Iowa Colleges for a 3.6 GPA

With a 3.6 GPA, you are competitive at 31 four-year colleges in Iowa (16 target, 2 reach, 13 safety). A 3.6 is typically a A- (~89%) on a common grading scale.

Colleges in Iowa for a 3.6 GPA

Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)

Target schools have average GPAs near 3.6 - your grades fit squarely in the admitted pool.

College Avg GPA Acceptance Rate Your Chance

Ames, IA

 3.7 89% Medium

Des Moines, IA

 3.7 64% Medium

Mount Vernon, IA

 3.53 80% Medium

Orange City, IA

 3.57 80% Medium

Cedar Falls, IA

 3.61 93% Medium

Cedar Rapids, IA

 3.74 64% Medium

Waverly, IA

 3.48 76% Medium

Decorah, IA

 3.65 72% Medium

Pella, IA

 3.52 86% Medium

Sioux City, IA

 3.42 71% Medium

Cedar Rapids, IA

 3.5 83% Medium

Storm Lake, IA

 3.49 78% Medium
View all 16 target colleges

Reach Schools (Lower Admission Chance)

Reach schools typically enroll students with higher average GPAs; admission is possible but more competitive.

College Avg GPA Acceptance Rate Your Chance

Iowa City, IA

 3.81 84% Low

Grinnell, IA

 3.89 15% Low

Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)

Safety schools have average GPAs well below 3.6; you have a very high chance of acceptance.

College Avg GPA Acceptance Rate Your Chance

Dubuque, IA

 3.24 89% High

Davenport, IA

 3.39 77% High

Des Moines, IA

 3.3 99% High

Dubuque, IA

 3.48 100% High

Fayette, IA

 3.34 96% High

Dubuque, IA

 3.36 72% High

Oskaloosa, IA

 3.0 52% High

Davenport, IA

 - 100% High

Sioux City, IA

 3.21 100% High

Lamoni, IA

 3.22 81% High

Des Moines, IA

 3.12 100% High

Waterloo, IA

 - 100% High
View all 13 safety colleges

View the full list of colleges that accept a 3.6 GPA in Iowa

See all colleges nationally for a 3.6 GPA

Published: August 19, 2026