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Many students aspire to earn a good GPA throughout their college careers—and it’s a worthy goal to be sure. An impressive GPA signifies strong academic performance, which may boost your résumé in the eyes of employers. That’s what common knowledge would have us believe, at least. But what is a good GPA exactly, and does it truly matter to employers?
The answers to these questions vary depending on your major and your personal academic and career goals. In this article, we’ll demystify what it means to earn a good GPA in college, including when it matters to have a good GPA (and when it doesn’t). Let’s dive in.
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What Is a GPA, And How Are They Calculated?
GPA stands for grade point average. This number is used to indicate your overall academic success in a given time period—whether that’s a semester, an academic school year or cumulatively throughout your college career.
Most colleges use the 4.0 GPA scale and the A-B-C-D-F grading system. Each letter grade is associated with a grade point, with four being the highest (an A) and zero being the lowest (an F). Your GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of units taken. Typically, an unweighted 4.0 is the highest GPA possible in college.
What Is Considered a Good GPA in College?
When it comes to GPAs, the higher the better. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need a 4.0 to have a good GPA.
A “good” GPA is ultimately subjective, depending on your personal academic and career goals. In many instances, students can graduate from college as long as they earn a 2.0 GPA or higher. So, if your goal is simply to walk the stage, anything above a 2.0 can be considered a good GPA.
A 2023 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that of employers who screen candidates based on GPA, a 3.0 is the median cutoff.
And if you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree, you’ll want to keep your undergraduate GPA at or above a 3.0. Many graduate programs only accept candidates with undergraduate GPAs of at least 3.0; some even require a 3.5.
Most students do aim to achieve higher GPAs during their time in college. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the median GPA for college students is 3.28.
Median GPA by Field of Study
| Undergraduate Field of Study | Median GPA |
|---|---|
Computer and information sciences | 3.23 |
Engineering and engineering technology | 3.24 |
Biological and physical science, science tech | 3.32 |
Mathematics | 3.43 |
Agriculture and natural resources | 3.20 |
General studies and other | 3.11 |
Social sciences | 3.34 |
Psychology | 3.20 |
Humanities | 3.40 |
History | 3.32 |
Personal and consumer services | 3.28 |
Manufacturing, construction, repair and transportation | 3.40 |
Military technology and protective services | 3.10 |
Healthcare fields | 3.35 |
Business | 3.23 |
Education | 3.31 |
Architecture | 3.29 |
Communications | 3.20 |
Public administration and human services | 3.17 |
Design and applied arts | 3.31 |
Law and legal studies | 3.10 |
Theology and religious vocations | 3.40 |
Total | 3.28 |
Source: NACE
Do Employers Care About College GPA?
Traditionally, employers have considered GPAs when assessing candidates’ applications. In some cases, they still do—but this is mostly applicable to entry-level jobs.
The GPA’s influence on job candidacy has waned over time. In 2019, NACE found that nearly 75% of surveyed employers planned to screen candidates on the basis of their GPA. By comparison, only 37% of employers surveyed in 2023 said the same.
What GPA Do You Need for Graduate School?
Most graduate schools have a minimum GPA requirement for applicants. This number varies depending on the institution, but a 3.0 is the most common threshold. If you are applying to a top-ranked graduate program, it’s possible you’ll need a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Don’t panic if you don’t meet the minimum GPA requirements for graduate school. You may be able to make up for it in other ways, such as by taking on additional research opportunities and scoring well on standardized tests. However, it’s recommended to maintain your grades at a 3.0 or higher to raise your chances of admission.
The Bottom Line: Does Your College GPA Matter?
Ultimately, your college GPA matters if you plan to apply to grad school—or if your financial aid depends on it. Merit-based scholarships and financial assistance often require students to maintain a minimum GPA requirement. Check with your individual institution if you’re planning to receive financial aid throughout your studies.
Most employers don’t consider GPAs during their screening process and look for other attributes instead, such as your ability to work in a team and your problem-solving skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About a Good College GPA
Is 3.0 a good GPA in college?
A 3.0 GPA is just below the national median of 3.28. However, a 3.0 will satisfy most graduation requirements and is the minimum required GPA for most master’s programs.
What is a respectable college GPA?
This will ultimately depend on the rigor of your major and course load, as well as your individual institution. The median GPA for college students is 3.28, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
