Required GPA for Studying in the USA?

I'm starting to look at colleges in the US and I'm curious about GPA requirements. What's the typical GPA needed for competitive schools, and would it be different for state colleges?

The GPA (Grade Point Average) requirement for colleges in the USA varies widely based on the selectivity of the institution. At the most competitive institutions, many admitted students have GPAs in the A range, or approximately a 3.7 to 4.0. However, a high GPA alone isn't enough because admissions officers look at the rigor of your coursework as well.

There are also plenty of colleges that accept students with "B" averages (a GPA of around 3.0), especially if they show strength in other parts of their application such as standardized test scores, essays, and extracurricular involvement. State colleges, including the California State University system and many others, generally have a minimum GPA requirement of around 2.5 for in-state applicants and 3.0 for out-of-state applicants.

Keep in mind that a lower GPA could still be competitive at a given college, depending on the circumstances. Likewise, a high GPA doesn't guarantee admission, especially at selective colleges.

It's always best to research the particular requirements of each college you're interested in. Most college websites publish the average high school GPA of their incoming student class, which could be used as a baseline for your target GPA.