Grade Inflation in College: Trends and Why It Happens

In an ideal world, grades reflect a student's grasp of concepts. In recent years, however, an A grade has become what professors Stuart Rojstaczer and Christopher Healy describe as the new ordinary.^{Note Reference [3]} So, have students just gotten smarter? Experts say this is not the case.

Grade inflation refers to a rise in grades without a matching increase in learning outcomes.

In this report, read about the rise in average college GPA over time, especially across different institution types and majors, and explore the reasons behind schools incentivizing grade inflation.

Average College GPA Over Time

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average college GPA was 3.15 in 2020.^{Note Reference [1]} This was up from 2.81 in 1990.^{Note Reference [2]}

Over the last 30 years, the average college GPA rose by 0.34 points — or a 12% increase. The median college GPA increased by even more — 21.5% in the span of 30 years.^{Note Reference [1], Note Reference [2]}

GPAs increased significantly in 2020 — likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It appeared that academic standards were lessened [during the pandemic] in order to help students who were shifting to a new learning format, having difficulty working from home, Dr. Courtney Haun, assistant professor of healthcare administration at Samford University, told best colleges.

Some students now expect more leniency, and instructors are faced with communicating boundaries more explicitly and consistently.

Average College GPA by School Type, 1990-2020

From 1990-2020, GPAs at all institution types went up. Public, four-year institutions saw the largest jump, increasing by 17% over the decade.

Average College GPA by Major, 1990-2020

All majors, except for foreign languages, experienced an increase in average GPA from 1990-2020. Economics students experienced the highest percentage increase in average GPA, with an 18% rise from 1990-2020.

Why Does Grade Inflation Happen?

Why might schools give into grade inflation? Read how grade inflation might serve schools' interests.

Schools Aim to Increase Retention and Graduation Rates

Some schools might consider adjusting grading standards in order to boost retention rates.

For example, in January 2024, Western Oregon University announced that it would be removing failing grades — including D- and F — in favor of a No Credit (NC) grade that does not affect a student's GPA.^{Note Reference [5]} The school cited that the goal was to improve student retention and graduation rates.^{Note Reference [6]}

Professors Pressured to Receive Good Reviews

Student evaluations can play a role in whether an instructor gets tenure or any other kind of promotion. One study reveals that student evaluations influence faculty behavior, leading to lenient grading and easier course material.^{Note Reference [7]}

As stated in a press release by the American Sociological Association (ASA), student feedback is a deeply flawed system.^{Note Reference [8]} For one, student's attitudes toward a class can be influenced by factors that have nothing to do with teaching, such as class subject, class size, class time, etc. Studies also show that instructor reviews can systematically discriminate against faculty of color and other marginalized groups.

The ASA strongly recommends that student evaluations just be a part of a holistic assessment that also includes instructor self-reflections and reviews of teaching materials.