There are more than 700 accredited colleges and universities in Southern U.S. However, not all of the southern colleges and universities are worth attending. This article provides a list of some of the best colleges in the South for B students.
Collegelearners Website will provide information you are looking for on Best Colleges For B Students In The South, Requirements for Best Colleges For B Students In The South, Overview of Best Colleges For B Students In The South, and Best Colleges For B Students In The South Ranking.
Everyone tells you that you should strive for an A. But what if your C’s could get you to a top college? In some cases, it can! In fact, over 90% of the top colleges in the country accept students with a B average or better. So those of you who aren’t valedictorians who have a GPA above 4.0 just might have a chance of getting into your dream school after all. Take a look at this list of the best colleges for B students to see what I mean.
Good Universities With High Acceptance Rates
Finding the right school can be stressful for students and families, but you don’t need perfect grades or test scores to get into a quality college. The U.S. News A-plus Schools for B Students list includes highly ranked National Universities that admit high school students with a B grade average. In addition to grades for the incoming class in fall 2019, U.S. News also lists an ACT or SAT percentile based on which standardized test scores were submitted by the largest proportion of students who applied and then enrolled at a particular school, per data submitted in an annual survey. Learn about the 18 highest-ranked schools on the list, including ties.
Generally, the better your grades, the more college options you’ll have. However, some students are under the false impression that you need straight As in order to get into a wonderful college. Students stress and worry that a few Bs will sentence them to an inferior university.
Fortunately, getting Bs won’t prevent you from being able to go to a good school. There are a number of excellent colleges that admit B students. I’ll provide a list of 29 of the best colleges for B students and explain how to find a good college if you’re a B student.
Are You a B Student? You Can Still Go to a Great College
If you’re at the end of your junior year or the beginning of your senior year and you have mostly Bs on your transcript, don’t freak out: you can still gain admission to an excellent college.
Since super-selective colleges will likely be a big reach for you, you might want to set your sights on quality schools that are significantly less selective. For example, Stanford only admits around 5% of its applicants, and its average admitted student has a high school GPA of 3.95/4.00. By contrast, the University of Michigan has an acceptance rate of 28%, and the average admitted student here has a GPA of 3.83/4.00.
As a B student, you might have trouble getting into schools in the top 50 on the US News and Forbes rankings lists; however, you might have a decent chance of getting into a school in the top 100. Considering there are almost 3,000 four-year colleges, the #100 college is still better than over 99% of colleges in the US.
For instance, according to our admissions calculator for Indiana University Bloomington, a student with a 3.2 GPA and a 29 ACT composite score would have about a 50% chance of getting accepted. Indiana University is currently ranked #79 by US News.
If you go to the Olympics, you can get into a good school with lower grades.
List of the Best Colleges for B Students
Below, we introduce our list of great colleges for B students. I categorized all the schools by region: West, Midwest, Northeast, and South. For each school, I listed its location, US News ranking, average GPA, average SAT score, average ACT score, and acceptance rate.
Keep in mind that US News separates its school rankings into four categories: National Universities, National Liberal Arts Colleges, Regional Universities, and Regional Colleges. Most of the schools on our list are National Universities and National Liberal Arts Colleges; no Regional Colleges made the list. For all regions, the listed US News ranking is for National Universities unless otherwise noted.
Lastly, here are the ranges for GPA and other items on our list:
Average GPA: 3.33 to 3.83
Average SAT Score: 1190 to 1340
Average ACT score: 25 to 30
Acceptance Rate: 34% to 81%
Generally, the better your grades, the more college options you’ll have. However, some students are under the false impression that you need straight As in order to get into a wonderful college. Students stress and worry that a few Bs will sentence them to an inferior university.
Fortunately, getting Bs won’t prevent you from being able to go to a good school. There are a number of excellent colleges that admit B students. We’ll provide a list of 29 of the best colleges for B students and explain how to find a good college if you’re a B student.
How Much Do Your Grades Matter for College Applications?
It should go without saying that your grades are a huge factor in determining your college options. In fact, grades are one of the most important factors colleges use when deciding whether to admit you.
According to a 2019 study on the state of college admission conducted by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), 75% of colleges believe that overall GPA and grades in college prep courses are considerably important admission factors. Meanwhile, test scores from the ACT, SAT, etc., are deemed considerably important by only about 46% of colleges surveyed. This indicates that grades are by far one of the most important factors in college admission.
It’s not just the grades that mean something, though; colleges also want to see that you’re challenging yourself with difficult courses. According to the NACAC study, 84% of colleges deem the rigor of a student’s course load at least moderately important. In other words, just getting good grades isn’t enough—you also need to get good grades in tough classes.
Although you can still get into a great college as a B student, if you have any extra time before your college applications are due, we recommend using it to try to improve your grades.
Not All B Students Are Created Equal
Colleges take many factors into account when determining admissions, including grades, classes, standardized test scores, extracurriculars, recommendations, and the personal statement.
