What is the average GPA?
The average high school GPA in the United States is 3.11 on a 4.0 scale, from the most recent national transcript study (2019 graduates). The average college GPA is 3.15, from federal data on undergraduates in 2020. Both sit just above a B, so a 3.0 is a little under the national average.
In more detail
High school: the NAEP High School Transcript Study read the transcripts of about 47,000 graduates from about 1,400 schools. The average rose from 3.00 for the class of 2009 to 3.11 for the class of 2019. That is the latest national figure from this study.
College: the National Center for Education Statistics reports an average GPA of 3.15 for undergraduates in the 2020 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study. Women average 3.20 and men average 3.09.
Treat these as a starting point. Averages differ by school and by major, and grading policies change over time. A weighted GPA can go above 4.0, so do not compare a weighted number to these averages. To see where you stand, compare yourself to your own school's grade distribution or to the GPA a program or scholarship asks for.
Average GPA in the United States
| Group | Average GPA | Source |
|---|---|---|
| High school graduates, class of 2019 | 3.11 | NAEP High School Transcript Study 2019 |
| High school graduates, class of 2009 | 3.00 | NAEP High School Transcript Study 2019 |
| College undergraduates, 2020 | 3.15 | NCES, National Postsecondary Student Aid Study 2020 |
| Women, college undergraduates, 2020 | 3.20 | NCES, National Postsecondary Student Aid Study 2020 |
| Men, college undergraduates, 2020 | 3.09 | NCES, National Postsecondary Student Aid Study 2020 |
Step by step
- 1
Check whether your transcript shows a weighted or an unweighted GPA.
- 2
Compare an unweighted GPA with 3.11 for high school or 3.15 for college.
- 3
Ask your school for its grade distribution or class rank policy, if it has one.
- 4
Look up the GPA your target college, program or scholarship asks for. Many colleges publish the typical GPA of admitted students.
- 5
If you are below that number, plan the terms you have left. The related answer below shows how to raise your GPA.
How StudyPDF helps
An average GPA is a B, and moving up from there comes from the next round of tests. Upload your lecture slides and notes and StudyPDF builds flashcards, quizzes and practice exams from them, each answer linked to its source page. Your per-concept mastery shows which topics are holding your grade back.
See also
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More questions
Is a 3.0 GPA average?
It is close. A 3.0 is a B average, a little below the national averages of 3.11 for high school graduates and 3.15 for college undergraduates.
What GPA do colleges expect?
It depends on the college. Selective colleges admit students far above the national average, so check the admitted-student GPA on each college's admissions page or in its Common Data Set.