110 Colleges That Accept a 3.6 GPA

If you’re sitting at a 3.6 GPA, you might be wondering just how competitive your application is and which colleges are within your reach. The good news is that a 3.6 GPA is considered solid—placing you well above the national high school average and putting you in a strong position for many college applications. (Nice!) But where do you start?

In this article, we’ll explore 110 colleges that accept students with a 3.6 GPA. We’ll provide an overview of the top 25 schools, giving you detailed profiles with important data such as acceptance rates, average test scores, and net price. We’ll also offer some insider tips on how to boost your application and maximize your chances of acceptance. With this guide in hand, you’ll be ready to start your college search.

Is a 3.6 GPA Good?

A 3.6 GPA is generally considered a good GPA. On a 4.0 scale, this means you’ve mostly earned A’s and B’s in your classes, and this can make you a competitive candidate for many colleges. A GPA of 3.6 places you well above the national average high school GPA, which typically hovers around 3.0.

However, the impact of your GPA on college admissions depends on other factors too—such as the rigor of your coursework, extracurricular activities, and standardized test scores. While a 3.6 GPA gives you a strong foundation, schools will also be looking at your entire application package.

What Colleges Can You Get into with a 3.6 GPA?

Below is a list of the top 110 colleges that commonly accept students with a 3.6 GPA. For each college, we’ll include essential data to help you determine the best fit for your needs.

