Numeric GPA Reference — 4.0 Scale
3.4 GPA — one tenth below
the cum laude line.
A 3.4 GPA sits one tenth below the 3.5 threshold that separates average-B+ from cum laude territory. See what letter grade a 3.4 is and how close you are to crossing key academic thresholds.
Adjacent GPA values and grade equivalents
What it means
3.4 GPA on the
US 4.0 Scale
A 3.4 GPA on the 4.0 scale corresponds to B+ grade performance — equivalent to B+ quality points per credit hour. One tenth below the 3.5 threshold — how close 3.4 is to cum laude eligibility, and what it takes to cross the line.
GPA is calculated as: Quality Points (grade pts × credits) divided by total credits. On the 4.0 scale, B+ earns 3.4 quality points per credit. A 3-credit course at B+ adds 10.2 quality points to your total.
Scale context
3.4 GPA in context
| GPA | Letter Grade | Common Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | A / A+ | Maximum; summa cum laude |
| 3.7 | A− | Magna cum laude (many schools) |
| 3.5 | B+/A− | Cum laude; Dean's List; scholarships |
| 3.0 | B | Graduate school floor; scholarship renewal |
| 2.0 | C | Academic standing floor; probation line |
| 3.4 | B+ | This page |
Thresholds vary by institution. Always check your school's official academic policies.
Common questions
3.4 GPA — FAQ
What letter grade is a 3.4 GPA?
A 3.4 GPA falls between B+ (3.3 pts) and A− (3.7 pts) on the 4.0 scale. It indicates predominantly B+ grades, slightly above the B+ boundary.
Is a 3.4 GPA good?
Yes — 3.4 is strong, above the 3.0 graduate school floor and qualifying for many scholarship programs. However, it is one tenth below the 3.5 threshold that many competitive scholarships and cum laude distinctions require.
What percentage is a 3.4 GPA?
Approximately 87–90% on a 100-point scale, in the B+ range. Exact percentage ranges vary by institution.
What does it take to raise a 3.4 GPA to 3.5?
With 60 existing credits at 3.4 (204 QP), you need a 3.5 average on new credits. That means earning at least A− (3.7) and B+ (3.3) grades consistently — roughly 60+ more credits if your new GPA averages exactly 3.6 onward.
Does a 3.4 GPA qualify for Dean's List?
It depends on your institution. Many schools set Dean's List at 3.5 — a 3.4 would fall just short. Some schools use 3.3 or 3.25 as the threshold. Check your institution's specific Dean's List requirements.
Is a 3.4 GPA good enough for competitive graduate programs?
For most graduate programs, a 3.4 GPA is competitive — average GPAs for admitted master's students at mid-tier universities often land in the 3.2–3.5 range. For highly selective PhD programs or elite MBA programs, 3.4 is on the lower competitive edge, where a strong GRE/GMAT, research experience, and recommendation letters carry significant additional weight. An upward GPA trend also matters: a student whose grades improved from 3.1 to 3.7 over four years is viewed more favorably than one whose 3.4 is flat or declining.
Sources
Data and
references
US GPA methodology documented by NCES IPEDS. Institutional GPA data via College Scorecard (ED.gov). Grade-point values per UC Davis Registrar and MIT Registrar.
Related reading: What Is a Good GPA? · GPA and Scholarships · GPA and College Admissions