Not a straight-A student? Who cares! There are still lots of colleges and universities who admit high school seniors with B averages!
Below is a list of the best colleges for B-students.
These colleges and universities are even more amazing because they typically:
Consider factors beyond simply grades in their holistic review of applicants,
Provide more advising, tutoring, and career support on campus to help students start their higher education career off on the right academic foot, and
Still create excellent opportunities and outcomes for their graduates!
Best Colleges for B-Students
(Organized by state.)
Alabama
University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL)
Why It’s Great: Known for being the main campus for the University of Alabama, it’s most well-recognized for outstanding school spirit, strong engineering and business programs, and generous scholarships for incoming freshman. It’s also VERY well-known for being the focus of a 2023 documentary called Bama Rush, so you know Greek life is thriving here.
Arizona
University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ)
Why It’s Great: While the University of Arizona often has the reputation of being a “party school” (it kind of is), that doesn’t mean it has no academic chops (IT DOES!). University of Arizona is the definition of work hard, play hard – there’s a great sports culture and strong campus culture paired with a focus on research and community service. Business and engineering lead the way in this liberal arts curriculum.
California
Chapman University (Orange, CA)
Why It’s Great: Chapman offers a beautiful, resort-like campus just south of the LA-metro area. Known for an exceptional film school (Dodge College), Chapman also supports excellence in liberal arts education. Popular majors: business, psychology, communications.
Whittier College (Whittier, CA)
Why It’s Great: Sitting just east of the LA-metro area, Whittier is a hidden gem for the more open-minded student. Offering a quintessential small, liberal arts college experience, Whitter’s strength lies in its philosophy that education should be personalized. Class sizes average just 16 students, and the Whittier Scholars Program, which allows students to truly create and shape their own major, is a hallmark of the campus experience.
Colorado
University of Colorado Denver (Denver, CO)
Why It’s Great: Often overshadowed by the likes of Colorado School of Mines’ STEM reputation and CU Boulder’s recent addition of Coach Prime, University of Colorado Denver is an incredible choice for the student who wants to attend a metro-university with well-regarded business, pre-med, and other healthcare majors.
Florida
Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, FL)
Why It’s Great: If you want your university lectures to come with an incredible view, Ekerd offers a dedicated hands-on learning approach on a waterfront campus. and environmental sciences, with a beautiful waterfront campus. They are most proud of their professor-mentors, small classes, and being listed as one of the 40 College That Change Lives.
University of South Florida (Tampa, FL)
Why It’s Great: A rapidly growing research university with strong STEM and business programs, plus great weather year-round.
Illinois
DePaul University (Chicago, IL)
Why It’s Great: If you want to attend university in the middle of one of American’s coolest cities, DePaul provides strong business, communications, and technology programs with excellent internship opportunities right in the heart of Chicago.
Kansas
University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS)
Why It’s Great: While the Midwest is not always at the top a student’s geographic wishlist (and it’s unlikely that Kansas specifically ranks any higher on that list) KU does have a lot to offer – affordability, strong sports programs and campus culture, and well-know academic programs in nursing, business, and engineering.
Michigan
Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI)
Why It’s Great: Wear the green of the Spartans at this awesome Big Ten university with a strong sports culture, notoriously welcoming and international community, as well as strong programs in business, psychology, and engineering.
Missouri
Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) (Rolla, MO)
Why It’s Great: This is a small campus, in a small town, that packs a BIG punch. Missouri S&T makes almost every notable list ranking ROI, salary earnings, and value. With excellent career placement and student outcomes, this one should be on the top of the list for STEM majors.
New York
University at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo) (Buffalo, NY)
Why It’s Great: Engineering, health science, business, law, social science, humanities – Buffalo ticks every list for strong academic and research opportunities. Plus, Niagara Falls is basically in your backyard when you’re a student here!
Oregon
University of Oregon (Eugene, OR)
Why It’s Great: Where else can you be a Duck? UO is well-known for more than their famous mascot. The school of education, business program, and journalism school are at the top of their academic accolades. With other interesting programs in sustainability, architecture, and design, UO is a great fit for any major. If you are seeking a campus located in the midst of stunning environmental beauty, look no further.
Pennsylvania
Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA)
Why It’s Great: A liberal arts college emphasizing global education, sustainability (they have six LEED-gold certified and one LEED-platinum certified buildings on campus!), and small class sizes in a college town voted “most livable city” by Forbes. Located two hours from Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. and three hours from NYC, Dickinson provides a small college feel and education with the benefits of four major metropolitan areas within short drives of campus.
South Carolina
College of Charleston (Charleston, SC)
Why It’s Great: Located in one of the most historic and beautiful cities in America, CofC is recognized for its strong liberal arts curriculum, emphasizing critical thinking, communication skills, and a well-rounded education.
Tennessee
University of Tennessee (Knoxville, TN)
Why It’s Great: US News ranks University of Tennessee at 109 on the National University list – not too shabby! This is a large, southern, research institution with competitive SEC sports.
Texas
Texas State University (San Marcos, TX)
Why It’s Great: Texas State University is one of the fastest growing enrollments in the state of Texas. Located in the stunning beautiful Hill Country of Texas and sandwiched between two majors metro areas – San Antonio and Austin – Texas State enjoys the natural beauty of the San Marcos River and the ease of access to the creature comforts of a city. Texas State has a great theater program, thriving Greek life, strong schools of business and education among others.
Virginia
George Mason University (Fairfax, VA)
Why It’s Great: A research-focused university near Washington, D.C. and affiliated with the slightly better known and more highly ranked University of Virginia, George Mason should not be overlooked because it offers students the unique opportunity to study politics, policy, economics, and international business at the highest level in the best-fit city for those majors!
Washington
Gonzaga University (Spokane, WA)
Why It’s Great: A Top 100 National University with a Jesuit tradition, outstanding basketball culture, gorgeous campus, and academic programs that rival all others in areas like leadership, business, health sciences, pre-law and engineering.
Washington, D.C.
American University (Washington, D.C.)
Why It’s Great: A fantastic school for students interested in politics, international relations, and social sciences, with access to internships in the nation’s capital. American offers one of the best-known public affairs programs in the country and one of the best internship and co-op programs for undergraduates.
More Great Lists for You
College Express is an amazing resource for any student building their university list. Here are just a few more university lists they have created based on this same topic so you can continue discovering the best colleges for B-students.
Choosing the Right College
Being a B student doesn’t mean your university options are limited. There are amazing opportunities for all students who wish to pursue higher education in the US, but you have to take the time and do the work to find the best fit for you!
Would you like more guidance on choosing a college or crafting a strong application? Blue Admission can help!
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