Illinois Colleges for a 3.8 GPA

With a 3.8 GPA, you are competitive at 57 four-year colleges in Illinois (13 target, 2 reach, 42 safety). A 3.8 is typically a A- (~91%) on a common grading scale.

Colleges in Illinois for a 3.8 GPA

Target Schools (Competitive Chance of Admission)

Target schools have average GPAs near 3.8 - your grades fit squarely in the admitted pool.

College Avg GPA Acceptance Rate Your Chance

Champaign, IL

 3.79 42% Medium

Chicago, IL

 3.71 82% Medium

Chicago, IL

 3.8 76% Medium

Wheaton, IL

 3.75 87% Medium

Peoria, IL

 3.83 77% Medium

Chicago, IL

 3.84 55% Medium

Romeoville, IL

 3.6 71% Medium

Naperville, IL

 3.6 77% Medium

River Forest, IL

 3.74 90% Medium

Bloomington, IL

 3.86 39% Medium

Lake Forest, IL

 3.62 57% Medium

Jacksonville, IL

 3.63 78% Medium
View all 13 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

Chicago, IL

 3.95 4% Low

Evanston, IL

 3.92 8% Low

Safety Schools (Very High Chance of Admission)

Safety schools have average GPAs well below 3.8; you have a very high chance of acceptance.

College Avg GPA Acceptance Rate Your Chance

Chicago, IL

 3.41 77% High

Normal, IL

 3.41 88% High

Dekalb, IL

 3.3 70% High

Carbondale, IL

 3.24 87% High

Chicago, IL

 3.1 75% High

Chicago, IL

 3.41 89% High

Aurora, IL

 3.56 81% High

Edwardsville, IL

 3.54 97% High

Elmhurst, IL

 3.59 74% High

Macomb, IL

 3.45 71% High

Charleston, IL

 3.39 65% High

Springfield, IL

 3.46 86% High
View all 42 safety colleges

View the full list of colleges that accept a 3.8 GPA in Illinois

See all colleges nationally for a 3.8 GPA

Published: August 19, 2026