Iowa Colleges for a 3.4 GPA

Iowa colleges that accept a 3.4 grade point average

What is a 3.4 GPA?

A 3.4 grade point average is a numerical representation of your course letter grades on a 4.0 scale. Your 3.4 GPA indicates you averaged B+ grades in your classes and delivered above average performance. The percent equivalent of a 3.4 grade point average is 87% on the percentage grading scale. This means that you scored an average of 87% on tests and assignments. GPA values for B+ letter grades range from 3.3 to 3.6. Your 3.4 GPA positions you in the middle of the B+ range. Learn more about what the B+ letter grade signifies.

Is a 3.4 GPA good?

A 3.4 is three tenths of a grade point above the average U.S. high school GPA of 3.1. Additionally, it is higher than the average GPA of college-bound high school students. A 3.4 indicates you've earned more A's than B's in your coursework, reflecting a good level of academic achievement. There are many popular four-year colleges looking for solid B+ students like you and a 3.4 will be competitive at most colleges. If you focus a bit more on your school work and can raise your GPA to a 3.5, you will be competitive at more selective colleges that sometimes use a 3.5 as a minimum GPA.

What colleges can I get into with a 3.4 GPA?

Graduating with a high school GPA of 3.4 places you within of the academic range at Iowa colleges like Cornell College, Northwestern College and University of Dubuque. Based on incoming freshman GPA data for iowa schools, our analysis indicates that 17 colleges would consider your 3.4 GPA competitive. The most popular colleges, historically accepting students with GPAs within the range of 3.2 to 3.6 (3.4 +/- 0.2), are listed below. To view your chances of admission at each school, scroll down and explore the full list.

Demographic Statistics

Let's examine how a 3.4 GPA stacks up to the national high school averages across various demographic groups

Gender

  • Male: A 3.4 is 0.4 points (13%) higher than the average male student GPA of 3.0
  • Female: A 3.4 is 0.2 points (5%) higher than the average female student GPA of 3.23

Race/ethnicity

  • White: A 3.4 is 0.2 points (5%) higher than the average white student GPA of 3.23
  • Black: A 3.4 is 0.6 points (20%) higher than the average black student GPA of 2.83
  • Hispanic: A 3.4 is 0.4 points (15%) higher than the average Hispanic student GPA of 2.95
  • Asian/Pacific Islander: A 3.4 is 0 points (0%) higher than the average Asian/Pacific Islander student GPA of 3.39

Statistics source: 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) High School Transcript Study (HSTS)

How can I raise my 3.4 GPA?

Consider the following tips to improve or maintain your 3.4 GPA. These are good study habits to develop in high school which will improve your college admission chances.

  • Identify areas of weakness: Determine which subjects or topics you struggle with and focus on improving those areas. This targeted approach will help you make the most significant impact on your overall GPA.
  • Develop a study schedule: Create a consistent study routine that allocates time for each subject. Establishing regular study habits will help you stay on track and better retain information.
  • Use effective study techniques: Employ proven study techniques like spaced repetition and active recall to enhance your learning and retention.
  • Seek help when needed: Don't hesitate to ask for help from teachers, peers, or tutors if you're struggling with a subject. Most schools offer tutoring services, and your teachers are there to support your learning.
  • Participate in class: Engage in classroom discussions and ask questions. Active participation can deepen your understanding of the material and demonstrate your commitment to learning.
  • Organize your study materials: Keep your notes, assignments, and resources well-organized, making it easier to access and review them when needed.
  • Break down large tasks: Divide complex projects or lengthy assignments into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes it easier to track your progress and reduce feeling overwhelmed.
  • Practice good time management: Use to-do lists or online schedulers to manage your time effectively. Dedicating time for studying, extracurricular activities, and relaxation can help you maintain a healthy balance.
  • Utilize online resources: Take advantage of online resources, such as Khan Academy, YouTube tutorials, or educational websites, to supplement your learning and gain a deeper understanding of challenging topics.
  • Join or form study groups: Collaborate with classmates in study groups to review material, discuss concepts, and prepare for exams. This collaborative learning environment can boost your motivation and understanding of the subject matter.
  • Stay consistent: Consistency is key to improving your GPA. Maintain good study habits, complete assignments on time, and stay focused on your academic goals.
  • Monitor your progress: Track your GPA with a GPA calculator and assess your progress. This will help you stay motivated and adjust your strategies as needed to continue improving.
  • Foster a growth mindset: Believe in your ability to grow and improve. Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and remind yourself that your efforts will yield results.

Aside from good study habits, chart your path towards your target GPA by understanding what it will take to get there. You can refer to a raise your GPA calculator to check the future grades you need to achieve the GPA you aspire to.

How high can I still increase my 3.4 GPA?

The table below will help you see how high or low you can possibly change your GPA if you currently have a 3.4. As you progress in school it becomes more and more difficult to improve your overall grade point average. Select the tab and table column corresponding to the last semester you completed. Then find a row for your predicted future letter grade average. The result would be your GPA at graduation if you can maintain that letter grade.

View Colleges

Change GPA

Explore colleges for other GPAs

-1 +1

17 results

List of 3.4 GPA Colleges

Displaying 17 colleges where your 3.4 GPA is within the typical range of past accepted students. You have a chance at being accepted but admission may be challenging at more selective colleges. Hint: Filter by admission chance for 45 target schools (good chance), 24 reach (harder) schools and 24 safety (easier) schools you can consider.

