Iowa Colleges for a 3.8 GPA

With a 3.8 GPA, you are competitive at 30 four-year colleges in Iowa (9 target, 0 reach, 21 safety). A 3.8 is typically a A- (~91%) on a common grading scale.

Colleges in Iowa 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
Iowa State University Ames, IA	3.7	89%	Medium
University of Iowa Iowa City, IA	3.81	84%	Medium
Drake University Des Moines, IA	3.7	64%	Medium
Grinnell College Grinnell, IA	3.89	15%	Medium
University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IA	3.61	93%	Medium
Coe College Cedar Rapids, IA	3.74	64%	Medium
Luther College Decorah, IA	3.65	72%	Medium
Simpson College Indianola, IA	3.62	86%	Medium
Dordt University Sioux Center, IA	3.65	68%	Medium

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
No colleges found in this category.

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
Cornell College Mount Vernon, IA	3.53	80%	High
Northwestern College Orange City, IA	3.57	80%	High
University of Dubuque Dubuque, IA	3.24	89%	High
Wartburg College Waverly, IA	3.48	76%	High
Saint Ambrose University Davenport, IA	3.39	77%	High
Grand View University Des Moines, IA	3.3	99%	High
Loras College Dubuque, IA	3.48	100%	High
Upper Iowa University Fayette, IA	3.34	96%	High
Central College Pella, IA	3.52	86%	High
Morningside University Sioux City, IA	3.42	71%	High
Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids, IA	3.5	83%	High
Buena Vista University Storm Lake, IA	3.49	78%	High

View all 21 safety colleges

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

See all colleges nationally for a 3.8 GPA

Published: August 19, 2026