All else being equal, a student who got all Bs in regular classes is going to be much less qualified than a student who got all B+’s in mostly honors and AP classes. Generally, this is reflected in your weighted GPA, which weighs harder courses more heavily than regular classes. So in this example, the student with straight Bs would receive a 3.0 GPA, and the student with straight B+’s (assuming they took four honors classes out of six total classes) would get a 3.97 GPA.
That said, you can compensate for lower grades by excelling in other areas. For example, if you had a 3.4 weighted GPA and a 33 ACT score, you’d probably be able to get into much more selective schools than would a student who has the same GPA as you and a 27 ACT score.
Also, you might be able to make up for lower grades if you exhibit exceptional achievement in your extracurriculars. If you’re an Olympic-level athlete or a successful entrepreneur, you might be able to gain admission into the most selective colleges—even with some Bs on your transcript.
Overall, if you’re a B student but want to get into highly selective colleges, focus on ensuring that all other components of your college applications are as strong as possible.
How Did We Create This List of Colleges for B Students?
We compiled this list of great schools for B students by looking at various ranking lists, including US News, Forbes, and Niche. We gave extra weight to the US News rankings because they’re the most referenced and prestigious of the college rankings.
We considered a college accessible to B students if its average GPA for admitted applicants was less than 3.75. If you’ve got a weighted GPA in the range of 3.30-3.80, all the schools below could be reach, target, or even safety schools for you. If your weighted GPA is less than 3.30, you might also want to take a look at the best colleges for students with a low GPA.
By no means does this list contain all the great colleges for B students. Ultimately, we tried to come up with a diverse list that included colleges from all regions and of all types, including large public universities and small liberal arts colleges.
a plus schools for b students
If you’re at the end of your junior year or the beginning of your senior year and you have mostly Bs on your transcript, don’t freak out: you can still gain admission to an excellent college.
Since super selective colleges will likely be a big reach for you, you might want to set your sights on quality schools that are significantly less selective. For example, Stanford only admits around 4% of its applicants, and its average admitted student has a high school GPA of 3.96/4.00. By contrast, the University of Michigan has an acceptance rate of 22%, and the average admitted student here has a GPA of 3.88/4.00.
As a B student, you might have trouble getting into schools in the top 50 on the US News and Forbes rankings lists; however, you might have a decent chance of getting into a school in the top 100. Considering there are over 3,000 four-year colleges in the U.S., the #100 college is still better than over 99% of colleges in the US.
Below, we introduce our list of great colleges for B students. We categorized all the schools by region: West, Midwest, Northeast, and South. For each school, we listed its location, US News ranking, average GPA, average SAT score, average ACT score, and acceptance rate.
Lastly, here are the ranges for GPA and other items on our list:
- Average GPA: 3.33 to 3.90
- Average SAT Score: 1185 to 1340
- Average ACT Score: 25 to 30
- Acceptance Rate: 32% to 83%
West
School | Location | US News Ranking | Average GPA | Average SAT | Average ACT | Acceptance Rate |
Loyola Marymount University | Los Angeles, CA | #66 | 3.81 | 1296 | 29 | 44% |
Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | #49 | 3.66 | 1320 | 29 | 32% |
San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | #143 | 3.77 | 1215 | 26 | 34% |
University of Colorado, Boulder | Boulder, CO | #103 | 3.66 | 1253 | 28 | 78% |
University of Oregon | Eugene, OR | #103 | 3.59 | 1185 | 25 | 82% |
University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | #133 | 3.52 | 1210 | 26 | 66% |
University of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT | #97 | 3.66 | 1262 | 26 | 62% |
Pepperdine is pretty. (CampusGrotto/Flickr)
Midwest
School | Location | US News Ranking | Average GPA | Average SAT | Average ACT | Acceptance Rate |
Beloit College | Beloit, WI | #80 National Liberal Arts Colleges | 3.31 | 1240 | 25 | 62% |
Creighton University | Omaha, NE | #112 | 3.74 | 1254 | 27 | 74% |
College of Wooster | Wooster, OH | #69 National Liberal Arts Colleges | 3.68 | 1268 | 27 | 55% |
Indiana University Bloomington | Bloomington, IN | #76 | 3.73 | 1255 | 28 | 78% |
Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | #80 | 3.75 | 1210 | 26 | 71% |
Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN | #53 | 3.69 | 1315 | 29 | 60% |
University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | #88 | 3.76 | 1235 | 26 | 83% |
Wabash College | Crawfordsville, IN | #54 National Liberal Arts Colleges | 3.72 | 1220 | 26 | 64% |
College of Wooster Kauke Hall (Maitri/Flickr)
Northeast
School | Location | US News Ranking | Average GPA | Average SAT | Average ACT | Acceptance Rate |
Clark University | Worcester, MA | #103 | 3.67 | 1293 | 30 | 53% |
Fordham University | New York, NY | #66 | 3.64 | 1340 | 30 | 46% |
Providence College | Providence, RI | #1 Regional Universities North | 3.48 | 1280 | 29 | 47% |
Rutgers University | Piscataway, NJ | #63 | 3.73 | 1300 | 28 | 61% |
St. Lawrence University | Canton, NY | #54 National Liberal Arts Colleges | 3.6 | 1278 | 28 | 42% |
Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | #58 | 3.67 | 1275 | 28 | 44% |