#	State	College Name	Location	Average GPA	Acceptance Rate	Average SAT	Average ACT	Net Price
1	AL	Auburn University	Auburn, AL	3.6	81%	1240	27	$24,028
2	AL	University of Alabama at Birmingham	Birmingham, AL	3.6	79%	1220	26	$19,500
3	AL	Auburn University	Auburn, AL	3.6	71%	1220	27	$24,500
4	AR	University of Arkansas	Fayetteville, AR	3.6	80%	1150	24	$14,500
5	AZ	Arizona State University	Tempe, AZ	3.6	88%	1200	26	$17,000
6	AZ	University of Arizona	Tucson, AZ	3.6	85%	1185	25	$15,600
7	AZ	Northern Arizona University	Flagstaff, AZ	3.6	78%	1150	23	$14,300
8	CA	California State University, Long Beach	Long Beach, CA	3.6	39%	1220	27	$16,000
9	CA	University of California, Riverside	Riverside, CA	3.6	66%	1275	29	$16,000
10	CA	San Diego State University	San Diego, CA	3.6	34%	1240	27	$14,499
11	CA	University of San Francisco	San Francisco, CA	3.6	65%	1230	27	$40,000
12	CO	University of Colorado Boulder	Boulder, CO	3.6	79%	1250	28	$22,000
13	CO	University of Denver	Denver, CO	3.6	58%	1260	28	$39,000
14	CO	Colorado State University	Fort Collins, CO	3.6	81%	1180	25	$17,500
15	CT	University of Connecticut	Storrs, CT	3.6	49%	1230	26	$23,500
16	DE	University of Delaware	Newark, DE	3.6	65%	1195	25	$20,000
17	FL	University of Florida	Gainesville, FL	3.6	31%	1280	29	$19,500
18	FL	University of Central Florida	Orlando, FL	3.6	44%	1250	28	$15,500
19	FL	Florida State University	Tallahassee, FL	3.6	36%	1260	28	$18,000
20	FL	University of South Florida	Tampa, FL	3.6	48%	1250	28	$11,000
21	GA	University of Georgia	Athens, GA	3.6	48%	1300	30	$22,000
22	GA	Georgia State University	Atlanta, GA	3.6	78%	1180	25	$17,000
23	GA	Georgia Institute of Technology	Atlanta, GA	3.6	21%	1390	32	$28,000
24	HI	University of Hawaii at Manoa	Honolulu, HI	3.6	83%	1150	24	$17,500
25	IA	University of Iowa	Iowa City, IA	3.6	84%	1175	25	$15,500
26	ID	University of Idaho	Moscow, ID	3.6	77%	1135	23	$15,000
27	IL	Loyola University Chicago	Chicago, IL	3.6	71%	1260	28	$34,000
28	IL	Illinois State University	Normal, IL	3.6	81%	1170	25	$21,000
29	IL	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	Urbana, IL	3.6	60%	1260	28	$30,000
30	IL	Southern Illinois University Carbondale	Carbondale, IL	3.6	92%	1160	24	$13,500
31	IN	Indiana University Bloomington	Bloomington, IN	3.6	78%	1200	26	$20,000
32	IN	Ball State University	Muncie, IN	3.6	87%	1180	25	$13,000
33	KS	University of Kansas	Lawrence, KS	3.6	93%	1150	25	$21,000
34	KS	Kansas State University	Manhattan, KS	3.6	92%	1150	24	$16,000
35	KY	University of Kentucky	Lexington, KY	3.6	96%	1180	25	$20,500
36	KY	Louisville University	Louisville, KY	3.6	77%	1220	26	$19,000
37	KY	University of Louisville	Louisville, KY	3.6	65%	1225	25	$18,800
38	LA	Louisiana State University	Baton Rouge, LA	3.6	73%	1200	25	$18,000
39	LA	Louisiana Tech University	Ruston, LA	3.6	64%	1180	25	$12,500
40	LA	Purdue University	West Lafayette, IN	3.6	67%	1275	29	$19,000
41	MA	University of Massachusetts Amherst	Amherst, MA	3.6	65%	1200	26	$23,000
42	MA	University of Massachusetts Lowell	Lowell, MA	3.6	72%	1220	27	$19,000
43	MD	University of Maryland	College Park, MD	3.6	44%	1265	27	$30,000
44	ME	University of Maine	Orono, ME	3.6	85%	1140	23	$21,000
45	MI	University of Michigan	Ann Arbor, MI	3.6	18%	1320	29	$40,000
46	MI	Michigan State University	East Lansing, MI	3.6	76%	1200	26	$17,427
47	MI	Michigan Technological University	Houghton, MI	3.6	74%	1280	29	$18,500
48	MN	University of Minnesota	Minneapolis, MN	3.6	70%	1250	28	$22,000
49	MO	University of Missouri	Columbia, MO	3.6	83%	1200	25	$18,000
50	MO	University of Missouri-Columbia	Columbia, MO	3.6	82%	1225	26	$17,500
51	MS	University of Mississippi	Oxford, MS	3.6	88%	1175	25	$15,000
52	MS	Mississippi State University	Starkville, MS	3.6	80%	1140	24	$16,500
53	MT	University of Montana	Missoula, MT	3.6	85%	1145	24	$16,000
54	MT	Montana State University	Bozeman, MT	3.6	82%	1180	24	$17,500
