Southwestern Colleges for a 3.8 GPA

With a 3.8 GPA, you are competitive at 124 four-year colleges in the Southwest (29 target, 1 reach, 94 safety). A 3.8 is typically a A- (~91%) on a common grading scale.

Colleges in the Southwest 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
The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX	3.8	27%	Medium
Baylor University Waco, TX	3.74	51%	Medium
Texas A&M University College Station College Station, TX	3.68	57%	Medium
Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX	3.76	73%	Medium
The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, TX	3.78	65%	Medium
Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TX	3.68	44%	Medium
Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX	3.68	63%	Medium
University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Norman, OK	3.66	77%	Medium
Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ	3.7	90%	Medium
University of Dallas Irving, TX	3.9	53%	Medium
Abilene Christian University Abilene, TX	3.65	66%	Medium
Trinity University San Antonio, TX	3.68	26%	Medium

View all 29 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
Rice University Houston, TX	3.96	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
Arizona State University Tempe, AZ	3.54	90%	High
University of Arizona Tucson, AZ	3.48	86%	High
Texas State University San Marcos, TX	3.38	89%	High
University of Houston Houston, TX	3.46	74%	High
University of North Texas Denton, TX	3.46	72%	High
The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TX	3.43	80%	High
Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX	3.25	90%	High
The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX	3.36	87%	High
Texas Southern University Houston, TX	3.0	97%	High
Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, TX	3.26	94%	High
Tarleton State University Stephenville, TX	3.21	90%	High
Prairie View A & M University Prairie View, TX	3.3	79%	High

View all 94 safety colleges

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

See all colleges nationally for a 3.8 GPA

Published: August 19, 2026