University of Delaware | Newark, DE | #97 | 3.77 | 1260 | 28 | 68% |
University of Massachusetts | Amherst, MA | #66 | 3.9 | 1290 | 29 | 64% |
Purnell Hall at the University of Delaware (Mathieu Plourde/Flickr)
South
School | Location | US News Ranking | Average GPA | Average SAT | Average ACT | Acceptance Rate |
Auburn University | Auburn, AL | #97 | 3.86 | 1235 | 28 | 81% |
Baylor University | Waco, TX | #76 | 3.72 | 1293 | 29 | 45% |
Furman University | Greenville, SC | #52 National Liberal Arts Colleges | 3.75 | 1309 | 29 | 57% |
Rollins College | Winter Park, FL | #1 Regional Universities South | 3.3 | 1252 | 27 | 58% |
Sewanee: University of the South | Sewanee, TN | #47 National Liberal Arts Colleges | 3.7 | 1286 | 28 | 67% |
Texas Christian University | Fort Worth, TX | #80 | 3.64 | 1250 | 28 | 47% |
Samford Hall at Auburn University (Jason Coleman/Flickr)
How Should You Use This List of Colleges for B Students?
If you’re a B student looking for a great college, be sure to research any of the colleges on this list that interest you. Use the school websites, finders, guidebooks, and ranking lists to guide your research. You can also go on college visits to truly get a feel for some of these schools and determine whether they might be a good fit for you.
We also encourage you to consult with teachers, counselors, parents, current students, and alumni to get more information and to further narrow your college search.
How to Find Other Great Colleges for B Students: 2 Resources
There are plenty of excellent schools for B students that didn’t make the list above. Here are a few different ways to identify other colleges that might work for you.
#1: Big Future
On Big Future, you can’t search for colleges by average GPA, but you can search for colleges by SAT/ACT score and selectivity. Because most good colleges for B students have an average SAT score of around 1200 and an average ACT score of around 27, you can look for colleges that match that criteria.
These colleges range from very selective (25-50% of applicants admitted) to less selective (more than 75% of applicants admitted). You can select additional search filters to help find schools that better fit what you want in a college.
#2: PrepScholar Database
Our PrepScholar database contains profiles for every college. A school’s profile lists its acceptance rate, average GPA, and average standardized test scores. We also have an admissions calculator on every school profile so you can roughly determine your odds of admission based on your GPA and SAT/ACT test scores.
Another great feature is located at the bottom of each school’s profile page. There, you’ll see three lists: schools that are harder to get into, schools that are equally hard to get into, and schools that are easier to get into. I suggest looking up the profiles of the schools on our list above to find other schools that are about as selective and to get even more good colleges for B students.
For instance, on our PrepScholar page for Syracuse University, University of California Santa Barbara, and UT Austin are listed as harder to get into, Penn State and Drexel University are listed as equally hard to get into, and Auburn University and Quinnipiac are listed as easier to get into. You can use these lists to identify other schools that might interest you.
These are schools that are listed as “equally hard to get into” on Syracuse’s profile.
How to Improve Your Chances of Admission
Even as a B student, there are a number of ways you can improve your odds of getting into your dream school; this depends on where you are in the college application process.
Here are some examples of things you can do to improve your application:
- Follow an SAT or ACT study plan and give yourself time to take the test a second or even third time if your scores aren’t up to par
- Come up with a compelling essay topic for your personal statement
- Spend the summer before your senior year doing something incredibly interesting, such as traveling abroad or volunteering
Remember that colleges consider a multitude of factors when evaluating your application. By strengthening any of these components, you can increase your odds of being accepted!
What’s Next?
Is it really important for you to attend a top-tier school? Find out if it really matters where you go to college.
Student and Parent Forum
Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com, allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.
Good Universities With High Acceptance Rates
Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, CA #64 3.75 1270 29 52%
Pepperdine University Malibu, CA #50 3.64 1320 29 36%
San Diego State University San Diego, CA #147 3.7 1220 26 36%
University of Colorado, Boulder Boulder, CO #104 3.62 1250 27 78%
University of Oregon Eugene, OR #104 3.55 1190 25 82%
University of the Pacific Stockton, CA #125 3.52 1210 26 65%
University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT #104 3.61 1260 26 66%
Midwest
School Location US News Ranking Average GPA Average SAT Average ACT Acceptance Rate
Beloit College Beloit, WI #82 National Liberal Arts Colleges 3.29 1200 27 54%
Creighton University Omaha, NE #104 3.79 1180 27 72%
College of Wooster Wooster, OH #66 National Liberal Arts Colleges 3.68 1270 27 56%
Indiana University Bloomington Bloomington, IN #79 3.72 1260 28 78%
Michigan State University East Lansing, MI #84 3.75 1210 26 70%
Purdue University West Lafayette, IN #57 3.75 1300 29 60%
University of Iowa Iowa City, IA #84 3.63 1230 26 83%
Wabash College Crawfordsville, IN #53 National Liberal Arts Colleges 3.65 1120 26 65%
Are you looking for a traditional college experience in a fun setting? Learn about the 23 best college towns.
