Key takeaways
- The average college GPA is 3.15, but a “good” grade is subjective as long as you’re meeting your school’s academic standards.
- Grades still matter in college because they protect your academic standing, keep scholarships in place, qualify you for honors and campus roles, influence employers, affect graduate school chances, and help you stay on track for your degree.
- While maintaining good grades in college is important, so is prioritizing your personal growth and development.
You know it’s important to keep your high school grades up in order to graduate and get into a good college—but do grades really matter once you’re actually there? The short answer is yes. Your college grades absolutely matter, and they can impact your opportunities during college and long after you earn your degree. So, what is a good college grade, and why does it matter? Let’s break it down and walk through seven reasons why maintaining strong grades in college can make a difference.
What is a “good” college grade?
The answer to this question is subjective. For some students, anything less than an A feels unacceptable, as they’re focused on keeping a 4.0 GPA. For others, a mix of A’s and B’s feels sustainable and still reflects a strong academic performance.
However, with that said, colleges do have a baseline for what’s considered acceptable. The majority of colleges require students to maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA (a C average) to remain in good academic standing. If you fall below this number for an extended period of time, you could risk your chances of remaining at the school.
What is the average GPA in college?
The average GPA for college students falls around 3.15, which averages out to a B letter grade. However, this will vary depending on school, major, grading policies, and overall competitiveness.
Do good grades matter in college?
Absolutely! Your college grades matter just as much as your high school grades. Just because you’re paying for your education does not guarantee that you won’t reap consequences if your grades slip. If you don’t keep your grades up, you could risk losing tuition money or be put on academic probation. Here are just a few reasons why grades matter in college:
1. They keep you in good academic standing
By meeting or exceeding your college’s GPA requirements, you avoid academic dismissal and keep any financial aid you’ve obtained. However, getting good grades isn’t just so you avoid consequences—it’s about maintaining momentum so that you earn your degree.
2. They may be necessary for scholarship requirements
Many scholarships will require applicants to have a particular grade or higher in order to qualify. If your GPA drops, you could miss out on scholarship money. And for scholarships that pay you each semester or year, you may need to maintain a certain GPA to continue receiving the award.
3. You could graduate with honors
Graduating with honors or making the Dean’s List is something to be proud of! Not to mention, it looks impressive on future resumes or grad school applications. It shows you are intelligent, committed, and have the drive to succeed.
4. They can help with campus positions
Many on-campus jobs, like tutoring or research assistant positions, require a specific GPA or course grades. While you may know the material, if you don’t have the GPA to prove it, you may miss out on these opportunities. It’s important to note that other roles like an orientation leader or campus ambassador may also require a GPA check before you are chosen to represent the school.
5. They matter to many employers
While many employers focus on specific skills and attributes when hiring, that doesn’t mean you should leave your GPA off your resume. Plenty of employers take note of your GPA when they are assessing your work ethic and potential. A strong GPA signals that you’re committed to succeeding and are a hard worker. Even if an employer doesn’t ask you directly about your grades in an interview, don’t assume they haven’t taken note of them.
6. It can impact your chances of getting into graduate school
If you’re considering graduate school after you complete your undergraduate studies, your GPA could impact your chances of acceptance. In some cases, if you failed a related class or earned too low a score, the school could request you to redo that course to be considered for acceptance.
7. Certain classes require a minimum grade to count towards your total credit
If you fail a class or don’t meet the grade requirement, it won’t count towards your total number of credits you need in order to graduate. This means you could have to retake the class, potentially stacking up a busy semester or even delaying graduation.
For high school students taking AP classes and hoping to have them transfer as college credit, you’ll need a 4 or 5 on the AP exam to earn credit. For students taking classes through a local community college, you’ll also need a certain grade to have your credits transferred.
How can you earn good college grades?
Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be difficult to earn good grades in college. Many of the lessons you learned in high school regarding grades are the same for college. Here are some quick tips to ensure you are working towards a strong GPA:
- Attend your classes—don’t skip them.
- Create a class schedule that works for your schedule and sleep cycles.
- Talk over decisions with your advisor.
- Meet with your professors outside of class.
- Visit your professor during office hours.
- Join a study group.
- Look into tutoring if you’re struggling with the coursework.
- Complete homework and assignments on time.
- Give yourself plenty of time to complete your homework or assignments.
- Study and complete readings even when you don’t have homework.
- Retake classes you failed or earned lower grades in than required.
- Ask for help when you need it.
You are more than your grades
While keeping good college grades is important, it is equally important to remember that college is so much more than that:
It’s a time to learn life skills
College is a time to learn crucial life skills—managing your money, living on your own, managing your time, working with others, taking up a part-time job, and making lifelong friends. Along with spending time studying, it is just as important to grow emotionally and socially.
It helps you become a well-rounded person
Alongside maintaining strong academics, it’s important to have experiences outside the classroom. Join a club, volunteer, get a part-time job, make friends, or try something new. It’s not just a GPA that lands you a job after school. Employers are looking for candidates who can solve problems, relate to others, and collaborate on a team. If you’re well-rounded, you are going to increase your chances of standing out.
College success takes both
Grades don’t stop mattering just because you’ve graduated high school. If you’re continuing your education, a strong GPA could very well make a difference in your future, but so can the skills and experiences you’ve built along the way. Whether you’re going to graduate school or are entering the workforce, your grades and personal growth can impact your ability to be hired or accepted.
And grades absolutely matter when it comes to your scholarships. Have you been earning a high GPA recently? You may just want to see if there are any new scholarships you might now eligible for. And here’s an easy way to find them: College Raptor’s Scholarship Search tool.
