaine encompasses colleges of Business, Liberal Arts, Education, Engineering, and Natural Sciences conferring degrees in almost 100...

“…

The professors offer a lot of information in classes. Many professors have fantastic teaching techniques and are definitely worth while.

” – Ashley from Conway, NH

Founded in 1906 as a land-grant college, Georgia Southern University is a public research institution and part of the University System of Georgia. GSU’s main campus at Statesboro is situation on 900 acres of land and offers more than 50...

“…

I've only talk to a few professors, but i have already learned a lot.

” – Ivory from Union City, GA

The University of Massachusetts Boston is a four-year public research institution and part of the UMass system. We are defined by our deep connection to the City of Boston, our remarkably diverse student body, our focus on ground-breaking research...

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I love the classes and my teachers. Its really cool to be in such a diverse environment.

” – Emily

Formerly known as Memphis State, the University of Memphis is a 4-year public research institution. U of M is home to 12 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees as well as an honors program. In addition to classroom space, U of M...

“…

There are ALWAYS things going on in the Tiger Den or on the track field. It's easy to get yourself in a game of ultimate frisbee or kickball. The SAC also does a great job getting fun events a few times a month.

” – Margaret from Henry, TN

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

Founded in 1872, the University of Toledo is a public research institution in northwest Ohio and a member of the state university system of Ohio. Toledo is home to 13 colleges and schools conferring over 300 undergrad and graduate degrees. For...

“…

The University of Toledo is an excellent school. In the classes that I am taking right now, I am learning a lot. I feel like by the time I graduate, I will have received an excellent education.

” – Sarah from Sagamore Hills, OH

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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...

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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