Easiest Colleges To Get Into In The Northeast
Pennsylvania State University–University Park (University Park, PA) #52 1090-1300 56% More selective
Purdue University–West Lafayette (West Lafayette, IN) #56 1080-1330 56% More selective
Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY) #61 1090-1290 52% More selective
American University (Washington, DC) #69 1150-1340 26% More selective
Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Piscataway, NJ) #69 1110-1350 57% More selective
Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA) #69 1100-1320 71% More selective
Baylor University (Waco, TX) #75 26-30 40% More selective
University of Massachusetts–Amherst (Amherst, MA) #75 1130-1330 60% More selective
Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, TX) #78 25-30 38% More selective
University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) #78 23-28 84% More selective
Clark University (Worcester, MA) #81 1110-1325 55% More selective
Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL) #81 25-29 58% More selective
Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI) #81 24-29 66% More selective
University of Delaware (Newark, DE) #81 1090-1300 65% More selective
Indiana University–Bloomington (Bloomington, IN) #90 1060-1290 79% More selective
Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI) #90 24-29 74% More selective
University of Colorado–Boulder (Boulder, CO) #90 25-30 77% More selective
University of San Diego (San Diego, CA) #90 26-30 51% More selective
Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA) #94 1080-1300 75% More selective
Saint Louis University (St. Louis, MO) #94 24-30 65% More selective
Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY) #97 1140-1330 55% More selective
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (Syracuse, NY) #97 1070-1260 54% More selective
University at Buffalo–SUNY (Buffalo, NY) #97 1070-1270 59% More selective
University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK) #97 23-29 71% More selective
University of Vermont (Burlington, VT) #97 1100-1300 69% More selective
Auburn University (Auburn, AL) #103 24-30 81% More selective
Loyola University Chicago (Chicago, IL) #103 24-29 73% More selective
University of New Hampshire (Durham, NH) #103 990-1200 76% Selective
University of Oregon (Eugene, OR) #103 980-1220 78% Selective
University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC) #103 25-30 68% More selective
Howard University (Washington, DC) #110 1040-1240 30% Selective
University of San Francisco (San Francisco, CA) #110 1030-1250 71% More selective
University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA) #110 1030-1300 66% More selective
University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT) #110 21-27 76% More selective
Arizona State University–Tempe (Tempe, AZ) #115 22-28 83% More selective
Iowa State University (Ames, IA) #115 22-28 87% More selective
Temple University (Philadelphia, PA) #115 1050-1280 52% More selective
University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS) #115 23-29 93% More selective
University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN) #115 24-29 83% More selective
DePaul University (Chicago, IL) #120 22-28 70% More selective
Duquesne University (Pittsburgh, PA) #120 1055-1230 74% More selective
University of Missouri (Columbia, MO) #120 23-29 75% More selective
Clarkson University (Potsdam, NY) #124 1080-1283 68% More selective
Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO) #124 22-28 78% More selective
Michigan Technological University (Houghton, MI) #124 25-30 76% More selective
Seton Hall University (South Orange, NJ) #124 1070-1250 67% More selective
University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ) #124 21-27 79% Selective
University of Dayton (Dayton, OH) #124 24-29 60% Selective
University of Nebraska–Lincoln (Lincoln, NE) #124 22-28 75% More selective
Hofstra University (Hempstead, NY) #132 1070-1260 62% More selective
Louisiana State University–Baton Rouge (Baton Rouge, LA) #133 23-28 76% More selective
Mercer University (Macon, GA) #133 25-29 69% More selective
The New School (New York, NY) #133 1030-1280 60% Selective
University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, AR) #133 23-29 63% More selective
University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH) #133 23-28 76% More selective
University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY) #133 22-28 91% More selective
George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) #140 1060-1250 81% Selective
New Jersey Institute of Technology (Newark, NJ) #140 1110-1310 59% More selective
San Diego State University (San Diego, CA) #140 1000-1220 35% More selective
University of South Florida (Tampa, FL) #140 1070-1250 47% More selective
Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS) #145 22-28 94% Selective
Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR) #145 990-1240 77% Selective
University of Illinois–Chicago (Chicago, IL) #145 21-27 74% More selective
University of Mississippi (University, MS) #145 22-29 78% More selective
Adelphi University (Garden City, NY) #151 1010-1210 70% Selective
Florida Institute of Technology (Melbourne, FL) #151 1060-1260 61% More selective
Ohio University (Athens, OH) #151 21-26 75% Selective
Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK) #156 21-27 75% More selective
University of Massachusetts–Lowell (Lowell, MA) #156 1070-1260 60% More selective
University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI) #156 990-1190 71% Selective
University of Alabama–Birmingham (Birmingham, AL) #159 21-28 89% More selective
University of Maryland–Baltimore County (Baltimore, MD) #159 1120-1320 57% More selective
Maryville University of St. Louis (St Louis, MO) #165 22-27 93% Selective