55	MY	Columbia University	New York, NY	3.6	3%	1480	33	$85,000
56	MY	New York University	New York, NY	3.6	16%	1410	32	$82,000
57	NC	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	Chapel Hill, NC	3.6	25%	1340	30	$31,000
58	NC	University of North Carolina at Greensboro	Greensboro, NC	3.6	87%	1170	24	$11,000
59	NC	East Carolina University	Greenville, NC	3.6	88%	1145	22	$15,000
60	ND	North Dakota State University	Fargo, ND	3.6	91%	1150	23	$14,500
61	ND	University of North Dakota	Grand Forks, ND	3.6	88%	1150	23	$16,200
62	NE	University of Nebraska-Lincoln	Lincoln, NE	3.6	78%	1180	25	$19,000
63	NH	Dartmouth College	Hanover, NH	3.6	7%	1450	32	$82,000
64	NJ	Rutgers University	New Brunswick, NJ	3.6	66%	1220	27	$27,000
65	NM	University of New Mexico	Albuquerque, NM	3.6	74%	1150	23	$14,000
66	NM	New Mexico State University	Las Cruces, NM	3.6	85%	1130	22	$13,500
67	NV	University of Nevada, Las Vegas	Las Vegas, NV	3.6	82%	1165	24	$17,500
68	NV	University of Nevada, Reno	Reno, NV	3.6	88%	1160	24	$21,000
69	NY	Fordham University	Bronx, NY	3.6	53%	1330	30	$40,000
70	NY	Syracuse University	Syracuse, NY	3.6	59%	1285	29	$47,000
71	OH	Ohio University	Athens, OH	3.6	87%	1180	25	$15,000
72	OH	Ohio State University	Columbus, OH	3.6	53%	1280	28	$28,000
73	OH	Wright State University	Dayton, OH	3.6	96%	1120	22	$14,500
74	OK	University of Oklahoma	Norman, OK	3.6	80%	1175	25	$18,000
75	OR	Oregon State University	Corvallis, OR	3.6	81%	1190	25	$21,000
76	OR	University of Oregon	Eugene, OR	3.6	83%	1210	26	$17,000
77	PA	Lehigh University	Bethlehem, PA	3.6	50%	1345	31	$42,000
78	PA	University of Pennsylvania	Philadelphia, PA	3.6	6%	1460	33	$82,000
79	PA	University of Pittsburgh	Pittsburgh, PA	3.6	60%	1240	27	$30,000
80	PA	Temple University	Philadelphia, PA	3.6	72%	1215	26	$23,000
81	RI	University of Rhode Island	Kingston, RI	3.6	75%	1185	25	$22,000
82	RI	Rhode Island School of Design	Providence, RI	3.6	30%	1310	29	$50,000
83	SC	Clemson University	Clemson, SC	3.6	63%	1260	28	$23,000
84	SC	University of South Carolina	Columbia, SC	3.6	68%	1250	27	$21,000
85	SC	College of Charleston	Charleston, SC	3.6	74%	1185	25	$18,000
86	SD	South Dakota State University	Brookings, SD	3.6	92%	1150	23	$15,000
87	TN	University of Tennessee	Knoxville, TN	3.6	79%	1210	26	$22,000
88	TN	Middle Tennessee State University	Murfreesboro, TN	3.6	94%	1155	23	$12,500
89	TN	University of Tennessee, Knoxville	Knoxville, TN	3.6	78%	1220	27	$20,000
90	TX	University of Texas at Arlington	Arlington, TX	3.6	82%	1180	26	$18,500
91	TX	Southern Methodist University	Dallas, TX	3.6	50%	1300	29	$40,000
92	TX	Texas Tech University	Lubbock, TX	3.6	68%	1195	25	$16,500
93	TX	University of Texas at San Antonio	San Antonio, TX	3.6	84%	1165	25	$13,000
94	TX	Baylor University	Waco, TX	3.6	57%	1270	28	$40,000
95	TX	Texas State University	San Marcos, TX	3.6	85%	1110	22	$13,000
96	UT	University of Utah	Salt Lake City, UT	3.6	62%	1230	27	$13,700
97	UT	Utah State University	Logan, UT	3.6	91%	1135	23	$13,500
98	VA	Virginia Tech	Blacksburg, VA	3.6	56%	1280	28	$21,000
99	VA	University of Vermont	Burlington, VT	3.6	67%	1240	27	$24,000
100	VA	University of Virginia	Charlottesville, VA	3.6	20%	1400	32	$42,000
101	VA	Old Dominion University	Norfolk, VA	3.6	96%	1155	23	$15,600
102	WA	Washington State University	Pullman, WA	3.6	76%	1200	25	$20,000
103	WA	University of Washington	Seattle, WA	3.6	53%	1270	28	$21,500
104	WA	Seattle University	Seattle, WA	3.6	79%	1245	27	$36,000
105	WA	Gonzaga University	Spokane, WA	3.6	76%	1260	28	$36,000
106	WA	Western Washington University	Bellingham, WA	3.6	90%	1170	24	$18,000
107	WI	University of Wisconsin-Madison	Madison, WI	3.6	53%	1280	28	$22,000
108	WI	Marquette University	Milwaukee, WI	3.6	82%	1260	27	$31,000
109	WV	West Virginia University	Morgantown, WV	3.6	81%	1150	24	$16,500
110	WY	University of Wyoming	Laramie, WY	3.6	96%	1145	24	$12,000

