The definition of a good GPA can vary depending on the school, discipline, or employer. Learn what a good GPA is in college and high school.
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Margaret Attridge is a news reporter for BestColleges focusing on higher education news stories in California. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in May 2022 with a BA in journalism and government and politics....
Updated on September 3, 2024
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Danika Miller is a senior writer at BestColleges and Accredited Schools Online. Her writing has also appeared in Grad School Hub, Best Value Schools, Affordable Colleges Online, and Her Campus. Her financial expertise has been featured in The Simple ...
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Reviewer & Writer
Norma Feriz-Gordon is a bilingual state-certified professional school counselor and aspiring district leader. Norma is a proud member of the College and Career Planning Team in the Office of Student Pathways within New York City Public Schools' centr...
Learn more about our editorial process
By
Reporter
Margaret Attridge is a news reporter for BestColleges focusing on higher education news stories in California. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in May 2022 with a BA in journalism and government and politics....
Edited by
Writer & Editor
Danika Miller is a senior writer at BestColleges and Accredited Schools Online. Her writing has also appeared in Grad School Hub, Best Value Schools, Affordable Colleges Online, and Her Campus. Her financial expertise has been featured in The Simple ...
•
Reviewed by
Reviewer & Writer
Norma Feriz-Gordon is a bilingual state-certified professional school counselor and aspiring district leader. Norma is a proud member of the College and Career Planning Team in the Office of Student Pathways within New York City Public Schools' centr...
Updated on September 3, 2024
Learn more about our editorial process
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Most high schools, colleges, graduate schools, internships, and scholarship programs measure student academic performance through grade-point average (GPA). GPA is calculated by translating letter grades onto a numerical scale that typically ranges from 0.0-4.0.
Although a "good" GPA is important for your academic journey, what qualifies as a strong GPA varies based on institution, field of study, and employer. Additionally, what is considered a good GPA in high school may differ from that in college.
We'll explore how your GPA can impact college admissions, scholarship eligibility, and postgraduation job prospects.
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What Is a Good GPA in High School?
The average GPA of high school graduates is 3.11 as of 2019, an increase from 3.00 in 2009, both of which still translate to a B average. A 3.0 GPA is commonly regarded as a solid GPA and aligns with the requirements of many schools, scholarships, and educational programs.
While most institutions follow a 4.0 GPA scale, some states and schools use a weighted GPA scale out of 5.0, awarding higher GPAs for more challenging courses, such as Advanced Placement (AP) or honors classes.
When researching potential colleges, take note of the average high school GPA of admitted students. You should aim to align your GPA with this average when applying.
Additionally, check if certain programs have different GPA requirements. Some majors may call for higher GPAs in specific high school courses or for program admission.
What Is a Good GPA in College?
Having a good GPA in high school does not always guarantee a high GPA in college. GPA expectations can also vary by major and department within the same institution.
Several factors can impact your college GPA, such as the classes you take, the grades you earn, and whether you withdraw from any courses.
Dropping a class early before your school's required deadline typically does not affect your GPA. However, withdrawing from a class after the deadline might impact your GPA, depending on your college's policies.
In general, a 3.0 GPA or higher is widely accepted by college advisors, internship programs, and potential employers. Anything above a 3.5 is often considered outstanding and may lead to honors designations at graduation and special distinctions/designations on your actual diploma.
Typically, students with GPAs ranging from 3.5-3.7 will graduate cum laude (Latin for with distinction,
with praise,
or with honor
). Those with 3.7-3.9 GPAs graduate magna cum laude (with great praise
), and those with a GPA of 3.9 or higher will be awarded summa cum laude (with highest praise
).
If you plan to attend graduate school, make sure to review the GPA requirements for admission. While many programs accept a GPA of 3.0 or above, more prestigious programs may require a GPA of 3.5 or higher for admission.
Why Is GPA Important?
GPA plays a crucial role in your college experience.
A low GPA can affect your enrollment in a program or major and jeopardize scholarship funding. You may be required to retake courses, take remedial or developmental courses, or take part in required tutoring services. A low GPA also could potentially lead to academic probation or dismissal.
In contrast, a high GPA can open doors to opportunities such as scholarships, awards, and graduation honors.
While GPA is influential, it represents just one part of your academic record.
While it is important to strive for a strong GPA, colleges and admissions committees also consider extracurricular activities, leadership positions, work experience, personal essays, and recommendation letters during the admissions process.
5 Tips for Raising Your GPA in College
Earning or maintaining a good GPA in college isn't easy. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind throughout your college career.
1. Attend Office Hours
Don't be afraid to ask your instructor for help understanding tricky course materials and completing assignments. Office hours meetings can help you build a rapport with your professor and emphasize your willingness to put in the work to earn a better grade.
2. Find a Tutor
You can usually find a tutor for free through your college's student success center. Academic tutors can assist you with writing effective essays, diving deeper on challenging concepts, and studying for tests.
3. Improve the Way You Study
One method of improving your study habits is to attend campus workshops throughout the year. If you haven't already, learn how to use popular study tools — such as flashcards, practice tests, and productivity apps — to help you stay focused when you prepare for classes and exams.
4. Change a Class to Pass/Fail
If you're struggling with a course, changing from a letter grade to pass/fail lets you receive credit without damaging your GPA. Consider dropping a difficult course entirely if it's impairing your performance in other classes. Consult with your advisor to understand your institution's policies on withdrawing from a course, including financial implications, to ensure it won't impact your GPA.
5. Switch Majors
If required major courses feel too challenging, that field of study may simply not be a good fit for you. Talk with your academic advisor before deciding whether changing majors is the right move to make.
Frequently Asked Questions About GPAs
Is 2.5 a good GPA?
A 2.5 GPA is below the average high school graduate GPA of 3.0, potentially impacting college and scholarship opportunities. However, GPA is just one part of your academic record. Colleges consider extracurricular activities, leadership positions, work experience, personal essays, and recommendation letters during the admissions process.
Can I get into Harvard University with a 3.5 GPA?
Harvard College — Harvard University's undergraduate college — accepted just 3.59% of applicants for its class of 2028, according to The Harvard Crimson, the university's student newspaper. This makes Harvard a highly selective school. So while getting into Harvard with a 3.5 GPA is possible, it's not very likely.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, 74% of first-year Harvard students had a 4.0 GPA in high school. Over 19% had a GPA between 3.99 and 3.75, and just over 4% had a GPA between 3.74 and 3.5.
The university also considers test scores, extracurriculars, work, and volunteer experience in admissions decisions.
What GPA do you need for the Ivy League?
While no specific GPA will guarantee you entry to an Ivy League institution, most first-year students boast a high school GPA of 3.75 or higher.
For instance, in the 2023-2024 academic year, approximately 94% of first-year students at Harvard had a GPA of at least 3.75 in high school, with similar percentages at Princeton University (93%) and the University of Pennsylvania (89%).
Does GPA matter for grad school?
Graduate schools consider your GPA along with several other factors during admissions. Many competitive graduate programs require applicants to have an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher. However, there are programs that will consider applicants with at least a 2.5 GPA, or forgo a GPA requirement completely.
What is considered a low GPA?
A GPA below 2.0 is typically seen as low and is likely to affect college, job, and scholarship opportunities. However, what is considered "low" can vary across institutions and programs. For example, highly selective universities may deem any GPA below 3.0 as below standard.