University of Louisville (Louisville, KY) #165 22-29 73% Selective
Mississippi State University (Mississippi State, MS) #171 21-28 71% More selective
University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL) #171 1080-1270 50% More selective
Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA) #171 980-1200 75% Selective
Kent State University (Kent, OH) #176 21-25 85% Selective
Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX) #176 1020-1200 63% More selective
Union University (Jackson, TN) #176 23-30 63% More selective
Edgewood College (Madison, WI) #181 21-25 78% Selective
Lipscomb University (Nashville, TN) #181 22-28 61% More selective
University of Wyoming (Laramie, WY) #181 21-27 95% Selective
Ball State University (Muncie, IN) #187 990-1170 62% Selective
West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV) #187 21-26 76% Selective
Andrews University (Berrien Springs, MI) #192 21-29 40% More selective
University of Houston (Houston, TX) #192 1040-1250 59% More selective
University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, ND) #192 21-26 84% Selective
North Dakota State University (Fargo, ND) #198 21-26 93% Selective
Nova Southeastern University (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) #198 1000-1220 53% More selective
University of North Carolina–Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) #198 22-26 62% Selective
University of Nevada–Reno (Reno, NV) #202 21-26 83% Selective
Montana State University (Bozeman, MT) #207 21-28 83% Selective
Florida International University (Miami, FL) #216 1030-1210 49% More selective
Louisiana Tech University (Ruston, LA) #216 21-27 63% More selective
Ashland University (Ashland, OH) #223 20-25 72% Selective
Wayne State University (Detroit, MI) #223 20-27 68% More selective
- Adelphi University
Why it’s a great school:
Adelphi University provides students with a personalized education that fully prepares them for successful, fulfilling careers. Adelphi students graduate with the knowledge and ability to compete and excel in their chosen fields and address the needs of their communities. Internships, many of them paid, are central to an Adelphi education and help students refine their career objectives, make connections, and gain work experience.
How you can get in:
Adelphi believes in a holistic evaluation of your application and supporting documents. That means the admissions team considers your experiences, your determination, and your potential contributions to your community in addition to your academic scores. Exemptions and additional requirements are determined on a case-by-case basis by the Office of University Admissions.
- Alvernia University
Why it’s a great school:
Alvernia offers a unique blend of rigorous liberal arts core education for the development of the mind, strong technical training in many high-demand majors, experiential learning through study abroad and internship experiences, and engagement with the community through a Franciscan-based community service model. The university calls this model of transformational education the Alvernia Advantage, a style of education that transforms students into ethical leaders with moral courage.
How you can get in:
Alvernia staff provide personalized attention for each student and family to ensure they are fully engaged, aware, and understanding of the best options for college success. Gaining admission to Alvernia is based on a detailed review of each applicant, with consideration given to their accomplishments, goals, and potential impact within the university community.
- Colorado College
Why it’s a great school:
Colorado College offers intensive learning that expands through and beyond the Rocky Mountain West—an exceptional location where adventure threads into each day. The Block Plan, in which students take a class at a time for 3 ½ weeks, facilitates small discussion-based classes where professors will know your name, encourage you to grow, and respect your stride. Master the art of balance with clubs, internships, work, athletics, community service, and adjuncts.
How you can get in:
Every year, Colorado College enrolls an academically accomplished student body that encompasses a wide variety of interests, talents, and backgrounds. The holistic evaluation process considers your academic work, writing, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, your unique talents and personal qualities, and testing (if you choose to submit test scores).
- CSU Long Beach
Why it’s a great school:
California State University, Long Beach is dedicated to providing a high-quality education founded on the principles of superior teaching, research, and service for the people of California and the world. Motivated by the values of diversity, integrity, and service, CSU Long Beach strives to make its world-class education accessible and inclusive. The university looks to change lives by expanding educational opportunities, fostering creativity, and preparing future leaders.
How you can get in:
Applicants are required to have a minimum “CSULB Index” to be considered. The “CSULB Index” is the result of a formula that combines your achievement in high school college preparatory courses. 3.0 GPA or greater in college preparatory subjects
- DePaul University
Why it’s a great school:
With over 300 undergraduate programs, the breadth of academic excellence at DePaul is vast and varied. The university’s world-class faculty are experts in their field who bring their years of experience to the classroom every day. Although DePaul’s faculty are conducting groundbreaking, award-winning research every day, their biggest priority is the success of their students. Classes are small to maximize engagement between students and professors. Students are challenged to meet their potential and inspired to reach their goals.