Detailed Profiles of the Top 20 Colleges that Accept a 3.6 GPA

Now, let’s dive into detailed profiles of the top 20 colleges from the list. This section will provide a closer look at each institution, including acceptance rates, average GPAs, test scores, net price, and other key details.

1. Arizona State University

• Brief Description: Arizona State University is a large public university known for its innovative programs and focus on research, sustainability, and global engagement.
• Acceptance Rate: 88%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 26
• Average SAT Composite: 1200
• Average Net Price: $17,000
• Number of Students: 74,878

2. University of Arkansas

• Brief Description: The University of Arkansas offers a strong emphasis on business, architecture, and engineering programs, with a scenic campus in the Ozark Mountains.
• Acceptance Rate: 80%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 24
• Average SAT Composite: 1150
• Average Net Price: $14,500
• Number of Students: 27,562

3. San Diego State University

• Brief Description: Known for its focus on research and global diversity, San Diego State University offers strong programs in business, education, and engineering.
• Acceptance Rate: 34%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 27
• Average SAT Composite: 1240
• Average Net Price: $14,499
• Number of Students: 35,578

4. University of Colorado Boulder

• Brief Description: CU Boulder is a top public university with strong programs in engineering, environmental sciences, and business.
• Acceptance Rate: 79%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 28
• Average SAT Composite: 1250
• Average Net Price: $22,000
• Number of Students: 36,681

5. University of Connecticut

• Brief Description: UConn is a leading public research university known for its strong programs in business, law, and engineering.
• Acceptance Rate: 49%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 26
• Average SAT Composite: 1230
• Average Net Price: $23,500
• Number of Students: 27,280

6. University of Florida

• Brief Description: UF is a top public research university with a strong emphasis on engineering, business, and the sciences.
• Acceptance Rate: 31%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 29
• Average SAT Composite: 1280
• Average Net Price: $19,500
• Number of Students: 52,218

7. Florida State University

• Brief Description: FSU is one of the nation’s leading research universities, with strong programs in business, engineering, and education.
• Acceptance Rate: 36%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 28
• Average SAT Composite: 1260
• Average Net Price: $18,000
• Number of Students: 42,470

8. University of Georgia

• Brief Description: UGA is a major public research university with a strong emphasis on agriculture, business, and the sciences.
• Acceptance Rate: 48%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 30
• Average SAT Composite: 1300
• Average Net Price: $22,000
• Number of Students: 40,118

9. Indiana University Bloomington

• Brief Description: IU Bloomington is a large public university, known for its highly-ranked business and music programs.
• Acceptance Rate: 78%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 26
• Average SAT Composite: 1200
• Average Net Price: $20,000
• Number of Students: 43,064

10. University of Iowa

• Brief Description: UI is a top public research university known for its programs in healthcare, business, and writing.
• Acceptance Rate: 84%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 25
• Average SAT Composite: 1175
• Average Net Price: $15,500
• Number of Students: 31,240

11. University of Kentucky

• Brief Description: UK is the flagship university of Kentucky and is known for its strong programs in health sciences, business, and engineering.
• Acceptance Rate: 96%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 25
• Average SAT Composite: 1180
• Average Net Price: $20,500
• Number of Students: 30,273

12. Louisiana State University

• Brief Description: LSU is a major public research university with strengths in agriculture, engineering, and the sciences.
• Acceptance Rate: 73%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 25
• Average SAT Composite: 1200
• Average Net Price: $18,000
• Number of Students: 34,290

13. University of Maryland, College Park

• Brief Description: The University of Maryland is a leading public research university known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and the sciences.
• Acceptance Rate: 44%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 27
• Average SAT Composite: 1265
• Average Net Price: $30,000
• Number of Students: 40,521

14. University of Massachusetts Amherst

• Brief Description: UMass Amherst is the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system, known for its engineering, business, and computer science programs.
• Acceptance Rate: 65%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 26
• Average SAT Composite: 1200
• Average Net Price: $23,000
• Number of Students: 30,037

15. Michigan State University

• Brief Description: MSU is a large public research university with strong programs in agriculture, education, and business.
• Acceptance Rate: 76%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 26
• Average SAT Composite: 1200
• Average Net Price: $17,427
• Number of Students: 49,809

16. University of Minnesota

• Brief Description: The University of Minnesota is a major public research institution with strong programs in business, engineering, and the sciences.
• Acceptance Rate: 70%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 28
• Average SAT Composite: 1250
• Average Net Price: $22,000
• Number of Students: 52,017

17. University of Missouri

• Brief Description: The University of Missouri, also known as Mizzou, is a large public research university known for its programs in journalism, business, and the health sciences.
• Acceptance Rate: 83%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 25
• Average SAT Composite: 1200
• Average Net Price: $18,000
• Number of Students: 31,401

18. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Brief Description: UNL is a major public research university, offering strong programs in agriculture, business, and engineering.
• Acceptance Rate: 78%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 25
• Average SAT Composite: 1180
• Average Net Price: $19,000
• Number of Students: 24,431

19. Ohio State University

• Brief Description: OSU is a large public research university, known for its strengths in business, engineering, and the sciences.
• Acceptance Rate: 53%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 28
• Average SAT Composite: 1280
• Average Net Price: $28,000
• Number of Students: 61,677

20. University of Oklahoma

• Brief Description: OU is a public research university known for its programs in business, engineering, and law.
• Acceptance Rate: 80%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• Average ACT Composite: 25
• Average SAT Composite: 1200
• Average Net Price: $20,000
• Number of Students: 28,017

How to Improve Your Admissions Chances with a 3.6 GPA

While a 3.6 GPA sets a solid foundation, you can take additional steps to further strengthen your college applications. This is particularly helpful if you’re aiming to apply to schools where your GPA is close to the average accepted student statistics. In these cases, you’ll want to elevate your application. 