Cornell College
C
Mount Vernon, IA

Cornell College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

3.53 Average GPA

#6 Best Private Colleges in Iowa

  • 1,073enrollment
  • $25,686net price
  • 79%acceptance rate
  • 1170-1380SAT range
  • 23-30ACT range
Your 3.4 GPA
Admission Chance73%

Northwestern College
N
Orange City, IA

Northwestern College

Private 4 Year

2 reviews

3.57 Average GPA

#9 Best Private Colleges in Iowa

  • 1,651enrollment
  • $25,198net price
  • 87%acceptance rate
  • 940-1240SAT range
  • 20-27ACT range
Your 3.4 GPA
Admission Chance82%

University of Dubuque
D
Dubuque, IA

University of Dubuque

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

3.24 Average GPA

#14 Best Private Colleges in Iowa

  • 1,776enrollment
  • $22,879net price
  • 85%acceptance rate
  • 828-1070SAT range
  • 17-23ACT range
Your 3.4 GPA
Admission Chance89%

Wartburg College
W
Waverly, IA
 

Wartburg College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

3.48 Average GPA

#11 Best Private Colleges in Iowa

  • 1,444enrollment
  • $23,683net price
  • 97%acceptance rate
  • 970-1120SAT range
  • 19-25ACT range
Your 3.4 GPA
Admission Chance96%

Saint Ambrose University
S
Davenport, IA

Saint Ambrose University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

3.39 Average GPA

#4 Best Private Colleges in Iowa

  • 2,747enrollment
  • $23,359net price
  • 74%acceptance rate
  • 1020-1240SAT range
  • 20-27ACT range
Your 3.4 GPA
Admission Chance74%

Grand View University
G
Des Moines, IA
 

Grand View University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

3.3 Average GPA

#15 Best Private Colleges in Iowa

  • 1,827enrollment
  • $20,236net price
  • 98%acceptance rate
  • 920-1080SAT range
  • 17-22ACT range
Your 3.4 GPA
Admission Chance98%

Applications Due Aug 15

Loras College
L
Dubuque, IA

Loras College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

3.48 Average GPA

 

  • 1,319enrollment
  • $21,886net price
  • 90%acceptance rate
  • -SAT range
  • -ACT range
Your 3.4 GPA
Admission Chance88%

Upper Iowa University
U
Fayette, IA
 

Upper Iowa University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

3.34 Average GPA

#13 Best Private Colleges in Iowa

  • 3,072enrollment
  • $24,563net price
  • 54%acceptance rate
  • 890-1050SAT range
  • 18-24ACT range
Your 3.4 GPA
Admission Chance57%

Central College
C
Pella, IA

Central College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

3.52 Average GPA

#8 Best Private Colleges in Iowa

  • 1,169enrollment
  • $23,303net price
  • 79%acceptance rate
  • 1040-1218SAT range
  • 19-26ACT range
Your 3.4 GPA
Admission Chance74%

Morningside College
M
Sioux City, IA
 

Morningside College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

3.42 Average GPA

 

  • 2,249enrollment
  • $23,947net price
  • 71%acceptance rate
  • -SAT range
  • -ACT range
Your 3.4 GPA
Admission Chance70%

Mount Mercy University
M
Cedar Rapids, IA

Mount Mercy University

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

3.5 Average GPA

 

  • 1,526enrollment
  • $24,078net price
  • 75%acceptance rate
  • -SAT range
  • -ACT range
Your 3.4 GPA
Admission Chance70%

Applications Due Aug 15

Buena Vista University
B
Storm Lake, IA

Buena Vista University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

3.49 Average GPA

#12 Best Private Colleges in Iowa

  • 1,973enrollment
  • $19,204net price
  • 77%acceptance rate
  • 930-1130SAT range
  • 20-24ACT range
Your 3.4 GPA
Admission Chance73%

Clarke University
C
Dubuque, IA
 

Clarke University

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

3.36 Average GPA

 

  • 965enrollment
  • $27,275net price
  • 85%acceptance rate
  • 920-1160SAT range
  • 18-23ACT range
Your 3.4 GPA
Admission Chance86%

Briar Cliff University
B
Sioux City, IA
 

Briar Cliff University

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

3.21 Average GPA

 

  • 927enrollment
  • $21,620net price
  • 100%acceptance rate
  • -SAT range
  • -ACT range
Your 3.4 GPA

Graceland University Lamoni
G
Lamoni, IA
 

Graceland University Lamoni

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

3.22 Average GPA

#10 Best Private Colleges in Iowa

  • 1,237enrollment
  • $16,627net price
  • 74%acceptance rate
  • 880-1120SAT range
  • 16-24ACT range
Your 3.4 GPA
Admission Chance81%

Emmaus Bible College
E
Dubuque, IA
 

Emmaus Bible College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

3.58 Average GPA

 

  • 206enrollment
  • $15,521net price
  • 100%acceptance rate
  • 1100-1240SAT range
  • 18-26ACT range
Your 3.4 GPA
Admission Chance99%

Applications Due Aug 1

Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary
F
Ankeny, IA
 

Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

3.42 Average GPA

 

  • 448enrollment
  • $14,845net price
  • 52%acceptance rate
  • 940-1230SAT range
  • 17-23ACT range
Your 3.4 GPA
Admission Chance51%

Applications Due Aug 1