How you can get in:
DePaul University has been a test-optional university since 2012. Decide whether or not you would like to have your ACT or SAT test scores submitted as part of your application. The university also has a long history of evaluating test-optional candidates for both admission and academic scholarships. If you would like to discuss further the test-optional application option, please contact your admission counselor.
- Evangel University
Why it’s a great school:
Offering more than 70 academic programs, Evangel University is on the cutting edge of today’s professional fields and vocational ministry training. Its commitment to the integration of faith, learning, and life attracts students from a wide variety of Christian backgrounds. These students have a strong commitment to academics and an even stronger desire to combine their Christian faith with every aspect of their lives.
How you can get in:
Freshman applicants with an ACT score of 20+ or SAT score of 1030+ (ERW) and at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA are eligible for full admission. Test scores do not always paint a true reflection of students’ potential, so it is possible for applicants with lower test scores or GPAs also to be granted admission.
- Florida Institute of Technology
Why it’s a great school:
Founded in 1958—the same year as NASA and in the same county as Kennedy Space Center—Florida Tech has always been a university for students who shoot for the stars. Today, Florida Tech is a comprehensive national research university offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in aeronautics and aviation, business, engineering, computing, science and mathematics, psychology, communication, and the humanities.
How you can get in:
Florida Tech does not specify a minimum required grade point average, class rank, or standardized test score, but these elements are duly evaluated for admission and merit scholarship consideration. Highly qualified students may be offered merit scholarships that cover up to 50% of tuition.
- Kennesaw State University
Why it’s a great school:
At Kennesaw State, students experience a rigorous curriculum that prepares them for a lifetime of learning and meaningful work. Award-winning academic programs produce the highest number of teachers and nurses in Georgia as well as plenty of professional leaders through the state’s second-largest business school and the state’s second-largest engineering college. Popular majors include Nursing, Biology, Psychology, Communication, Management, and Computer Science. Every major at KSU has an experiential learning component, so students are prepared to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
How you can get in:
Prospective first-year students for spring, summer, and fall 2021 can either 1) have a 2.5 academic GPA and meet KSU’s minimum ACT/SAT scores or, 2) in the absence of ACT/SAT scores, have a minimum 2.6 academic GPA. Students must still meet all other admission requirements.
- Lindenwood University
Why it’s a great school:
Founded in 1827, Lindenwood is a dynamic four-year institution dedicated to excellence in higher education. Students can choose from over 100-degree programs, each offering unique opportunities for research and professional development. Lindenwood’s rigorous curriculum and robust student life aim to develop the whole student. The university prides itself on its commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and student success. At Lindenwood, real experience means real success.
How you can get in:
Lindenwood University’s commitment to a holistic review of all applications, along with the enactment of becoming a test-optional institution shows its commitment to opening the door to quality education for individuals who may not otherwise have the chance. This opportunity allows us to collaborate with high-achieving high school students who have showcased success, not only in the classroom but far beyond.
- Loyola Marymount University
Why it’s a great school:
Located in sunny Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount University is a Catholic institution dedicated to student success. LMU promotes both the intellectual and personal growth of each student. The University’s commitment to Catholicism drives a socially conscious mindset and students are taught to become contributing members of the global community.
How you can get in:
Every year, LMU receives applications from thousands of bright, talented, and ambitious high school seniors. While a student’s academic record is the primary factor for consideration, we realize that student ability and potential can be demonstrated in many different ways. Some of the additional factors that we look at are:
Writing ability (LMU requires all students to submit the LMU Supplemental Essay. Additionally, if you are applying through the Common Application, you must also submit a Personal Essay.)
Artistic and athletic accomplishments
Work or service-related endeavors
Co-curricular activities and achievements
Recommendations
National SAT/ACT test scores (test optional for fall 2021 through 2022)
Relationship to the University
There is no minimum GPA or test score required for admission to LMU, but admission is selective. The admissions team considers each candidate’s application for indications of academic achievement, preparation, and potential.
- Nichols College:
Why it’s a great school:
Nichols College is a college of choice for business and leadership education due to its distinctive career-focused and leadership-based approaches to learning both, in and out of the classroom, and through impactful research and professional education. Founded in 1815 as Nichols Academy, the college transforms today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders through dynamic, career-focused business and professional education. Nichols serves students who are interested primarily in a comprehensive business education that is supported by a strong liberal arts curriculum, as well as research and experiential learning opportunities.
How you can get in:
At Nichols, students and their families are given individualized attention from admissions counselors, providing students with unique guidance during the decision-making process. Students are also given flexibility in submitting test scores and students with a GPA over 2.6 do not need to submit any test scores.
