A 3.0 GPA is below the typical UC freshman profile and inside the range of many CSU and private campuses. This page lists California colleges that admit at least 50 percent of applicants so California students with a B average can see in-state options that are statistically open.
California colleges where a 3.0 GPA is realistic
Click any school for its profile and a free admission-chance estimate.
| University | Location | Acceptance Rate |
|---|
| Humphreys University-Stockton and Modesto Campuses | Stockton, CA | 100% |
| The Chicago School at San Diego | San Diego, CA | 100% |
| Pacific States University | Los Angeles, CA | 100% |
| California Jazz Conservatory | Berkeley, CA | 100% |
| University of the West | Rosemead, CA | 100% |
| Shasta Bible College and Graduate School | Redding, CA | 100% |
| Reach University | Oakland, CA | 99% |
| Simpson University | Redding, CA | 99% |
| California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt | Arcata, CA | 99% |
| California State University Maritime Academy | Vallejo, CA | 99% |
| California State University-San Bernardino | San Bernardino, CA | 98% |
| California State University-Stanislaus | Turlock, CA | 98% |
| California State University-East Bay | Hayward, CA | 97% |
| Marshall B Ketchum University | Fullerton, CA | 96% |
| California State University-Fresno | Fresno, CA | 96% |
| San Francisco State University | San Francisco, CA | 96% |
| California State University-San Marcos | San Marcos, CA | 96% |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 96% |
| University of Silicon Andhra | Milpitas, CA | 96% |
| Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute | La Jolla, CA | 95% |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 95% |
| California State University-Monterey Bay | Seaside, CA | 95% |
| Sonoma State University | Rohnert Park, CA | 95% |
| Life Pacific University | San Dimas, CA | 94% |
Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get into a UC with a 3.0 GPA?
Most UC campuses report admitted GPAs well above 3.0, so they are reaches. CSU campuses and several California privates are the realistic in-state core for a 3.0.
Does California eligibility guarantee admission?
Eligibility is not admission. CSU and UC eligibility indexes have their own floors and campus impaction. Use each campus admit rate.
Should a 3.0 California student look at community college transfer?
Often yes, especially for UC-bound plans. It is a parallel path, not a consolation prize, and it can be cheaper.
Next steps
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