Harvard Faculty Vote to Cap 'A' Grades at 20%

Harvard University faculty have decided on a new policy to limit the proportion of 'A' grades awarded to students to 20%.

This measure is intended to combat grade inflation, following a recent report that indicated more than 60% of undergraduate grades were 'A's last year, compared to just 25% two decades ago. Under the new policy, the proportion of 'A' grades awarded for a final course grade will be capped at 20%, with this limit not applying to grades of A-minus (-) or lower. The faculty also decided to use the average percentile rank (APR) instead of the grade point average (GPA) for student awards and honors. A proposal to allow for courses graded on a 'satisfactory' or 'unsatisfactory' basis to be excluded from the new policy was defeated.

Amanda Claybaugh, Dean of Undergraduate Education at Harvard, stated that the vote was a significant step towards strengthening the academic culture and ensuring the grading system better serves its central purpose: to provide meaningful feedback to students, recognize genuine excellence, and uphold the university's academic mission. The faculty's decision is seen as a move to restore academic rigor.

The policy will take effect starting in the 2027-28 academic year and will be reviewed three years after its implementation. It applies to all undergraduate letter-graded courses offered across all departments. According to a survey by the Harvard Undergraduate Council, approximately 85% of students opposed the cap on 'A' grades.