- Schreiner University
Why it’s a great school:
Schreiner University is a private, Presbyterian university that offers a personalized, integrated, and holistic educational experience among the open lands of the Texas Hill Country. Named after Captain Charles Schreiner, the university strives to epitomize its founder’s grit, tenacity, and courage. Both Captain Schreiner and the Presbytery of Western Texas shared an ambitious vision for education for the people of Texas—one that would inspire them to pursue their passions with a dedicated heart and well-equipped mind.
How you can get in:
Due to COVID-19, Schreiner University has temporarily suspended using the SAT and ACT test scores for admission decisions for Fall 2020, Spring 2021, and Fall 2021.
High School GPA of 3.25 or higher.
Qualitative evaluation of application and admissions packet to assess student’s involvement in high school and community
- The Catholic University of America
Why it’s a great school:
As the one and only national university of the Catholic Church in the United States as well as America’s second-oldest research university, Catholic University combines world-class academics, individualized support, and unsurpassed opportunities for research and internships to help students maximize their talents, skills, and abilities to make a change in the world. With 12 schools, more than 70 undergraduate degree programs, and 32 research centers and facilities, the University still maintains the nurturing feel of an undergraduate college experience.
How you can get in:
SAT and ACT scores are not considered for admission or merit scholarships
25th Percentile High School Unweighted GPA: 3.18
75th Percentile High School Unweighted GPA: 3.80
- University of Minnesota Rochester
Why it’s a great school:
University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) offers distinctive health sciences and biosciences education to prepare students for a broad spectrum of current and emerging careers, ranging from patient care to pure and applied research, to help solve the grand health care challenges of the 21st century.
How you can get in:
The Office of Admissions has prided itself on reviewing applicants holistically. Every aspect of the student is valued, not just GPA and test scores. The admissions team considers their passion for health care and what drives them toward a career in helping others. Ultimately, UMR admits students we believe have a true passion for a career in health care and are academically ready for the rigor of a STEM curriculum.
At the end of the day, it is so important to remember that your worth as a student and a human being will never be determined by your grade point average. It can be devastating to face rejection from your dream school(s). And it’s totally okay to feel disappointed! Honor those feelings as they come, but remember your future of success exists within you, not a university. Whether you’re just starting the college search process, trying to find great scholarships, or need tips on writing the perfect admissions essay, our team of experts is full of advice to help you navigate the process. Be sure to check out more of our great schools to find your perfect fit.
colleges for c average students
YOU MAY ALSO HAVE INTREST IN:
Best Colleges for C Students in the U.S.
Do you have average standardized test scores or high school GPA and want to go to a great college? If you’re a B or even C student hoping for a great education, don’t worry! For you, here we have compiled a list of the ‘Best Colleges for C Students’.Our list will assist you in finding the best college or university options to make your educational dream come true. There all the below-mentioned colleges or schools are offering the best education with their excellent degree programs and courses in all disciplines or majors.
Discover our complete given methodology and choose the best one that fits your need and requirements. Good luck!!
University of Kansas
Located in the heart of the country, the University of Kansas offers rolling admissions. At the University of Kansas, students just like you make history, make memories, and discoveries. They also make KU what it is today. Every KU student, graduate or undergraduate, becomes a part of the Jayhawk family. The UK is the state’s flagship university and one of just 62 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). It consistently earns high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university. They have hundreds of fields of study, so whether you’re an A, B, or even C student you can follow your academic and research interests wherever they lead.
Rank: 1st
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Cost Approximately: $10,182
Contact information: 785-864-4423, F: 785-864-3900, registrar@ku.edu
Apply Now: https://ku.edu/admissions
Colorado State University
Take the next step to your future with Colorado State. With a gorgeous climate and outdoor lifestyle, Colorado State University is a good choice for an active student. Their students all have different goals, but they have one thing in common: They achieve them. The knowledge, experience, and connections you will gain at CSU set the foundation for a bright future. CSU is one of the nation’s top universities in a variety of categories and disciplines – from teaching and learning to research and student achievement in studios, laboratories, and classrooms. Colorado State offers early action admission, with the deadline of December 1. The early acceptance rate for admission is 96%, and regular admission – deadline February 1 – is 80%.
Rank: 2nd
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Cost Approximately: $43,437
Contact information: (970) 491-6444, admissions@colostate.edu
Apply Now: https://admissions.colostate.edu
University of Hawaii
The University of Hawaii (UH) Manoa is a world-class university situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, where East meets West. Their students are learning, doing research, developing critical thinking, and being imbued with a global sense of citizenship. Located in a tropical paradise, the University of Hawaii has a March 1 application deadline. Parent’s weekend will be a vacation at the University of Hawaii. Students must complete a minimum of 124 credits and have a minimum of a C (not C-) average (minimum GPA of 2.0) to earn a baccalaureate degree.