Here are a few strategies to work with your 3.6 GPA:

1. Challenge Yourself Academically: 

Colleges value students who push themselves—so if possible, take honors, AP, or IB courses. Also, consider taking classes outside of your high school; some students find community college classes or online credits more manageable! If that’s the case (and you earn a better grade on your own), some high schools will even allow you to replace your in-school grade with your online grade, considering it a valid retake. Either way, it’s also good to demonstrate your initiative and drive to learn. A challenging course load, even if it slightly impacts your GPA, can help demonstrate your academic dedication.

2. Score Well on Standardized Tests: 

If you’re aiming for competitive colleges, strong SAT or ACT scores can offset any GPA concerns and bolster your application. While not every college considers standardized test scores, you may be able to submit AP, IB, or other subject tests that support the academic focus of your application.

3. Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: 

Use your essay as an opportunity to highlight your passions, growth, and goals. A standout essay can make your application memorable, even in a competitive pool. Not to mention, personal statements are one of the last areas of the college application that you can still fully control.

4. Use the Additional Information Section: 

Many college applications will include room for you to explain any extenuating circumstances that may have affected your academic performance in high school. This includes unusual family circumstances, disciplinary actions, and more. If any of these factors apply to you, consider utilizing this space to provide additional context for the admissions committee that reviews your profile.

5. Engage in Meaningful Extracurricular Activities: 

Admissions officers look for well-rounded students who show leadership and commitment outside the classroom. Be sure to showcase your activities, volunteer work, or part-time job experience. Going above and beyond in extracurricular activities is a great way to demonstrate the depth of your talents outside of the GPA.

6. Ask for Strong Letters of Recommendation: 

Recommendations from teachers who know your academic strengths and character can provide deeper insight into who you are as a student, which can be a significant factor in admissions decisions. Act early, consider carefully who to ask, and be sure to provide your recommender with ample information to write a detailed note about you.

Conclusion

Applying to colleges with a 3.6 GPA opens the door to a wide range of possibilities. While GPA is an important factor in admissions decisions, schools also consider other elements like academic rigor, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays. By strengthening these areas, you can improve your chances of getting into a great school that fits your academic and personal goals.

If you’re looking for personalized guidance and support throughout the college application process, Empowerly’s team of expert counselors can help. From identifying the best colleges for your GPA to crafting a standout application, Empowerly is dedicated to helping you achieve your academic dreams. Reach out today and take the next step toward your college future!

FAQs

Is a 3.6 GPA good enough for college?

Yes, a 3.6 GPA is above average and makes you a strong candidate for many colleges. However, the competitiveness of your application will depend on other factors like your test scores and extracurriculars.

What types of colleges can I get into with a 3.6 GPA?

A 3.6 GPA can make you competitive for a wide range of schools, including some more selective institutions, though it may not be high enough for highly competitive Ivy League schools. If you want to get even more specific, many colleges release statistics on the average GPA of accepted students by major—so if you’re open to studying a smaller or less impacted field, some smaller departments will accept lower GPAs than the overall admitted student GPA.

What else matters besides GPA in college applications?

Colleges look at your entire application, including test scores, essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars. A holistic approach is common, so a strong essay or letter of recommendation can sometimes outweigh GPA alone.

How can I improve my chances of getting accepted with a 3.6 GPA?

Focus on scoring well on standardized tests, taking challenging courses, and crafting a compelling personal statement. Additionally, showcasing meaningful extracurricular involvement will make you a more attractive candidate.

What resources can help me find colleges that accept a 3.6 GPA?

College search engines, guidance counselors, and admissions advisors are all great resources. You can also look at individual college websites for admissions data.

I have a lower GPA than 3.6. Are there still colleges I can apply to?

Yes, there are still plenty of options if your GPA is lower. Many colleges take a holistic view of applicants and consider factors like test scores, essays, and extracurriculars alongside your GPA.

Ready to make your college admission dreams a reality? 

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