Rank: 3rd
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Cost Approximately: NA
Contact information: mcatalog@hawaii.edu
Apply Now: http://www.catalog.hawaii.edu/11-12/undergrad-ed/creditsgrades.htm
Ohio University
Ohio University is a high-activity research university. OHIO faculty are internationally recognized for significant contributions to the development of knowledge, professional service, teaching, and mentoring. OHIO offers more than 250 undergraduate programs, graduate study in many departments, a medical school, and online programs. OHIO has 11 colleges and 15 schools as well as multiple campuses, centers, and institutes that extend the University’s reach well beyond Athens. The student’s GPA after completing the two classes would be 2.5. Ohio offers rolling admissions. Rank: 4th
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Cost Approximately: Residents-$25,158, Non-Residents-$34,622, and International – $40,630
Contact information: 740.593.1000
Apply Now: https://www.ohio.edu/apply
Louisiana State University
With rolling admissions and a 76% acceptance rate, Louisiana State University (LSU) Baton Rouge is a good place if you’re looking for a southern school. With more than 235 academic fields of study, LSU has a degree program for you! LSU offers many pathways to medical, dental, veterinary medicine, and nursing school–just to name a few! There are minimum admission requirements: you must have a 3.0 un-weighted academic GPA based on 19 core units. Take a side trip to New Orleans when you visit your LSU student.
Rank: 5th
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Cost Approximately: Resident-$20,126 and Non-Resident- $36,803
Contact information: 225-578-1175, admissions@lsu.edu
Apply Now: https://www.lsu.edu/admission/index.php
University of Illinois – Chicago
The University of Illinois at Chicago is Chicago’s largest university and one of the nation’s top 200 research universities. This is an urban school for those looking for a city experience. With 15 colleges and dozens of programs of study, you can explore your potential in life sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, arts, business, technology, and more. Outside the classroom, there are plenty of activities to indulge your interests and to help you connect with classmates. The university offers 83 bachelor’s degrees, 93 master’s degrees, and 64 doctoral degrees. The admissions deadline is January 15.
Rank: 6th
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Cost Approximately: In-state: $27,474 Out-of-state: $40,330
Contact information: 312-996-7000
Apply Now: https://www.uic.edu/admissions-aid
Biola University
Biola University is a nationally ranked Christian university in the heart of Southern California. Founded in 1908, Biola offers biblically-centered education, intentional spiritual development, and vocational preparation within a unique learning community where all faculty, staff, and students are professing Christians. It’s known for its academic quality and innovation. With nine schools and more than 150 academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, you can pursue your degree right now by applying today. They have programs for undergrads, grads, and adult learners. Explore there more than 150 programs from the undergraduate to doctoral levels that will challenge your thinking, deepen your faith and prepare you for a life of impact. Early action applications are due by November 15. La Mirada is located in Orange County, near beaches, mountains, and more. Rolling admissions
Rank: 7th
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Cost Approximately: $52,902
Contact information: 562-903-6000
Apply Now: https://www.biola.edu/admissions
New School – New York
Located in New York City, New School is a private university, with a strong arts program. Discover a new kind of university in New York City, one where scholars, artists, and designers come together to challenge convention and create positive change. It is the only university where a world-renowned design school, a progressive liberal arts college, a distinguished performing arts college, and legendary graduate programs and colleges come together to seek out new ways to create a more just, more beautiful, and better-designed world. Applications are due by January 15. Living in New York while getting an education sounds exciting and enriching.
Rank: 8th
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Cost Approximately: $24,300
Contact information: 212.229.5150 or 800.292.3040, admission@newschool.edu
Apply Now: https://www.newschool.edu/admission/
University at Albany – SUNY
Located in New York’s capital city, the University at Albany is the premier public research University in the Capital Region and offers more than 17,000 students the expansive opportunities of a large university in an environment designed to foster individual success. You’ll choose from over 150 undergraduate programs and more than 125 graduate programs that prepare you to succeed in a wide range of fields. The University uses a letter-based grading system and utilizes pluses and minuses (+/-) to allow for variations of the assigned grades. Acceptable grades are A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, E (“E” being the designation for failure). Part of the State University of New York system (SUNY), the University at Albany has a March 1 application deadline.
Rank: 9th
Acceptance Rate: 55%
Cost Approximately: $9,816 – $15,048
Contact information: (518) 442-3300
Apply Now: https://www.albany.edu/admissions
Howard University – Washington
Established in 1867, Howard University is a federally chartered, private, doctoral research extensive university located in Washington, DC. With an enrollment of approximately 11,000 students in its undergraduate, graduate, professional, and joint degree programs, which span more than 120 areas of study within 13 schools and colleges, the University is dedicated to educating students from diverse backgrounds. It has an enduring commitment to the education and advancement of underrepresented populations in America and the global community. A historically African-American school, Howard University has an application deadline of February 15.
Rank: 10th
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Cost Approximately: $12,483 – $15,654.50 per semester
Contact information: Toll Free: 1-800-822-6363, F: 202-806-4465, admission@howard.educ
Apply Now: https://www2.howard.edu/admission